Container Terminal Operator

KiwiRail Freight; Picton; On-site; NZD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Full training and PPE provided

Opportunities to progress in terminal

Safety, wellbeing and career growth

Job summary

KiwiRail Freight is seeking a Trainee Container Terminal Operator at our Blenheim/Picton site. You will start with introductory training on CT operations, health and safety, and certification to operate heavy machinery, progressing toward full operator duties as you gain skills.

No prior experience is required; we provide full training, PPE, and support to gain licensing. You’ll join a safety‑conscious team focused on reliable, efficient freight movement.

Qualifications

• A full, clean NZ Class 1 Driver's Licence (essential).
• An interest in the freight and logistics industry.
• A commitment to working safely.
• Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather.
• Work well in a team following procedures.
• Reliable with a positive attitude.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking a range of introductory training and development in CT Operations and Health and Safety regulations.
• Conducting checks on containers/wagons to ensure twist locks and pins are in place, freight is contained, and setups completed.
• Conducting ground and yard checks, completing forms and paperwork and complying with operating safety rules.
• Undergo training to achieve certification to operate heavy machinery.
• You may receive training for minor container repairs as part of core duties.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

English communication

Basic computer skills

Physically fit

Reliability

Positive attitude

Interest in freight/logistics

Education

NZ Class 1 Driver's Licence

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

• May be rostered on to work from Blenheim site from time-time
• $30.42 per hour starting hourly rate, progressing upon completion of CTO 1 training

At KiwiRail, we’re proud to connect New Zealand - carrying people, goods, and ideas across the country with care and efficiency. Our mission is to do this sustainably, safely, and together. As a state-owned enterprise, we’re invested in the future of Aotearoa, and our people are at the heart of that vision. When you join us, you become part of a team that values community, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

As a Container Terminal Trainee, you’ll start your journey into the dynamic world of container terminal operations. You will undertake a range of introductory training with our trainer on site to gain the knowledge and hands‑on experience needed to support the movement of freight through our terminals using the essential safety procedures. We will train you up to safely operate our 20 tonne and 48 tonne container hoists and enable you to work in the full Container Terminal Operator capacity.

Working first as a Trainee, you will be responsible for:

• Undertaking a range of introductory training and development in the fields of CT Operations as well as Health and Safety regulations
• Conducting checks on containers/wagons to ensure twist locks and pins are in place, freight is contained, and setups completed
• Conducting ground and yard checks, complete forms and paperwork and comply with operating safety rules
• Undergo training to achieve certification to operate heavy machinery
• You may receive training for minor container repairs as part of core duties

Once you’ve completed your initial training and safety certifications, you’ll progress to aTerminal Operator Grade 1 role, with the opportunity to build toward a full qualification as a Container Terminal Operator or Gate Officer.

We want you to collaborate and grow while you work at KiwiRail. We are looking for a Trainee Container Terminal Operator to increase our capacity to deliver seamless services to our various customers.Our ideal candidate is passionate, motivated and keen to learn new skills – you don’t need experience, just the right work-ethic. We are excited to hear from you if you are looking for a career path and an opportunity to grow. Full training and development is provided. If you hold a class 2 or forklift licence already – that is great, if not – that is also fine as we will support you to achieve and gain specific licensing.

• A full, clean Class 1 Driver'sLicence (essential)
• An interest in the freight and logistics industry
• A commitment to working safely
• To be physically fit and can work outdoors in all weather
• Work well in a team following procedures
• Reliable with a positive attitude
• Ability to communicate effectively both in written and oral English language
• Basic computer skills

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• A competitive hourly rate + time and a half Saturdays and double time Sundays
• Full training and PPE uniform provided
• Opportunities to progress in terminal operations
• A team that values your safety, wellbeing, and career growth

Important Notice:

Please Note, all successful candidates must undergo and pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen. Due to the nature of this role, we require successful candidates to hold a NZ residence or citizenship .