Container Terminal Trainee

Kiwi Rail; Auckland; On-site; NZD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks annual leave

Full training and licensing

PPE and uniforms provided

Long-term career opportunities

Job summary

KiwiRail is recruiting 8 Trainees for the Auckland Container Terminal. This hands-on program lets you earn while you learn and gain the skills, licences, and experience to become a qualified Container Terminal Operator.

You'll work in a fast-paced environment, learning how freight moves safely and efficiently through New Zealand's busiest freight network. You will rotate through loading, unloading, container checks, and gatehouse activities, with structured training and progression.

Qualifications

• You don't need direct container terminal experience; reliability and safety focus are valued.
• Desire to learn and progress through training to become a Container Terminal Operator.
• Capable of learning new systems and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with loading, unloading, and moving containers around the terminal.
• Carry out operational checks on containers, wagons, vehicles, and equipment to ensure twist locks and pins are in place, freight is contained, and setups completed.
• Use computer systems and handheld devices to track container movements.
• Work with team members, truck drivers, and customers to keep freight moving safely and on schedule.
• Learn container handling, equipment operation, and gatehouse activities.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Basic computer literacy

Adaptability to shift work

Driver licence NZ (Full)

Class 2 licence / F endorsement

Logistics / warehousing experience

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Container Terminal Trainee

• Based at our Auckland Container Terminal
• $30.42 per hour starting rate, increasing as you progress through training
• Permanent full-time opportunity working a rotating 24/7 shift roster

He kōrero mō mātou | About us

At KiwiRail, we're proud to connect New Zealand by moving people and freight safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Our Auckland Container Terminal plays a critical role in keeping New Zealand's supply chain moving, connecting freight across our rail and road networks.

When you join KiwiRail, you're joining a team that values safety, teamwork, and continuous development. We invest in our people and provide genuine opportunities to build a long-term career.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

We're looking for 8 Trainees to join our Auckland Container Terminal team.

This is a hands-on opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining the skills, licences, and experience needed to become a qualified Container Terminal Operator. Working in a fast-paced operational environment, you'll learn how freight moves safely and efficiently through one of New Zealand's busiest freight networks.

You will:

• Assist with loading, unloading, and moving containers around the terminal
• Carry out operational checks on containers, wagons, vehicles, and equipment to ensure twist locks and pins are in place, freight is contained, and setups completed
• Use computer systems and handheld technology to track container movements
• Work alongside team members, truck drivers, and customers to keep freight moving safely and on schedule
• Gain experience across terminal operations, including container handling, equipment operation, and gatehouse activities
• Learn to operate specialised container handling equipment and machinery through structured training and certification

Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | What you'll bring

You don't need direct container terminal experience. We're looking for people who are reliable, safety-focused, customer-minded, and motivated to learn.

You'll ideally have:

• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Confidence learning new systems and technology
• The ability to work a rotating shift roster, including weekends and public holidays
• A Full New Zealand Driver Licence and safe driving record
• A Class 2 licence and/or F endorsement (advantageous)
• Experience in logistics, warehousing, transport, freight, construction, manufacturing, heavy industry, or machinery operation (advantageous)

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

• Time and a half on Saturdays and double time on Sundays
• Additional penal rates for qualifying night shifts
• Structured pay progression as you complete training milestones
• Full training, licensing, and development support
• 4 weeks annual leave
• PPE and uniforms provided
• Long-term career opportunities across KiwiRail

Important Notice

Successful applicants will be required to complete criminal history, medical, drug and alcohol, and other pre-employment checks.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive workforce.

Applications close: Tuesday 3rd November unless filled sooner