Container Terminal Trainee

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

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks annual leave

PPE and uniforms provided

Long-term career opportunities

Job summary

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

You'll work in a fast-moving terminal, receive structured training, and progress with the team through a rotating 24/7 roster. No prior terminal experience required—reliability, safety focus and a readiness to learn are key.

Qualifications

• Reliability and safety focus essential for learning on the job.
• Willingness to train and obtain licences through structured training.
• Comfort with operating and learning new terminal systems.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Basic computer literacy

Confidence learning new systems

Rotating shift readiness

Full NZ Driver Licence

Safe driving record

Class 2 licence / F endorsement (adv.)

Logistics / warehousing experience (ad

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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• 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

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.

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

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

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