Rail Operator

KiwiRail Freight; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Uniform provided

Training & qualifications

Career progression

Healthcare refunds

Rail travel discounts

Overtime pay

Job summary

KiwiRail Freight in Dunedin is seeking hands-on workers for freight yard roles. You will perform shunting, connect/disconnect wagons, guide drivers, and position wagons into customer sidings while maintaining safety standards in all weather conditions.

No rail experience? Training will be provided, with clear progression and ongoing support to build a long-term career in New Zealand's rail freight network.

Qualifications

• Performing shunting operations, including connecting and disconnecting wagons.
• Guiding train drivers during wagon movements and coupling activities.
• Positioning wagons into customer sidings.
• Conducting safety-critical checks to ensure trains are fit for departure.
• Working closely with a small team and communicating clearly via radio.
• Safety and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.

Responsibilities

• Performing shunting operations, including connecting and disconnecting wagons.
• Guiding train drivers during wagon movements and coupling activities.
• Positioning wagons into customer sidings.
• Conducting safety-critical checks to ensure trains are fit for departure.
• Working closely with a small team and communicating clearly via radio throughout your shift.

Skills

Safety mindset

Manual handling

Teamwork

Radio communication

Job description

• Training rate starting at $30.42 per hour rising to $33.24 once qualified
• Shift work with advance planned rosters to support work-life balance
• Excellent investment in training with genuine career progression opportunities

At KiwiRail, your growth matters. We're looking for people with the right attitude, a strong safety mindset, and a willingness to learn. No rail experience? That's okay. We'll provide the training, support, and development needed to help you build a long-term career with us.In this hands-on, physical role, you'll work across our freight rail yards in all weather conditions and play a vital role in keeping New Zealand's freight moving safely and efficiently.

• Performing shunting operations, including connecting and disconnecting wagons
• Guiding train drivers during wagon movements and coupling activities
• Positioning wagons into customer sidings
• Conducting safety-critical checks to ensure trains are fit for departure
• Working closely with a small team and communicating clearly via radio throughout your shift
• Safety and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.

Applicants with experience in transport, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, construction, farming, forestry, defence, emergency services, or other operational environments are encouraged to apply.

• A customer-focused approach and respect for local communities
• Physical fitness and the ability to undertake manual work outdoors, including walking on uneven ground
• Previous shift work experience is advantageous
• A strong commitment to Health & Safety and looking out for the wellbeing of yourself and your team
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Time and a half on Saturdays and double time on Sundays
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Uniform provided
• Extensive training, ongoing support, and nationally recognised qualifications
• Clear pathways for career progression and increased earnings as you gain experience
• Access to NZR Welfare trust healthcare refunds for you and your family
• Exclusive discounts on Interislander and Great Journeys rail travel

Ready to build a career with KiwiRail?

Opportunities to join our Freight Operations team in Dunedin don't come up often. If you're looking for a stable, hands-on career with excellent training, long-term development opportunities, and the chance to play a key role in keeping New Zealand moving, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close: Friday 30th October unless filled sooner