Rail Operator

KiwiRail Freight; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 63,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time & a half Saturdays

Double time Sundays

5 weeks annual leave

Uniform provided

Training & development

Healthcare refunds

Job summary

KiwiRail invites applications for a Rail Operator role in Invercargill. You will perform shunting duties, connect and disconnect wagons, guide wagons during coupling, and position them into customer sidings. The role requires working across freight yards in all weather with a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.

A rotating 24/7 roster is in place; training is provided, with opportunities for advancement as you gain yard experience. Excellent safety culture and team environment are emphasised.

Qualifications

• Safety awareness is essential for working in a safety‑critical environment.
• Teamwork and clear communication are vital on site.
• Strong radio communication helps coordinate with team during shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform shunting operations, connecting and disconnecting wagons.
• Guide train drivers during wagon coupling.
• Position wagons into customer sidings.
• Conduct safety checks to ensure trains are fit for departure.
• Communicate clearly via radio with the team during shifts.
• Work across freight rail yards in all weather.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Radio communication

Physical fitness

Outdoor work

Job description

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Check out what it's like to work as a Rail Operator at KiwiRail - click here it's time to join us!

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

At KiwiRail, your growth matters. We invest in your training from day one and continue to support your development so you can build the confidence and capability to make safe, informed decisions in our safety‑critical environment.

• Hands‑on physical, outdoor role working across our freight rail yards in all weather conditions
• Safety and teamwork are essential
• Perform shunting operation duties - connecting and disconnecting wagons, guiding train drivers during wagon coupling, and positioning wagons into customer sidings
• Essential in conducting important safety checks to ensure every train is in a fit state for departure
• Work closely with a small team and communicate via radio throughout your shift, so being clear, calm, and confident in your communication is a must
• A customer-focused approach and respect for local communities
• Physical fitness for manual work in outdoor conditions and ability to handle a reasonable amount of walking, at times on unstable ground
• Working on a 24/7 rotating roster, so previous experience working shifts is advantageous
• Health & Safety is critical in our organisation, so you will need to have a strong safety focus and genuinely always care about the well‑being of your team and yourself
• Teamwork is second nature to you

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Time and a half Saturdays & double time Sundays
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Uniform + extensive support and ongoing training provided
• KiwiRail will support your development if you are willing to expose yourself to the opportunities and you are keen to learn and grow with us. The more experience in the yard you gain the more opportunities open up to you with pay increases and with job progression opportunities. Your training is universally recognised.
• Access to NZR Welfare trust healthcare refunds for you and your family
• Exclusive discounts on Interislander & Great Journeys scenic trains