Rail Operator

Kiwirail; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time and a half Saturdays & doubleTime

5 weeks annual leave

Uniform + extensive training

NZR Welfare healthcare refunds

Discounts on Interislander & GreatJour

Job summary

KiwiRail is hiring Rail Operators in New Zealand. This hands-on outdoor role covers operating across freight rail yards on a 24/7 rotating roster, with training starting at $30.42 per hour and rising to $33.24 after qualification.

You’ll gain safety-critical skills and join a supportive team with clear career progression. KiwiRail offers extensive training, uniform provision, five weeks of annual leave, and opportunities to grow within the yards.

Qualifications

• Safety-focused role in safety-critical environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team in outdoor rail yards.
• Ability to follow radio instructions and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform shunting duties - connecting and disconnecting wagons.
• Position wagons into customer sidings.
• Conduct essential safety checks for train departure readiness.
• Communicate clearly with train drivers via radio.
• Work closely with a small team and uphold safety standards.
• Maintain customer-focused approach and respect for local communities.

Skills

Safety focus

Teamwork

Radio communication

Physical fitness

Job description

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

Applications close: Tuesday 14th July unless filled sooner