Safety Protector

KiwiRail Freight; Kawerau District; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A major rail service provider in Bay of Plenty seeks a Trainee Safety Protector. This role involves ensuring worker safety around the rail network, providing on-the-job training with certifications. Candidates must have strong communication skills, a clean driver’s licence, and the ability to work outdoors. Join us to make a real difference in safety management within the rail industry.

Benefits

Fully paid on-the-job training

Travel privileges on scenic trains

Access to holiday homes across NZ & Australia

Qualifications

• Full, clean Class 1 driver's licence.
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all conditions.
• Able to pass a CAT1 pre-employment medical assessment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with stakeholders to manage site access and safety.
• Conduct safety briefings to ensure understanding of worksite risks.
• Implement and maintain safety signage and controls at worksites.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Job description

Trainee Safety Protector – Kaiwharawhara

Stay on track with safety – help protect our people and our rail network. Check out what it’s like to work in Protection - click here.

• Based in Kaiwharara local depot, with some travel and overnight stays required depending on the project location
• $29.68 trainee hourly rate, progressing to $32.43 level 1 upon completion of training
• 24/7 rotating roster – days, nights, weekends and public holidays as needed

At KiwiRail, we’re passionate about keeping New Zealand connected in a safe and sustainable way. From freight to passenger services, we provide essential links for businesses and communities across the country. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and our people are committed to delivering high-quality service while looking out for each other. Join us and be part of a team that works together to ensure everyone goes home safe, every day.

What is ‘Protection’ at KiwiRail?

In rail, “Protection” means putting measures in place to keep workers safe while they are on or near the tracks. In a busy metro environment like Auckland, this means coordinating carefully planned safety controls so rail projects can happen with minimal disruption to passenger and freight services.

In this safety-focused role as a Trainee Safety Protector, you’ll be provided the necessary training to help manage protection for work happening on or near the rail network. Our safety protectors are trained staff who make sure employees and public dont get hurt by trains and this is a great opportunity to learn while you work. Initial training will be in an observer capacity over the busy summer period, with formal training commencing in February 2026.

Your key responsibilities

• Coordinate with stakeholders - Liaise with customers, subcontractors, and Train Control to manage site access and safety
• Run safety briefings - Conduct pre-start site inductions and safety briefings to ensure everyone understands the worksite risks
• Supporting safety documentation - Assist with preparing land entry permits and safety plans under supervision
• Setup worksite protection - Implement and maintain safety signage and controls at worksites
• Provide onsite rail protection - Monitor and manage rail safety for both KiwiRail teams and external contractors, ensuring work is carried out safely and in line with KiwiRail standards
• A full, clean Class 1 driver’s licence
• Must be physically fit, injury-free, and able to work outdoors in all conditions
• A methodical approach with great attention to detail
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Able to follow rules 100% of the time with great situational awareness
• You must be able to pass a CAT1 pre-employment medical assessment. This includes blood test, hearing, vision, musculoskeletal evaluation, resting ECG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, drug & alcohol habits review, and mental health screening. This is the highest safety critical category, so eligibility is essential.
• Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or citizenship

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

• Fully paid on-the-job training with recognised safety certifications
• Opportunities to grow your career within the rail industry
• A role where you’ll help make a real difference by keeping people safe
• Travel privileges on scenic trains and Interislander
• Access to holiday homes across NZ & Australia, and receive refunds for you and your family’s day-to-day healthcare

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Click 'Apply' online with your CV and cover letter.