Trainee Locomotive Engineer

KiwiRail Freight; Whareroa; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Discounted travel on Scenic trains and

Interislander

Discounted Southern Cross health insur

Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare

All PPE and training provided

Job summary

KiwiRail Freight is seeking a Freight Locomotive Engineer (Train Driver) based in Whareroa, NZ. You will be responsible for the safe operation of the locomotive and the on-route delivery of rail freight between terminals.

You will inspect trains, run examinations, and keep all work-orders, bulletins and dangerous goods documentation up to date. This role requires night/weekend availability and strict adherence to safety rules.

Qualifications

• Responsible for safe operation of locomotive and delivery of rail freight between terminals.
• Inspect trains and perform examination tests to ensure equipment and loads meet journey requirements.
• Manage required documentation including work-orders, bulletins and dangerous goods records.

Responsibilities

• Operate locomotive safely and follow procedures.
• Maintain documentation accuracy for journeys and compliance.
• Be prepared for a 24/7 roster including nights and weekends.

Skills

Locomotive operation

Safety compliance

Documentation handling

Communication

Adaptability

Education

NZ Class 1 Driver's Licence

Job description

• Based in: Whareroa
• Pay: $30.42 per hour while training, progressing to $52.51 per hour once qualified

Everyday our Freight Locomotive Engineers (Train Drivers) move New Zealand's goods safely and efficiently throughout the country, removing over 1 million truck movements from our roads. If you want to join a great team driving our Freight Trains, then this is your opportunity.

You will hold the overall responsibility for the safe operation of the locomotive, and the delivery of rail freight between terminals to meet our customer needs. Managing and operating the locomotive safely and efficiently to ensure operating procedures are followed at all times.

You'll inspect trains and perform examination tests to ensure all equipment and loads meet the requirements for the journey.As well as operational responsibilities you will manage all required documentation to ensure possession of correct work-orders, relevant bulletins and dangerous goods documentation are correct and up to date to reflect your journey.

• Full,clean NZClass 1 Driver's Licence
• You'll be customer focused, comfortable with following robust rules and instructions as we operate to achieve a high safety policy and be able to retain detailed information to a high level
• Flexible to work nights, weekends, and public holidays over a 24/7 pre-planned roster
• Can adapt to a changing environment within a safety critical setting
• Able to meet industry medical standards, including drug testing and satisfactory security checks
• Computer skills and confidence with documentation is essential
• Clear and respectful communication, both independently and in a team

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

• At KiwiRail, you gain more than a job you build a career
• 5 weeks annual leave
• An exceptional, end‑to‑end training programme that sets you up for success, with hands‑on learning, continuous development and license recertification\
• Discounted travel on Scenic trains and Interislander
• Discounted Southern Cross health insurance
• Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare benefits
• All PPE and training provided

Recruitment Process

• Application
• Initial screening
• Psychometric testing
• Interview
• Pre-employment Checks
• Offer

Applications close: Friday 28th August (unless filled sooner)