Trainee Rail Operator: Shunting & Safety Career Path

KiwiRail; Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks annual leave

Uniform provided

Extensive training

Nationally recognised qualifications

Career progression

Job summary

KiwiRail is hiring Rail Operators to work in Christchurch. No rail experience is required as comprehensive training, support, and development are provided to build a long-term career in our freight yards.

You will operate across our yards in all weather, performing shunting, guiding drivers, and safety checks to keep freight moving safely and efficiently. We value teamwork, clear radio communication, and a can-do attitude.

Qualifications

• No rail experience? Training will be provided.
• Role requires physical fitness and working outdoors in all weather.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform shunting operations, including connecting and disconnecting wagons.
• Guide train drivers during wagon movements and coupling activities.
• Position wagons into customer sidings.
• Conduct safety checks to ensure trains are fit for departure.
• Work with a small team and communicate via radio during shifts.
• Put safety and teamwork at the center of all tasks.
• Maintain a customer-focused approach and respect local communities.
• Maintain physical fitness for outdoor, manual work on uneven ground.

Skills

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Radio communication

Manual labor

Job description

KiwiRail is hiring Rail Operators to work in Christchurch. No rail experience is required as comprehensive training, support, and development are provided to build a long-term career in our freight yards.

You will operate across our yards in all weather, performing shunting, guiding drivers, and safety checks to keep freight moving safely and efficiently. We value teamwork, clear radio communication, and a can-do attitude.