Locomotive Drivers - Bowen

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Pacific National is seeking safety focused, qualified locomotive drivers to join its Queensland Coal teams in Sarina, Coppabella, Gracemere and Gladstone to support Goonyella and Blackwater systems. The role offers competitive remuneration under the new Queensland Coal EA and rosters designed to support safe work, including 6/3 and 6/4 residential patterns with Coppabella camp accommodation. You’ll receive industry leading training, development and wellbeing benefits, and a supportive, inclusive culture with clear career progression. Key duties include pre start checks, operating locomotives to procedures, maintaining safety critical communications, monitoring train performance and collaborating to deliver safe, reliable outcomes. Requirements: full Australian working rights, Certificate IV in Train Driving, unrestricted Class C licence, category 1 medical and ongoing compliance, 24/7 roster flexibility, National Police Check. If you have passenger rail qualifications, you can transition to freight. Bowen offers a coastal lifestyle with work-life balance. Apply now by clicking the Apply button.

Join Pacific National - Australia’s largest private rail freight operator. 

We’re now looking for safety focused, qualified locomotive drivers to join our Queensland Coal teams in Sarina, Coppabella, Gracemere and Gladstone to support our Goonyella & Blackwater systems.

Why Pacific National? 

Every day we transport millions of tonnes of critical freight around the country for our customers. With a broad customer base situated across mainland Australia and operating in diverse industries, we transport a mix of containerised freight, coal, import/export goods, and bulk commodities. 

Why you’ll love this role: 

• Competitive remuneration, New EA for QLD Coal starting July 2026
• Rosters designed to support safe work- Sarina, Gracemere & Gladstone depots 6/3 6/4 residential roster, transitioning to 6/4 roster in 2028, Coppabella lifestyle roster with camp accommodation provided
• Industry leading training, development and support from experienced crews 
• Attractive employee benefits; paid parental leave, novated leasing options, Fitness Passport and wellbeing programs  
• Supportive work environment 
• Career development opportunities 
• Inclusive culture

What you will do: 

• Prioritise safety in every moment, safely every day 
• Complete pre-start checks and required compliance documentation 
• Prepare, operate and shut down locomotives in line with operational procedures 
• Maintain clear, professional communication in safety critical environments 
• Monitor train performance and respond to changing conditions 
• Work with teams to deliver safe, reliable outcomes for customers 

What we’re looking for: 

• Full Australian working rights 
• Certificate IV in Train Driving – essential 
• Valid unrestricted Class C licence and reliable transport 
• Category 1 Rail Medical, musculoskeletal assessment, and ongoing drug/alcohol compliance 
• QLD Safe Working and route knowledge (highly desirable) 
• National Police Check 
• A strong, proven commitment to safety 
• Ability to work a 24/7 rotating roster 
• Flexibility to meet operational demands 

If you have passenger train driving qualifications and are looking to transition into freight train driving, we welcome your application. This is an excellent opportunity to build on your existing skills and experience as a Locomotive Driver.

Why Bowen? 

Live and work in one of North Queensland’s most desirable coastal communities, offering a relaxed lifestyle, strong local connections, and easy access to the Whitsundays and regional centres. Build a long-term career in a location that supports work–life balance at every stage of life. 

Ready to Apply? 

Click the ‘Apply’ button below. 

We are a company built on solid foundations with a team of dedicated people, guided by common values; Make it Simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, Own It. 

We care about each other and the work we do, because of this, ‘we care more’ is the Pacific National core philosophy. 

Pacific National acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, and rail.