Locomotive Drivers - Coppabella

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Pacific National is hiring safety-focused locomotive drivers for Queensland Coal teams in Sarina, Coppabella, Gracemere and Gladstone to support the Goonyella and Blackwater systems. This role prioritizes safety every day, including pre-start checks, operating and shutting down locomotives, and clear safety-critical communication to deliver safe, reliable outcomes for customers. Key requirements include full Australian working rights, Certificate IV in Train Driving, a valid unrestricted Class C licence with reliable transport, a National Police Check, and the ability to work a 24/7 rotating roster with appropriate medical and drug/alcohol compliance. Desirable: Queensland Safe Working and route knowledge. Benefits include competitive pay under the new Queensland Coal EA from July 2026, residential rosters at Coppabella, and training and wellbeing programs. Apply via the Apply button and tailor your resume to emphasize safety leadership and roster flexibility.

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 Coppabella?

Work in a purpose-built rail community at the heart of Queensland’s resource corridor, offering strong job security and a close-knit workforce. Enjoy an even-time lifestyle roster, build a long-term career in a location designed for career progression, and work–life balance, while remaining within reach of Mackay and the wider region.

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.