Qualified Locomotive Driver – Northwest Line

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Pacific National is hiring a Qualified Locomotive Driver for the Northwest Line in Townsville, a permanent onsite role supporting 24/7 rail operations with crew van running. You’ll operate locomotives to meet daily plans while upholding safety, accreditation and procedures, liaise with Train Control and customers, prepare locomotives, conduct basic servicing, and contribute to safety and performance goals. To succeed you must be a qualified locomotive driver with a Certificate IV in Train Driving upload with your application, hold a current Queensland Driver Licence, and be willing to work a 24/7 roster and local shifts. Demonstrated safety discipline, teamwork, basic computer skills, and a commitment to ongoing training are essential; RCS Safe Working is desirable. Apply now.

Qualified Locomotive Driver – Northwest Line

• Permanent opportunity based in Townsville
• 24/7 Rail Operation
• Crew Van Running
• Attractive Salary and Roster
• Safely Every Day — That’s Our Promise

Join Pacific National – Australia’s largest private rail freight operator

Every day we transport millions of tonnes of critical freight around the country for our customers. We haul coal, intermodal containers, steel, and bulk commodities that keep Australia moving.

An opportunity has presented itself for Qualified Locomotive Drivers to join our team in Townsville.

What You’ll Do

Operate mixed freight services with crew van running safely and efficiently within a 24/7 rail environment.

Reporting to the Supervisor, you will:

• Operate Pacific National locomotives in accordance with safe working regulations, driver accreditation requirements, and operational procedures.
• Ensure daily train plans and schedules are met while maintaining a strong focus on safety and efficiency.
• Liaise closely with Train Control, internal stakeholders and customers to support safe and reliable train operations.
• Provision and prepare locomotives, including checking and testing control systems and completing compliance documentation.
• Perform minor maintenance and undertake first‑level locomotive servicing and provisioning activities.
• Proactively support and contribute to the achievement of safety, customer and operational performance goals.
• Experience on the Northwest Line desired but not necessary.

What You’ll Bring

To succeed in this role, you will be a qualified and accredited locomotive driver who values teamwork, safety and continuous improvement.

You will also have:

• Proven experience as a Qualified Locomotive Driver.
• Certificate IV in Train Driving (please upload during application).
• A strong commitment to safety and operating discipline.
• Positive and supportive approach when working in a team, with the ability to work autonomously when required.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Customer‑focused mindset with a desire to support continuous improvement.
• Willingness to undertake ongoing training and development.
• A current, unrestricted Queensland Driver Licence.
• Availability to work a 24/7 roster, including local and barracks‑based work.
• RCS Safe Working qualifications (desirable but not essential).

Why join us?

At Pacific National we value the contribution of each team member. Our values underpin our commitment to create an inclusive culture where everyone is accepted.

Some of the benefits we offer are:

• Paid parental leave
• Novated Leasing
• Fitness Passport
• Purchase leave program
• Access to EAP program through Sonder

We live by our Values: Make it Simple, Share More, Kindness, Gratitude, Curiosity, and Own It – helping us build strong connections and do our best work every day.

Ready to deliver what matters?

Click ‘Apply Now’ and start your journey with Pacific National.

Learn more at https://www.pacificnational.com.au/careers

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