Rail Operator

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

KiwiRail is hiring a Rail Operator in Otahuhu, Auckland for a full-time onsite role in a 24/7 operation with rotating days, evenings and nights. You’ll shunt, link and unlink wagons, guide train drivers and perform safety checks in a safety-critical outdoor setting, communicating by radio in a small team. Training is provided, starting at $30.42 per hour and rising to $33.24 once qualified, with a late August 2026 start. You’ll need fitness for heavy manual handling, a strong safety mindset, teamwork and a readiness to learn rostered shifts. To strengthen your application, cite relevant experience, show safety commitment and review the Rail Operator PD and intro video; close Friday 10 July.

Position Description: Rail Operator PD

Check out what it's like to work as a Rail Operator at KiwiRail - click here 

• Based in Otahuhu, Auckland
• Training rate starting at $30.42 per hour rising to $33.24 once qualified
• 24/7 Operations - Monday to Sunday rotating shifts (days, evenings and nights)
• Excellent learning opportunity with career progression opportunities
• Starting end of August 2026

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

We want you to succeed and grow at KiwiRail. This is why we will invest into your initial and ongoing training to build your competencies and confidence to make the right decisions and work safely in our safety critical environment. Our Rail Operators are a hugely important part of our business. Our teams work outside in our freight rail yards in all weathers in a physically challenging role where safety is of the utmost importance.

You'll see yourself performing shunting duties. This means you'll link and unlink wagons, direct train drivers when coupling wagons and locomotives and place wagons into customer sidings (railway parking tracks). You'll be an essential part of conducting safety checks ensuring that all vehicles in the train are in a fit state to commence the journey. You will be working in a small team and be communicating via radio, so clear communication skills are essential.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What (skills) you will bring:

• Physically fit and capable of heavy manual handling, and can spend extended periods on your feet
• Previous experience in physically demanding roles where Health and Safety was at the core of what you did
• A strong comitment to Health & Safety,always looking out for your own wellbeing and htat of your teammates
• Team player with good communication skills and can build positive relationships with people from all backgrounds
• Experience working rostered shifts, including nig

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Extensive support and ongoing training
• Career progression opportunities
• Access to discounted health insurance & holiday houses across NZ as part of our Staff Welfare Trust
• KiwiRail will support your development if you are willing to expose yourself to the opportunities and you are keen to learn and grow with us. The more experience in the yard you gain the more opportunities open up to you with pay increases and with job progression opportunities. Your training is universally recognised

Applications close: Friday 10th July unless filled sooner