Rail Operator

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

KiwiRail is hiring multiple full-time Rail Operators in Mt Maunganui, offering on-site roles with strong training and progression, plus rosters supporting balance. The role includes shunting, linking wagons, directing drivers, performing safety checks, and clear radio communication in all weather. Key requirements include a clean NZ driver’s licence, NZ citizenship or residency, ability to pass a CAT 2 medical, and a strong safety focus for a physically demanding outdoor job. Benefits include five weeks’ leave, weekend overtime, uniforms, training, travel privileges, and welfare trust support. To apply, tailor your CV and cover letter to show safety mindset, teamwork, and readiness to train, and submit online by Friday 6 February, with pre-employment medical and drug screen; NZ residency status required.

Position Description: Rail Operator PD

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

• Located in Mt Maunganui
• Excellent learning opportunity with career progression opportunities
• Training rate starting at $29.68 per hour rising to $32.48 once qualified
• Shift work with in advance planned rosters to allow work-life balance
• Multiple vacancies available

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:

You'll be a team player that enjoys the challenge of a physical role while working outdoors. This role involves some heavy manual handling and a reasonable amount of walking. You'll be working on a 24/7 rotating roster, so previous experience working shifts is advantageous, along with experience working outdoors in all-weather conditions.

• You could come from any background, as long as you have had exposure to physical labour where H&S was at the core of what you did
• Health & Safety is critical in our organisation, so you will need to have a strong safety focus and genuinely care about the well-being of your team and yourself at all times
• Teamwork is second nature to you, and you can easily communicate and build rapport with people from all walks of life
• Ability to pass a safety critical CAT 2 medical test
• Full, clean NZ Drivers Licence and own transport
• NZ Citizenship or Residency in NZ

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Time and a half Saturdays & double time Sundays
• Uniform and extensive and ongoing training provided
• Enjoy our Scenic trains and Interislander with discounted travel privileges
• Access to refunds on day-to-day healthcare & holiday houses across NZ as part of our Railway 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 6th February

Apply online with your CV and cover letter. 

Important Notice: All successful candidates must undergo and pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen. Due to Immigration Regulations, we are currently only accepting applications from candidates residing within New Zealand as New Zealand Residents or as Citizens for this role.