Trainee Locomotive Engineer

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KiwiRail is seeking a Trainee Locomotive Engineer based in Whareroa with a start date in January or February 2027. You will train to become a Freight Locomotive Engineer, earning $30.42 per hour during training and $52.51 per hour once qualified, supported by an end-to-end training programme and ongoing development including license recertification. Responsibilities include the safe operation of the locomotive, train inspections, and keeping accurate documentation across a 24/7 roster. Requirements: full NZ Class 1 Licence, a safety focused mindset, strong communication and computer skills, and medical checks including drug testing. Apply online with your CV, KiwiRail staff should use internal profile; eligibility requires NZ or Australian citizenship or permanent residency. Applications close Friday 28 August. Tips: tailor your CV to show safety focus, reliability, and your ability to learn in a safety critical environment, and to highlight documentation and shift-work practicality.

A little insight into working for KiwiRail, check out what it's like to be a Locomotive Engineer (Train Driver) click here 

• Based in: Whareroa
• Start date: Jan/Feb 2027
• Pay: $30.42 per hour while training, progressing to $52.51 per hour once qualified

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About us

Everyday our Freight Locomotive Engineers (Train Drivers) move New Zealand's goods safely and efficiently throughout the country, removing over 1 million truck movements from our roads. If you want to join a great team driving our Freight Trains, then this is your opportunity.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role

You will hold the overall responsibility for the safe operation of the locomotive, and the delivery of rail freight between terminals to meet our customer needs. Managing and operating the locomotive safely and efficiently to ensure operating procedures are followed at all times.

You'll inspect trains and perform examination tests to ensure all equipment and loads meet the requirements for the journey. As well as operational responsibilities you will manage all required documentation to ensure possession of correct work-orders, relevant bulletins and dangerous goods documentation are correct and up to date to reflect your journey.
 

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring

• Full, clean NZ Class 1 Driver's Licence
• You'll be customer focused, comfortable with following robust rules and instructions as we operate to achieve a high safety policy and be able to retain detailed information to a high level
• Flexible to work nights, weekends, and public holidays over a 24/7 pre-planned roster
• Can adapt to a changing environment within a safety critical setting
• Able to meet industry medical standards, including drug testing and satisfactory security checks
• Computer skills and confidence with documentation is essential
• Clear and respectful communication, both independently and in a team

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

• At KiwiRail, you gain more than a job you build a career
• 5 weeks annual leave 
• An exceptional, end‑to‑end training programme that sets you up for success, with hands‑on learning, continuous development and license recertification\
• Discounted travel on Scenic trains and Interislander 
• Discounted Southern Cross health insurance 
• Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare benefits
• All PPE and training provided 

Recruitment Process

• Application
• Initial screening
• Psychometric testing
• Interview
• Pre-employment Checks
• Offer

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

• Apply online with your CV
• KiwiRail employees should apply using their internal profile and KiwiRail email address. 

• You must hold New Zealand or Australian citizenship, or Permanent Residency

Applications close: Friday 28th August (unless filled sooner)