Title:  Rail Operator

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

• Located in Dunedin
• Training rate starting at $29.68 per hour rising once qualified to $32.43
• Shift work with in advance planned rosters to allow work-life balance
• Excellent investment in training with career progression opportunities
• Position Description

He whakamārama mo te tūranga mahi | About the role:

At KiwiRail, your growth matters. We invest in your training from day one and continue to support your development so you can build the confidence and capability to make safe, informed decisions in our safety‑critical environment.

• Hands‑on physical, outdoor role working across our freight rail yards in all weather conditions
• Safety and teamwork are essential
• Perform shunting operation duties - connecting and disconnecting wagons, guiding train drivers during wagon coupling, and positioning wagons into customer sidings
• Essential in conducting important safety checks to ensure every train is in a fit state for departure
• Work closely with a small team and communicate via radio throughout your shift, so being clear, calm, and confident in your communication is a must

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

• A customer-focused approach and respect for local communities
• Physical fitness for manual work in outdoor conditions and ability to handle a reasonable amount of walking, at times on unstable ground
• Working on a 24/7 rotating roster, so previous experience working shifts is advantageous
• Health & Safety is critical in our organisation, so you will need to have a strong safety focus and genuinely always care about the well-being of your team and yourself
• Teamwork is second nature to you, and you can easily communicate and build rapport with people from all walks of life
• A customer-focused approach and respect for local communities
• Full NZ Class 1 driver’s license and own transport

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• A competitive hourly rate and penal rates for shift work - time and a half Saturdays & double time Sundays
• 5 weeks annual leave
• A secure role within an essential national organisation
• Uniform and full training and ongoing development in rail operations
• Enjoy our Scenic trains and Interislander with discounted travel privileges
• Discounts on Southern Cross Healthcare insurance
• Gain access to holiday homes across NZ & Australia, and receive refunds for you and your family's day-to-day healthcare
• 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: Wednesday 14th January 2026

Please note: successful candidates must pass a pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol assessment, and hold the right to work in New Zealand as a Citizen or Resident.

We value your application and interest in working for KiwiRail, however our Recruitment team are away from Monday 22 December 2025 until Monday 12 January 2026. Please expect a delayed response to your application, we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.