Title:  Trainee Signals Technician

Trainee Signals Technician

Position Description

• Great career step
• Permanent, Wellington based

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we connect New Zealanders sustainably, powering economic growth and ensuring vital freight and passenger services run smoothly. Our mission, "Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand," highlights our dedication to sustainability and community well-being. 

Our people make KiwiRail exceptional. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace, we empower everyone to contribute their best. If you’re passionate about innovation and safety, we’d love to welcome you aboard. 

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

As a member of the Signals Team you will be responsible for the provision of effective, reliable and efficient day to day operations of all Signalling assets. This will include the maintenance, installation, restoration and repair of Signal interlocking components.

Ensure work is carried out in a way that complies with all KiwiRail quality, safety and engineering standards.  Health and Safety is an important part of how KiwiRail operates. You will be a safety leader and will be expected to “walk the safety talk”.

Key accountabilities include:

• Read and understand drawings and diagrams showing mechanical layouts, points machines and barrier mechanism assemblies, signal mast assembles and other similar signals equipment
• Lay out and install rodding runs inclusive of ‘A’  frames, compensating and escapement cranks
• Install long sleeper point layouts to plan under full supervision
• Install signal mast assemblies under full supervision
• Read and understand diagrams for signals locations, relay racks, control panels and other similar signals equipment
• Use electrical instruments for both testing and the location of simple faults in track circuits, signalling circuits, points machine and level crossing alarms
• Set up and adjust track circuits
• Adjust and maintain both electrical and mechanical detection within the correct limits
• Cable and connect all items of signalling equipment in accordance with drawings and instructions and approved methods.
• Repair and regulate aerial wires
• Investigate and report on simple faults and minor irregularities for follow up action or action surrounding safety
• Ensure you clearly document your work activities and established files are clearly identified and filed correctly 
• Such other duties and responsibilities as the Company may require from time to time
• Responsible for complying with all rail safety system standards, procedures and statutory requirements within your area of responsibility
• Responsible for your own safety and that of other rail employees, contractors and visitors within your work environment
• Responsible for the identification, reporting and initial control of any safety or environmental hazard identified within your area to your immediate manager
• Adhere to KiwiRail’s health and safety requirements and take responsible for maintaining a proactive approach regarding both personal wellbeing as well as that of fellow employees, associated client personnel, sub-contractors and members of the public.
• Report all accidents and incidents to your immediate supervisor within one hour.

• To undertake specialist technical evaluations, investigation or similar activities when required

• Undertake both On The Job Training for the set designation plus attend training courses run by the company, or external agencies as and when required to fulfil the requirements of the position
• Acquire On The Job Training competencies for the set position

• Complete relevant operating certificates for a Trainee Signals Technician including but not limited to
  • Successfully completed appropriate licenses to operate Signals Course I
  • Signals Course II

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

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Relevant experience of working in labouring or manual work
• Complete a 3-month probationary period successfully
• Within the first 6 months completed the first period of On the Job Training
• Complete 12 months of practical experience and successfully complete On the Job Training assignments for period 1 and 2
• Attended and successfully completed Signals Course I

• Successfully completed appropriate licenses to operate   
• Complete 24 months of practical experience and successfully complete On the Job Training assignments for periods 1,2 and 3 and 4
• Successfully completed Signals Course II
• NCEA Level 1 in Maths, English and Science or equivalent
• Full Class 1 driver’s licence
• Registered as a New Zealand Electrician
• 1st Year Trainee Signals Technician - A current first aid / CPR certificate
• 2nd Year Trainee Signals Technician - Full Class 2 driver’s licence; a current CPR certificate; a current first aid certificate

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

• Access to join NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust where you will enjoy a range of benefits including access to holiday homes across New Zealand, as well as support for optometry, physiotherapy, GP services and prescription costs
• A wide range of discounts at retailers and on scenic trains and Interislander
• Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation, sustainability and community impact

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

Rā aukati | Applications close:  6 April 2026