Rail operator, Kaiwhakamahi tereina
Also known as
- Railway switching and signalling operator, railway operator, railway shunter, railway traffic operator, railway yard assistant
Rail operators move wagons and locomotives between railway tracks to keep train traffic organised and on schedule.
Your pay could be
$68K
Lower
$82K to $110K
Most common
$135K
Upper
How does this pay compare?
Pay is before tax
Your training could be
0-1 year
Rail operators
- usually work shifts, including weekends and evenings
- usually work at railway yards and may travel locally
- may work in hazardous and all weather conditions
- may do physically demanding work
- need to be practical, safety conscious and work well in a team
Tasks
- move wagons and locomotives
- keep train traffic organised
- monitor signals for safe movement
- communicate with others to coordinate train movement
- inspect trains and equipment
- connect hoses and electrical lines to equipment
- review train schedules
- manage passenger fares and tickets
Practical
Investigative
Organised
Interests that fit this job
Interest quiz,
Kairoro Kaingākau
Do the Interest quiz to find out how well your interests fit with this job.
Do the quizYou learn on the job and need to do training to become a rail operator.
You need
- a driver licence
- to complete on-the-job training courses
You may need
- a New Zealand Certificate in Rail Yard Operations (Level 3)
- experience in similar work
- to pass a medical assessment and drug test
If you’re in school
You usually don't need specfic NCEA levels for this job, but Level 2 may be useful.
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