Job Description

Trainee Safety Protector

• Based at our Kaiwharawhara local depot with some travel and overnight stays required depending on the project location
• $29.68/hr trainee rate progressing to $32.34/hr once trained
• 24/7 rotating roster - days, nights, weekends and public holidays as needed

What is ‘Protection’ at KiwiRail?

Protection is all about keeping people safe while they work on or near the tracks. In Auckland’s busy metro network, this means coordinating carefully planned safety controls so maintenance and project work can happen with minimal disruption to trains.

Find out more here: https://youtube.com/shorts/zhfKvfVhRfA-si=6HAD7XhOx3QolSaK

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

As a Trainee Safety Protector, you’ll be provided the necessary training to help manage protection for work happening on or near the rail network. Our safety protectors are trained staff who make sure employees and public don't get hurt by trains and this is a great opportunity to learn while you work.

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate with stakeholders – Customers, subcontractors, Train Control and teams, so everyone knows what’s happening and when
• Run safety briefings - Conduct pre-start site inductions and safety briefings to ensure everyone understands the worksite risks
• Supporting safety documentation - Assist with preparing land entry permits and safety plans under supervision
• Setup worksite protection - Implement and maintain safety signage and controls at worksites
• Provide onsite rail protection - Monitor and manage rail safety for both KiwiRail teams and external contractors, ensuring work aligns with KiwiRail rules and safety standards

Ngā pūkenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:

• A full, clean Class 1 driver’s licence
• Must be physically fit, injury-free, and able to work outdoors in all conditions
• Strong communication skills – you’ll read and interpret technical information confidently
• Able to follow rules 100% of the time with great situational awareness
• Comfortable using technology and able to understand diagrams with ease
• Flexibility and can recognise your own limits and ask for support when needed
• Ability to pass a CAT1 safety critical medical - Includes blood test, hearing, vision, musculoskeletal evaluation, resting ECG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, drug & alcohol habits review, and mental health screening. This is the highest safety critical category, so eligibility is essential.
• New Zealand residency or citizenship

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you:

• Fully paid training leading to nationally recognised safety certifications
• A role where you’ll help make a real difference by keeping people safe
• Travel benefits on Interislander & Scenic trains
• Access to NZR Welfare holiday homes across NZ & Australia
• NZR Healthcare refunds for you and your family

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply:

Applyonline with your CV and cover letter.

Applications close 3 June 2026