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LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER CAREER INFORMATION KIWIRAIL FREIGHT (NATIONAL)

CAREER INFORMATION - KiwiRail Freight - Information... · This Locomotive Engineer Career Information Booklet is to be used as a guide only. ... KiwiRail Freight is a 24 hour / 365

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LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERCAREER INFORMATIONKIWIRAIL FREIGHT (NATIONAL)

EMERGENCY CONTACT0800 808 400

ContentsApplying for this Position 2

Information on Freight 3

Being a Locomotive Engineer 4

Essential Psychological Characteristics 5

Pre-requisites for Appointment 6

Recruitment Process 7

Medical / Health Assessment Process 9

Locomotive Engineer Training 12

Freight Training Schedule 12

Is this the Job for you? 13

Frequently Asked Questions 15

Career Path 17

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This position is only advertised when operational requirements demand further Locomotive Engineers.

The position is offered as permanent full-time only.

Advertisements will be placed on our website at www.kiwirail.co.nz/careers as well as on SEEK and TradeMe Jobs.

If you are interested in becoming a Locomotive Engineer, we suggest you register onto the careers website. Once registered you will receive notifications for any advertised roles which match your profile.

Only online applications linked to an advertised position will be accepted.

This Locomotive Engineer Career Information Booklet is to be used as a guide only. The information contained within is for your perusal without prejudice. All information is current as at July 2013 and is subject to change without notice.

Applying for this Position

Alex Wallace

3

KiwiRail Freight is a core customer-facing component of the wider KiwiRail business, and as an integral part of the transport system, plays an important role in keeping New Zealand moving.

Our key domestic customers say they see real value in rail and would like to use it more. Because of commitments already made to lift on-time performance and service reliability, some are already investing in rail siding infrastructure to more fully integrate with rail services into the products they offer to their customers.

The Government has listened to the case we have put to them, and to what our customers are saying, and in the 2010 Budget indicated its support for KiwiRail’s 10-year Turnaround Plan by committing to spend $750 million over three years.

KiwiRail Freight employs about 1,820 people at 19 freight terminals, 19 mechanical depots, 1 engineering workshop around the country. Our rail operations are 24 hour / 7 days.

OUR VISION

To be a world class mover of freight by rail and to be the natural choice

for our customers in the markets in which we operate

To be the backbone of the integrated New Zealand transport system

The Business Plan sets out the measures by which KiwiRail Freight proposes to achieve these goals. The key features of the plan are:

▪ Growth – reclaiming market share on the Auckland to Christchurch route ▪ Operational Excellence – lift our on time arrivals to 95% ▪ Cost Containment – focus on fuel savings, and the variability of costs ▪ People – training, safety and improved work environments ▪ Innovation – investing in new equipment and technology.

””“

Information on Freight

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Being a Locomotive Engineer is a position of responsibility that employees need to take seriously. It is important to consider all aspects of the role when applying to become a Locomotive Engineer.

As a Locomotive Engineer you need to operate the equipment in a safe manner at all times whilst working within operating rules, regulations and procedures. In New Zealand most trains are manned by a single driver.

Other ResponsibilitiesLocomotive Engineers are required to maintain concentration for long periods of time while driving and not pose a threat to the safety of themselves, their colleagues or the general public. Although Locomotive Engineers work largely by themselves, they are a member of a team and as a team member you may be required to assist with other operational duties to ensure we meet our customer’s needs. Customers are both your colleagues and the Company’s customers, and you need to build and maintain these relationships.

Locomotives may be involved in accidents with members of the public which may require external agencies such as Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) or Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) to undertake an investigation requiring your involvement.

Train Driving is a lifestyle where you work shifts, including nights and weekend work. Because safety is of utmost importance to the Company, Locomotive Engineers are required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination (Cat 1) and drugs test when they first join the Company. And will also be required to complete periodic medicals at set times throughout their employment. Employment with the Company will require the successful completion of the medical examination (Cat 1) and drugs test.

Following an incident or accident those people involved may be tested for drugs and alcohol.

KiwiRail Freight is a 24 hour / 365 day operation and an alcohol and drug free workplace. Our trains operate every day of the year – even Christmas Day.

Being a Locomotive Engineer

Michael Kilgour

5

The work of a Locomotive Engineer involves the performance of a range of activities under varied conditions. A careful analysis of the duties performed by a driver has resulted in the development of a number of psychological characteristics which are considered necessary for the successful performance of the position. These characteristics are listed below in no particular order:

Interpersonal skillsCan relate to customers and fellow workers in a manner that is helpful, respectful and encourages a positive attitude.

Practical IntelligenceEffectively manages unexpected problems (e.g. faults) through consideration and evaluation of possible courses of action and then following through with an appropriate response. Has the capacity to follow procedure but be flexible and adaptive in meeting the demands of the situation.

ResilienceAbility to manage the psychological strain of acutely stressful work incidents.

VigilanceDemonstrates an ability to be observant and perceptive to his/her surroundings over prolonged periods of time.

ComposureCan maintain effective performance of work tasks and exercise sound judgment under difficult, demanding and/or stressful circumstances.

Cognitive / Mental EnduranceHas the capability of developing and sustaining a high level of concentration while performing repetitive tasks over extended periods of time and under varied work conditions (e.g. time of day and weather).

DiligenceWorks carefully and steadily according to training and procedures when completing work tasks.

Job KnowledgeThe ability to learn, retain and recall information required for safe and effective performance of the work role.

Communication SkillsHas the ability to express oneself clearly and succinctly in oral and written form.

Technical ProficiencyHas the capacity to understand the working elements of a train and rail network to effectively complete the work role (e.g. fault finding).

Essential Psychological Characteristics

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There are several prerequisites that a candidate must meet to be considered for appointment as a Locomotive Engineer. You will be asked questions about these on your application form. They are:

▪ Satisfactory completion of required medical examinations to verify physical fitness to perform the duties of the position

▪ Satisfactory security checks ▪ Ability to work unsocial and irregular hours including shift and weekend work ▪ Applicants agree to comply with the Company’s Drug and Alcohol Policy ▪ Applicants agree to abide by the Company’s dress code / corporate image and safety standards ▪ Possession of a current New Zealand Class 1 or above Drivers Licence or equivalent

This requirement continues for the duration of employment in this position and from time to time production of the licence on request by the Company may be required

▪ Ability and / or previoius shift experience.

Are you eligible to apply for a permanent position in the New Zealand?New Zealand or Australian Resident or permanent residency is an essential pre-requisite for appointment to permanent Locomotive Engineer, KiwiRail Freight / Passenger (SA/SD) positions.

Overseas Qualified Locomotive Engineers – Locomotive Engineers who are currently qualified drivers may be considered on a case by case basis.

Pre-requisites for Appointment

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We receive a high number of applications from people wanting to be a Locomotive Engineer. As a consequence the selection process is very competitive, thorough and time consuming. There have been instances where people recruited as a Locomotive Engineer discover that the role is not what they thought it would be and that certain elements of the job are not suited to them.

Reading the information contained in this booklet is recommended prior to commencing the online application process as many of the questions relate to an understanding and awareness of the Locomotive Engineer’s role.

The recruitment process focuses on an assessment of a candidate’s:

▪ Capability for training ▪ Suitability to undertaking the role of a qualified Locomotive Engineer.

Selection is made on merit.

Information on the Stages of the Recruitment ProcessThe Locomotive Engineer selection process includes various types of testing and assessment. The process is designed to assess whether an applicant meets the standards required to perform in the position of Locomotive Engineer as well as their overall competitiveness in comparison to other applicants. The recruitment and selection process is designed to ensure we are fair and equitable in the recruitment decision.

Successful completion of a stage is a pre-requisite to progressing to the next stage. All candidates are notified as to whether they are successful or not in progressing to the next stage of the process.

Recruitment Process

Positions Advertised

Close of Applications

Stage 1

Short Listing ▪ Panel short list applicants from their online application.

All suitable applicants will progress to Stage 2.All unsuitable applicants will be declined.

Stage 2 - Assessment Day/s

Aptitude and Psychometric Testing

▪ Rules Acquisition Aptitude Test (RAAT) ▪ Safe Concentration and Attention Test (SCAAT) ▪ Safe Personality Questionnaire (SAFEPQ)

Applicants who meet the cut offs will proceed to Stage 3.Applicants who did not pass all tests will be advised and declined.Note: You will be provided with information on the types of tests you’ll do during the

Assessment Day.

Stage 3 - Assessment Day/s

Interview ▪ Interview conducted by the selection panel.

Applicants meeting interview criteria will proceed to Stage 4.Applicants who did not meet interview criteria will be advised and declined.

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Stage 4

Reference Checking

▪ Reference checks conducted by Recruitment team.

Applicants with suitable reference checks will proceed to Stage 5.Applicants who did not have suitable reference checks will be advised and declined.

Stage 5

Medical and Drugs Test

▪ Applicants will be referred for a pre-employment medical assessment (Cat 1), Blood test and drugs test in accordance with the KiwiRail NRSS3 Medical Standards.

Applicants who met the NRSS3 Medical Standards and provide a Negative Drugs Test Result proceed to Stage 6.Applicants who did not meet the NRSS3 Medical Standards and/or provide a non-positive Drugs Test Result will be advised and declined.

Stage 6

Appointment ▪ Applicants will be advised that they have successfully completed and that offer letter is sent.

Stage 7

Induction and Training

▪ Induction / orientation at home terminal and yard training commences.

Any employment offer is subject to the following:

▪ Be a New Zealand Resident or hold and retain a current New Zealand Work Permit / Visa. ▪ Hold a current full Class 1 or above New Zealand Drivers Licence and retain the full use of it. ▪ Achieve and retain a satisfactory security check. ▪ Gain and retain Medical, Drug and Alcohol clearances.

Locomotive Engineer Freight ▪ Successfully complete training as Rail Operator (Yard Introductory training & Yard OJT) by

….../..…./…… and Locomotive Engineer (LE Rules training and Mainline OJT) by ….../..…./….

Locomotive Engineer Passenger (SA / SD) ▪ Successfully complete training as Locomotive Engineer (LE Rules training and Mainline OJT)

by ….../..…./…….Should you fail to meet any of these requirements in the course of your employment with KiwiRail, your employment may be terminated.If you begin working for us before the results of your checks are known, and subsequently you do not pass any of these checks, your employment may be terminated without notice.

Note: There is a 12 month stand down for anyone who was unsuccessful during the Aptitude and Psychometric Testing and/or interview stages.

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RAIL SAFETY WORKER TASK Driving Rail Vehicle (controlled network)

BUSINESS UNIT All business units – Focus on freight, passenger and mechanical

CATEGORY 1DATE OF ASSESSMENT

Date: 8 January 2008Completed by: Phillip O’Connell, Shelley Leuchars

REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Review Date: 2009Approval Date: 5 January 2010Completed by: Paul Anderson

CONTEXTKiwiRail Group operates the New Zealand rail network including owning and managing the rail network on behalf of the government and operating rail freight/passenger transport. KiwiRail’s business also carriers out mechanical engineering maintenance, rail vehicle design/construction services and freight /container handling services.

ACTIVITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Driving a rail vehicle on the controlled network involves a variety of activities.

▪ Continuous operation of the rail vehicle to meet operational / timetable requirements which includes:- Standing for long periods while operating a remote

control box (remote control locomotives).- Communicating by radio to train control / shunt crew /

terminal office in a noisy environment.- Operating handles / switches to brake and accelerate

the train / shunt.- Constant vigilance to detect and respond to colour

signals and other visual cues in a variety of changing conditions including day / night situations.

- Scanning the track and overhead conditions ahead for unexpected events and responding accordingly.

- Reading and understanding safe working instructions and track occupancy authorities.

▪ Performance of activities outside the cab in all types of weather, ground conditions and times of day or night including:- Climbing in and out of the cab / shunt refuge.- Boarding, alighting and crossing between rail

vehicles including the locomotive from uneven ballast shoulders.

- Checking the integrity of the train / shunt.- Coupling / uncoupling rail vehicles in a

confined space.- Identifying and fixing faults which involve kneeling,

bending and reaching.- Using portable radios and track side, cellular and

tunnel telephones.- Operating points including hand operation of motor

points which involves kneeling, bending, rotating crank handles, pushing and pulling levers.

- Lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 kg.

HEALTH ATTRIBUTES

Relating to the safety of the rail network: ▪ Good physical and psychological health in order to

maintain vigilance when operating a rail vehicle.

▪ Normal colour perception to read signals, noticeboards, flags and instructions.

▪ Ability to focus readily at changing distances in fluctuating lighting conditions i.e. entering / exiting a tunnel, bright daylight to see signals, noticeboards or flags.

▪ Good eyesight to read data from in cab displays and instruments.

▪ Ability to memorise and retain route knowledge and signal placement.

▪ Good hearing and speech to communicate on radio and other communication devices and the ability to correctly interpret communications in a noisy environment.

▪ Ability to understand written and spoken information in English and without speech impediment.

▪ Sufficient musculoskeletal strength and flexibility to be able to walk externally along the length of the train / shunt on uneven ground and ballast and to correctly un-couple rail vehicles including operation of heavy coupling devices, air hoses, electrical jumpers etc in confined and awkward spaces.

▪ Ability to get out of the cab and walk distances on uneven and unknown terrain in unpredictable weather and light.

▪ Establish emergency protection / provide first aid to protect the safety of the rail network, rail personnel and the public when an incident has occurred.

Medical / Health Assessment Process

Driving Rail Vehicle (Controlled Network)

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▪ Emergency response including:- Exiting the cab through emergency escape

windows. - Exiting the cab in unpredictable conditions i.e.

post accident.- Walking trackside to respond to an emergency.- Establishing protection.

▪ Working a rotating shift roster. ▪ Exposure to environmental factors i.e. low or high

air temperature / humidity, rain, wind. ▪ Exposure to industrial factors ie. dust, noise, odours,

fumes, light and vibration. ▪ Required to wear PPE (high visibility and

wet weather clothing, safety footwear, hearing protection, safety glasses).

Relating to the safety of the rail worker (OHS):

▪ Must be physically able to climb locomotive ladders and fit into locomotive cabs.

▪ Must be less than manufacturers maximum weight specification for cab seating.

▪ No impediments to wearing and using PPE. ▪ Ability to integrate visual sound and vibration cues

to detect any oncoming rail vehicle. ▪ Physical mobility to move out of the way of an

approaching rail vehicle. ▪ Good visual fields for peripheral, long distance and

close up vision. ▪ No impediments due to fatigue, prescription

medication, other drugs or alcohol.

Rail vehicles (mainline and remote control locomotives) have vigilance control fitted which monitors operator use of the controls and will apply emergency brakes if the operator does not use any of the monitored controls or reset the vigilance cycle within the predetermined timeframe.EMU in Wellington are fitted with train stops as a secondary safety device to mitigate against a SPAD at critical locations. In the case of driver sudden incapacity the train will continue until the vigilance device applies the emergency brakes. Prior to and during activation of the emergency brakes a train could travel a considerable distance before coming to a complete stop. This may include exposure to high risk, high consequence events such as speeding on curves, speeding through stations, accelerating on downhill gradients and failing to stop for signals at danger or obstructions ahead on the controlled network.Locomotive Engineers (Freight) usually operate alone and the majority of responsibilities during their shifts relate to operating locomotives / trains, infrequent un/coupling of rail vehicles, infrequent lifting and carrying of train end monitors, reading, interpreting and maintaining personal copies of safe working instructions.Locomotive Engineers (Passenger) usually operate alone in the cab but work with the Train Manager throughout their shift. The majority of responsibilities during their shifts relate to operating EMU / DMU / locomotive hauled passenger trains including un-coupling of rail vehicles, reading, interpreting and maintaining personal copies of safe working instructions. Remote Control Operators usually operate in a two man team with a Rail Operator who acts as a pilot at the other end of the movement throughout their shift. The majority of responsibilities during their shifts relate to operating remote controlled shunting locomotives (in both manual and remote control modes), un-coupling drawgear, lifting and carrying train end monitors, reading and interpreting safe working instructions.

Engineering and Procedural Environment

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Category 1

DRIVING A RAIL VEHICLE (CONTROLLED NETWORK) IS HIGH LEVEL SAFETY CRITICAL BECAUSE:

▪ Physical or psychological ill health in performing some or all of the activities could result in a serious incident or accident on the controlled network.

▪ Sudden incapacity could also result in a serious incident or accident on the controlled network. ▪ Speed up to 100km/h. ▪ Although Remote Control Operators generally operate within the confines of a yard there is

a high risk of a serious incident or accident where remote control operations enter on to the controlled network.

▪ ATP is not fitted currently (if subsequently fitted ATP is a secondary defence).

HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTSWorkers performing tasks critical to the safety of the rail system and whose action, inaction or collapse, due to ill-health, may lead directly to a serious incident affecting the public or the rail network.

Pre-placement / Change of Risk Category Health Assessment

Safety Critical Worker Health Assessment including:- Safety Critical Worker Questionnaire and history- Comprehensive physical and psychological assessment- Vision- Hearing- Screen-Based Equipment (SBE) examination if required- Drug screen

Plus - Cardiac Risk ScoreAdditional health assessments may be implemented to meet OHS requirements.

On commencement and when moving to a position involving tasks of a higher Risk Category.

Periodic Health Assessments

Safety Critical Worker Health Assessment including:- Safety Critical Worker Questionnaire and history- Comprehensive physical and psychological assessment- Vision and hearing- Screen-Based Equipment (SBE) examination if required

Plus - Cardiac Risk ScoreAdditional health assessments may be implemented to meet OHS requirements.

▪ 5 yearly to age 50 ▪ 2 yearly to age 60 ▪ Yearly thereafter

Note: Depending on the needs of the worker, RMO may recommend more frequent assessments for health surveillance. Ongoing treatment and management of medical conditions should be the responsibility of the worker’s general practitioner.

Triggered Health AssessmentsNature of health assessment will depend on the triggering circumstances.

As deterimed by circumstances.

Risk Analysis and Tegorisation

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KiwiRail Freight has it own in-house operational training team; they are based in five locations across New Zealand (Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch).

Wherever possible training is completed at your home terminal. All Locomotive Engineers complete trainer-based tutorials held in classrooms and field based exercises held in yards or on the mainline. Tutorials are designed to confirm each trainees competence for a range of core rail based activities before returning to home terminal for the commencement of On-Job Training (Yard & Mainline).

While you are being trained you will be located at the place of training for the duration of the theoretical training block course.

Locomotive Engineer Training

Freight Training Schedule

Terminal Orientation Home Terminal 1 weekYard Introductory Training Location 2 weeksSupervised Yard On-Job Training Home Terminal 26 weeksNote: Must successfully complete the Yard Introductory training and Yard OJT before being eligible to progress to the

Locomotive Engineer Rules training and Mainline OJT.

LE Rules TrainingRules, Regulations, Codes and Instructions Training Location 2 weeks- CTC Training Location 1 week- DLAS Training Location 1 week- Final Week Training Location 2 days- TWC Training Location 1 weekAir Brake and Mechanical Training Location 2 weeksTrain Handling (Simulator) Woburn, Wellington 8 DaysMainline On-Job Training Home Terminal approx 52

weeks or 1,040 hours

Initial Practical Certification Home TerminalNote: Must successfully complete the Locomotive Engineer Rules training and Mainline OJT followed by mastery

before being eligible to become a fully certified Locomotive Engineer.Full training and certification may take up to 2 years to complete.

Training LocationsCrawford Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton725 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North57 Leighton Ave, Woburn, Wellington258 Annex Road, Middleton, Christchurch

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We receive a high number of applications from people wanting to be a Locomotive Engineer. As a consequence the selection process is very competitive, thorough and time consuming. There have been instances where people recruited as a Locomotive Engineer discover that the role is not what they thought it would be and that certain elements of the job are not suited to them.

Reading the information contained in this booklet is recommended prior to accepting a position as a Locomotive Engineer. Many of the questions relate to an understanding and awareness of the Locomotive Engineer’s role.

The following list of questions may give you a better feel for the role and help you decide whether this is the job for you. Simply answer Yes or No to each of the questions. The greater the number of Yes responses gives a good indicator that you should consider applying.

1. Are you a New Zealand or Australian Citizen or have you got permanent residency status within New Zealand?

Yes / No

2. Overseas candidates have you visited or researched a move to New Zealand? Yes / No3. Have you worked as part of a close knit team and did you enjoy it? Yes / No4. Can you work under pressure without letting your team members down? Yes / No5. Can you think on your feet and solve problems when you know a lot depends on

your input and suggestions?Yes / No

6. Are you prepared to undertake psychological and medical testing as part of the selection process?

Yes / No

7. Are you prepared to undertake medical and drug testing as part of your continuing employment?

Yes / No

8. Do you hold a current “C” Class Drivers Licence or an equivalent? Yes / No9. Are you prepared to work unsociable hours including staggered early morning

and night shifts, weekends and public holidays, including Christmas, New Year, Easter and other religious holidays as required and commence and cease duty at any Terminal?

Yes / No

10. Are you someone that others see as dependable? Yes / No11. Are you someone who can always be relied on to be at a designated place

on time?Yes / No

12. Are comfortable wearing a uniform and portraying a corporate image? Yes / No13. Are you willing to comply with all company policies, including the Alcohol & Drugs

Policy and Procedure, which includes random testing?Yes / No

14. Do you have normal colour vision to identify signal colours? Yes / No15. Are you prepared to follow instructions and remain up-to-date with procedures for

operating a safe and efficient railway?Yes / No

16. Do you see customer service as a priority? Yes / No17. Are you prepared to accept responsibility for the safe and efficient management

of the train constantly?Yes / No

18. Are you prepared to work and manage a locomotive engine by yourself, and willingly co-operate with other staff?

Yes / No

Is this the Job for you?

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19. Do you accept that you will need to pass all necessary training requirements in order to be accepted as an Locomotive Engineer?

Yes / No

20. Do you accept that you may need to attend further training courses after upfront training, throughout your driving career?

Yes / No

21. Are you someone you can cope with sitting in the confines of a locomotive cab for hours at a time whilst driving?

Yes / No

22. Are you someone who is willing to maintain their general health and fitness levels to meet medical standards?

Yes / No

23. Have you considered the possibility of a train accident or emergency? Yes / No24. Are you someone who could cope with the stress of “near misses” of the public

on platforms / level crossings and animals on the track?Yes / No

25. Have you considered the possibility of people attempting or committing suicide on the tracks?

Yes / No

26. Can you operate large machinery calmly and without becoming anxious? Yes / No27. Are you able to maintain good public relations with passengers / customer in the

face of conflict or stressful situations occur.Yes / No

28. Do you have clear communication skills, to give and receive critical messages? Yes / No

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Frequently Asked QuestionsQ.

Q. What is a Collective Employment Agreement?KiwiRail prides itself on its relationship with the RMTU (Rail and Maritime Transport Union). We have an agreement with the RMTU which covers Les and outlines your terms and conditions of employment.The following information is covered the Collective Employment Agreement.Q. What are the pay rates for LE’s Freight? - During orientation, and yard training $18.03 p/hr - During Locomotive Engineer rules training $21.55 p/hr - During Mainline on-job training $31.63 p/hr - Fully certified as an LE $34.61 p/hrQ. How long will my shifts be? - The standard shift for a Locomotive Engineer is between 7 and 10 hours. - You may be required to work up to 11 hours and up to 11.5 hours in some circumstances - You are required to have a minimum of 10 hours off between shifts to rest.

Q. How many shifts will I work per fortnight? - You will work approximately 80 hours per fortnight (8-10 shifts). - Overtime is subject to agreement with the employee as stated in the Collective Agreement. - You can be required to work a maximum of 12 days in a row before you are required to have

a mandatory day off. However most rosters provide for at least 4 days off a fortnight, they may not be sequential.

Q. What is a critical shift? - A shift starting between 2000 and 0400 hours. - You can be required to work a maximum of 3 critical shifts in a row. - After working 3 critical shifts in a row you are required to have two nights normal sleep before

coming back on duty.Q. What is a stand-by shift? - You may be required to stand-by to work if required. - In such causes you need to be available to work at short notice and be contactable

by phone for an 8 hour period (from the start of the stand-by period) and come into work when required.

- When on stand-by you have a utilisation period of 12 hours from the start time of the stand-by shift. Once this passes you are no longer on stand-by.

Q. How far in advance is the roster created? - Rosters are posted 10 days in advance. So you will know when you will be working and what

duties you will be doing.Q. Will I have a rest break during my shift? (Freight only) - General breaks will be 30 minutes long and as close to the mid-point of your shift as

possible, or as arranged with Train Control.Q. Under what circumstances do overtime and penal rates apply? LE’s receive a set hourly rate negotiated as part of t he Collective Employment Agreement.

This rate is inclusive of overtime and penal rates. ie: The set hourly rate applies whether you work day shift, night shift, overtime, weekends. Public Holidays are paid at time and a half.

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Q.

Q. How many weeks annual leave will I get?

- You are entitled to 4 weeks annual leave plus public holiday entitlement each year. - As a shift worker you are entitled to an additional one week’s annual leave. - Leave is due from anniversary date of joining. - You are entitled to a fifth week of annual leave after seven years’ continuous service.Q. Will I have to work the weekends? Yes, as we are a 24 hour / 365 day operation.Q. What are the benefits of being a LE? You get to work by yourself and within an extended team. See parts of the country very few

people get to see at differing times of the day and night. Progression to Training Consultant, Loco Team Leader.

Q. What kind of freight might I be hauling? Your train will be made up of a rack of wagons which hold containers. These containers can

have anything from Mainfreights’ customers freight to apples, car parts or even cars.Q. Who does the pre-employment CAT 1 medical? The medicals are completed by Medical Officers who have been trained by the company

medical standards NRSS3.Q. Who does the drug test? This is carried out during your pre-employment medical with the Medical Officers, usually by

a nurse.Q. What drugs are tested for? The drugs being tested for are cannabinoids, opiates, amphetamines, cocaine,

and benzodiazepines.Q. Who has access to the drug test is information? Any collection, storage or exchange of information concerning the drugs test will be in

accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act.Q. Can I get a copy of all the information relating to my application to become a LE? Yes, you should any request for information in writing addressing it to Human Resource

Manager, KiwiRail Freight, Private Bag 92 138, Auckland.Q. Where are Locomotive Engineer based throughout New Zealand? Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Mount Maunganui Kawerau New Plymouth Stratford Napier Palmerston North

Wellington PictonWestportGreymouthOtiraChristchurchTimaruDunedinInvercargill

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Career Path

General ManagerRail Operations

Regional ManagerRail Operations

KiwiRail ManagerContainer TerminalManager

Linehaul ServiceManager

Operations Manager- Terminal

Team Leader- Terminal

Remote ControlOperator

Rail Operator

Operations Manager- Locomotive

Team Leader- Locomotive

Locomotive Engineer

Locomotive EngineerTrainee

Locomotive Engineer- Minder Driver

Training ConsultantLocomotive or Terminal

Operations TrainingManager