Position Purpose:

Assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient driving/handling of various types of trains/locomotives (airbrake, vacuum, high-speed, heavy haul, and passengers) to ensure that the customers’ freight/cargo reaches its destination in good condition, on time, meeting customer needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pre-Trip Preparation & Duties:
  • Sign on duty at the designated workplace and be allocated duties for the shift.
  • Determine which locomotive to prepare, obtain and place necessary equipment, and ensure the working area is clean.
  • Assist with the start-up of locomotives, brake tests, and coupling of locomotives.
  • Ensure proper functioning of communication equipment such as radios, handsets, or walkie-talkies.
  • Perform pre-trip checks to ensure roadworthiness, adherence to safety rules, and preparation for departure (e.g., attach/detach vehicles, mount telemeters, complete vehicle lists).
• Shunting and Train Handling:
  • Execute shunting activities according to directives to ensure safe working procedures.
  • Perform tasks such as placing/removing trucks and updating vehicle lists.
  • Assist with the safe movement of the train from the starting point to the destination, ensuring no delays or damage to equipment.
  • Observe signals and verbal comparisons with the Train Driver, patrol locomotives, and reset trip-outs.
• Safety and Incident Management:
  • Protect the train during incidents and assist the Train Driver during emergencies.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and report any deviations or incidents along the route.
• Administration:
  • Complete the train journal and submit it to the Section Manager for timeous and accurate salary processing.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Requirements:
  • Grade 12 with Pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science.
• Other Requirements:
  • Physical Requirements: Minimum height of 1.6m. Physically fit (verified through medical tests) and ability to carry heavy objects.
  • Psychomotor Skills: To be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS).
  • Medical and Safety Assessment: Periodic medical surveillance, safety behavioral risk assessments, hearing, vision, mental fitness (to be verified through tests).
• Functional Training:
  • Be willing to undergo Train Assistant duties training (theoretical and practical) to work independently as a certified Train Assistant.
• Age Requirement: Candidates under the age of 21 are not eligible to undertake Train Driver or Train Control duties.

Competencies:

• Knowledge:
  • Communication systems, depot layout, locomotive classes and equipment, train working rules, shunting procedures, and safety policies.
  • Understanding of TFR policies, first aid, the Health and Safety Act, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and SANS 3004 (Human Factors).
• Skills:
  • Locomotive coupling and uncoupling, locomotive preparations (electrical and diesel), shunting movement, and train handling skills.
  • Strong time management, stress handling, literacy, communication, and reasoning skills.
  • Ability to solve problems, handle electrical and diesel locomotives, and make sound judgments.

Equity Statement:

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of Transnet Freight Rail.

How to Apply:

Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure HR receives the application on time.