Operational Safety Advisor | South Island

KiwiRail • Waltham, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. If you've built your career working safely in and around the rail corridor and have a strong understanding of rail protection, operational safety, and KiwiRail's Rules and Procedures, we want to hear from you. KiwiRail is seeking a highly capable Operational Safety Advisor (South Island) to support the safe delivery of work across our rail network. This is an exciting opportunity for experienced rail contractors, protection personnel, supervisors, trainers, and operational safety professionals who are passionate about safety leadership and helping others succeed in a high-risk environment.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of KiwiRail Rules, Procedures, and rail corridor safety requirements
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and positively influencing individuals and small groups
• Experience delivering training and supporting audits or investigations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse teams and contractor groups
• A proactive, detail-focused approach with a passion for continuous improvement
• Flexibility to travel regionally and work a variety of shifts, including nights and weekends when required
• The ability to successfully complete ongoing medical, drug, and alcohol screening requirements
• A current and valid NZ Class 1 Driver's Licence (class 2 highly desirable)

Nice To Haves

• Site Protector (902)
• Rail Protection Officer – Hi-Rail (RPO-H) (where applicable)
• Rail Protection Officer – Yards (RPO-Y) (where applicable)
• Track Protection Basic Machines (TPBM)
• Blocking & Track warrant
• Operational knowledge in some or all of the following: Rail Protection Officer (RPO) – Multi-Site Protector (RPO-M), Track Work Protection planning and implementation, Lockout Zones, Mis.60, Track and Time Permit processes, Foul Time, Corridor Access requirements, Communication protocols with Train Control and Signallers
• Relevant rail industry safety qualifications and certifications

Responsibilities

• Providing expert advice and guidance on operational safety and rail corridor protection requirements
• Coaching and mentoring frontline workers, supervisors, and contractors to improve safety performance
• Supporting the delivery of operational safety training and competency development
• Conducting workplace observations, inspections, and audits
• Assisting with incident investigations and identifying opportunities for improvement
• Building strong relationships with operational teams and contractor partners
• Promoting a positive safety culture through visible leadership and engagement
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the network

Benefits

• Strong career growth opportunities
• Opportunity to influence safety outcomes across one of New Zealand's most critical infrastructure networks
• Work alongside experienced rail professionals and industry leaders
• Further develop your operational and safety leadership capability
• Contribute to meaningful improvements that protect our people and our communities
• Part of an organisation committed to continuous learning, innovation, and operational excellence

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed