Train Assistant – Transnet

Position Purpose

Help the Train Driver to drive and handle different type of train/locomotive (airbrake, vacuum, high speed, heavy haul, passenger) safe and proper, so customer’s freight reach destination good condition, on time, and company can satisfy customer need.

Position Outputs

1. Sign on duty at your workplace, get your duties for the shift. Find out which locomotive must be prepared, get equipment and put on locomotive, check and add missing equipment, clean work area, help start locomotive, help with brake test, couple locomotive, sign on duty, despatch locomotive.
2. Prepare locomotives. Find which one need preparing, get and place equipment, check and supplement equipment needed, clean area, help start locomotive properly, help do brake tests.
3. Prepare communication equipment. Get radio, handset, walkie talkie, telemeter when needed. Check it work fine.
4. Do pre-trip check of locomotive and whole train before depart, to make sure train roadworthy and follow safety rules. Attach/detach vehicle by works order if no guard available. Mount telemeter if needed, fill in vehicle list and vacuum form, mount train indicator, examine train, do brake test together with train driver.
5. Do shunting work in sidings and along route, follow instructions, to keep work safe. Get works order, do shunting/place/remove trucks as order say, update vehicle list, place and clear load or empty trucks at siding.
6. Help train driver along the route, so train move safe from one point to destination, no delay, no damage to locomotive, wagon, track or other equipment, so service stay reliable. Talk with driver to confirm signal position and display, watch trains passing, reset locomotive trip-outs, watch that train run safe, protect train during incident, help driver in emergency.
7. Follow safety standard and instructions, stay motivated and competent.
8. Give correct feedback to Train Driver quickly, about any incident or problem on the route.
9. Help with different admin duties.
10. Fill in Train journal, give to Section Manager when sign-off after shift, so salary process correct and on time every month.

Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION NEEDED: Grade 12 with pure Maths and/or Physical Science.

OTHER NEEDED: Must be ready for medical check and safety behaviour test, during selection and every 12 months. Must be fit — hearing, vision, mental, physical (checked by medical test and safety assessment). Company not allowed to let person younger than 21 years do Train Driver or train control work (by SANS 3000, par 6.2.6.8).

MINIMUM TRAINEE REQUIREMENT: Must be at least 1.6m tall. Must have good psychomotor ability (tested with Vienna Testing System). Must can carry heavy object.

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING: Must be ready to do Train Assistant training (theory and practical) to get certified work alone as Train Assistant. Must be willing and able to pass Train Assistant certificate (theory and practical), so can work independent as Train Assistant.

OTHER REQUIREMENT: Ready for medical check and safety risk test, during selection and every 12 months. Must have good physical, hearing, vision, mental fitness (check by medical test and safety assessment).

Competencies

KNOWLEDGE NEEDED:

Different communication systems, depot layout, locomotive classes, locomotive equipment, route/road knowledge, sections/stations and sidings, sign-on procedures, train working rules, trip report, yard and siding layout, general TFR policy, shunting procedure, locomotive classes and their pulling power and limit on specific area, Health and Safety Act 85, First Aid, Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), SANS 3004 (Human Factors), HC policies and procedures, train service/ITP, training workings, substance abuse policy.

SKILLS NEEDED:

Coupling/uncoupling locomotive, preparing locomotive (electrical and diesel), good observation, shunting movement, train handling, time management, handle stress well, assessment skill, can read and write well, communication, judgement, reasoning, psychomotor skill (reaction/coordination), concentration, spatial awareness, depth perception, numerical skill, train and locomotive handling/preparation, problem solving, electrical and diesel locomotive driving.

ATTRIBUTES:

Handle stress, self-manage, safety-minded, punctual, willing work shifts, results-driven.

Equity Statement

Preference go to qualified applicant from designated group, following company Employment Equity Plan and Targets.

NB: First preference go to applicant living in Northern Cape Province. Must submit proof of residence with application.

Disclaimer

If you not hear from Transnet within 90 days, consider your application unsuccessful.

Transnet and its staff never ask job seeker for money. Any such request is fraud. Report suspicious activity to Transnet anti-fraud line 0800 003 056 or email reportit@ethicshelpdesk.com