Principal Adviser Rail Safety

You’ll connect Queensland. We’ll connect you to an amazing career.

Queensland Rail is built on true connection. And everything we achieve is made possible by you. 

Our team of over 7,500 and our customers are central to everything we do, we have a proud history as a safe and reliable railway operator, with a commitment to ensuring that our operating systems reflect the highest standards. Queensland Rail inspires innovative thought, passionate motivation, teamwork, and forward thinking, where our people can achieve their own career aspirations.

• Fixed term Queensland Rail employment contract to 30 June 2029, working full time hours.
• Brisbane location

Benefits that count:

• Flexible work arrangements available.
• Annual base salary ranging $151,300 - $162,300 + 12.75% Superannuation commensurate of skills and experience.
• Exciting period of growth and transformation for our business.
• Free rail travel to and from work on office days.

The Rail Safety and Accreditation Team has a fixed term opportunity to 30 June 2029, available for a Principal Adviser Rail Safety to lead the development and continuous improvement of Queensland Rail's Safety and Environment Management System (SEMS) as it pertains to Rail Safety and the obligations of Queensland Rail as an accredited Rail Transport Operator under the Rail Safety National Law.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to receive training and upskilling in rail safety and statutory interpretation. In this role you will be able to grow your rail industry networks with exposure to a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. 

Purpose That Counts - About this role:

• Lead the review and development of rail safety related SEMS elements to ensure continual improvement and compliance with safety laws.
• Support the development and implementation of rail safety strategies and frameworks through research, benchmarking, assurance, incident learning review and safety reporting activities.
• Support the management of Queensland Rail’s interface with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) on accreditation matters.
  Provide rail safety support and advice to stakeholders to support enterprise-wide understanding of and compliance with SEMS and the Rail Safety National Law.
• Upskill and support the business in the application of safety change management, safety interface coordination and rail safety worker management processes.
• Support the production of regular detailed rail safety reports for review at all levels, including the Rail Safety News, Rail Safety Annual Report, Regulatory reports, Senior Management Reports and report summaries.

People Who Count – What you will bring:

• Extensive knowledge of the Rail Safety National Law and the development and application of safety management systems.
• Highly skilled in researching, developing, and writing safety documentation.
• Proficient in facilitating change management processes, with strong knowledge of either Queensland Rail's procedures or demonstrated equivalent experience in similar frameworks within large operational environments.
• Deep understanding of train operations environments and safety-related governance frameworks.
• Substantial awareness of risks associated with rail safety.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to manage time and tasks efficiently and proactively.

For further information about this opportunity please refer to the position description HERE
 

Progress that Counts 

 
Being part of Queensland Rail means being part of an exciting future where you'll welcome millions of international passengers for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our Cross River Rail project will transform travel across the South East Queensland network, doubling passenger journeys to 80 million over the next decade.  

 
To support this growth and enhance customer experiences, we're committed to key initiatives, including building three new Gold Coastline stations, implementing the $2.6 billion Gold Coast Faster Rail Project, introducing 65 new Next Generation Rolling Stock trains, improving station accessibility at eight main stations, boosting North Coast Line capacity and upgrading Central Station.

 
Tomorrow That Counts - Sounds great, what’s next?

 
If this position interests you and you feel you have the knowledge and experience please apply via our website by clicking onto the "Apply" button. Please submit a resume and covering letter outlining your relevant experience by 11:59pm Thursday 23rd October 2025.
 

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

 
Queensland Rail acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Elders of the lands and waterways our network traverses.

 
Our teams are People who Count. We encourage diversity in our teams, including different genders, age, race, disability status, sexual orientation, religions, neurodiversity, education levels and many more aspects. No two journeys are the same, and it’s because of our differences that as a collective, we achieve great things.

If you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process, please contact please contact Kelly McLean via the email below.

 
Applicants for roles at Queensland Rail may undergo pre-employment alcohol and drug testing if they advance in the recruitment process. The selection process may also include psychometric assessments, pre-employment health checks and background screenings, which could involve criminal history and credit checks if this applies to the pre-employment requirements for this role. 
For roles that have pre-employment qualifications, we will also be required to do formal qualification verification processes to ensure qualifications align to Queensland Rail's pre-employment frameworks.  

 
To learn more about this Queensland Rail career opportunity please contact Kelly McLean with your specific enquiry via kelly.mclean@qr.com.au   Please do not email your application. We can only accept applications received via our website.