Driver in Charge

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

We are seeking an experienced Drive in Charge in Cairns to provide coaching, mentoring and assessment of Regional Train Service (TSD) Traincrew in a demanding 24/7 operational environment.

Why leading Queensland Rail Regional Driver makes a difference to you: 

• $180,000 annual Regional Full Flat Rate in cycle (4 weeks) plus 12.75% superannuation 
• Individual self-contained minimum 3.5 star apartment when overnight stay is required  
• Yearly wage Increases – minimum 3% each year until 2027 
• Opportunities for growth and leadership 
• Continue your rail career with a leading industry player crucial to Queensland’s success where SAFETY comes first 
• Weekend penalties payable after working 26 Saturdays 
• Reduction in cycle time from 160 hrs to 152 hrs over 4 weeks and introduction of a 9-day fortnight (commencement January 2027)

Your opportunity

Based in Cairns, the Drive in Charge plays a pivotal leadership role in supporting Regional Train Service delivery. This position is responsible for coaching, mentoring and assessing Traincrew while promoting a strong professional culture, customer service excellence and strict compliance with operational standards, practices and procedures.

Operating in a 24/7 rail environment, this role requires flexibility to work rostered shift work and provide on‑call operational support in a fast‑paced and sometimes high‑pressure setting.

As Drive in Charge, you will:

• Lead, mentor and support Traincrew to maintain a professional culture focused on safety, continuous improvement and customer service.
• Develop, implement and refine work practices, processes and procedures to improve operational performance and efficiency.
• Manage competency‑based training, accreditation and assessment to ensure Traincrew compliance and high performance standards.
• Provide operational and emergency response support, including incident investigation, in accordance with Queensland Rail’s Safety Management System.
• Maintain effective stakeholder relationships and driving competency through ongoing operational engagement and periodic Locomotive Driver duties.

Please view the position Description here.

To be eligible for interview, applicants must:

• Submit a cover letter and CV outlining train driving experience, including traction types and routes worked.
  • Minimum 5 years continuous driving experience required
  • Deisel Locomotive traction qualified preferred
  • QLD Safeworking preferred
• Hold a Certificate in Train Driving (copy to be submitted with application)
• Hold a current C Class Driver Licence.
• Meet safety‑critical psychometric requirements.
• Be able to relocate to Cairns and remain at the depot for a minimum of three years in line with the EA.
• Have or be willing to obtain a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (copy to be submitted with application).

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring capability, fostering a professional, engaged and high‑performing Traincrew culture.
• Proven experience in Traincrew utilisation, performance management and workplace change.
• Advanced train driving competence relevant to Regional TSD operations, including Safeworking, route knowledge, emergency response and fault analysis.
• Sound knowledge of  Rail SEMS, operational procedures, HR practices, workplace agreements and competency‑based training frameworks.
• Highly developed communication, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, including incident investigation and reporting.

Applicants will undergo pre-employment testing including a category 1 health assessment, safety critical psychometric assessments, reference checking and criminal history checks. 

 For more specific information about the opportunity please ensure you read this Information Sheet.

Your journey matters. Make it with us.  

Please apply to Driver in Charge (11177) via our website by clicking onto the "Apply" button by 11:59pm (GMT+10:00 Brisbane) Thursday 30th April 2026. 

The recruitment and selection process for this position might require shortlisted applicants to undertake psychometric assessment, health assessment and background checks that might also include criminal history and credit checks.

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

Queensland Rail is committed to a diverse workforce that is reflective of the customers and communities we serve.
We are inclusive, collaborative, respectful, and value our differences.  We are 1TEAM, where everyone belongs.
If you do require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please contact Kayley Gayton via the phone number or email below.

To learn more about this Queensland Rail career opportunity please contact Kayley Gayton with your specific enquiry to Tanya.anderspn@qr.com.au. Please do not email your application. We can only accept applications received via our website.