Train Assistant / Shunter
Listing reference: grind_000681
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 4 August 2026
Position summary
Industry: Distribution, Transport & Logistics
Job category: Rail Freight
Location: Mpumalanga
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
An exciting opportunity has become available for a self-motivated, driven, and innovative individual to join Grindrod Rail Consultancy Services (Pty) Ltd at their offices in Mpumalanga. All suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for this vacancy.
Job description
- Check roster, sign on duty and read and sign notice book.
- Check tools and equipment and place on locomotive.
- Ensure clean working area.
- Assist Train Driver to perform a brake test as prescribed.
- Couple locomotive on to load and couple vacuum pipe through.
- Make sure all vacuum pipes are coupled through all the wagons.
- Make sure all handbrakes are loose.
- Make sure all wagon doors are properly closed.
- Check for physical defects on all wagons.
- Perform a train brake test as prescribed.
- Shunting activities when needed.
- Complete applicable documents for the Train Driver to endorse.
- Act to Local Appendices/Instructions/General Appendix and Train Working Rules.
- Keep a good lookout on own train as well as for other trains for safe passage.
- Keep a good lookout for maintenance personnel, persons and animals.
- Report all incidents, defects, unsafe acts and conditions immediately.
- Assist and interact with others during emergencies.
- Ensure locomotives are safeguarded.
- Ensure completeness of all train documents and trip reports.
Minimum requirements
Qualifications:
Grade 11
Certification in Train Assistant Duties by a registered institution in:
Train Working Rules
Shunting Instructions
Radio protocol
Diesel Electric Locomotive
Compressed Air Brake System
Experience:
- 3 years’ experience as Train Assistant/Shunter.
- Compressed Air Brake Train – Shunting.
- Use of mobile radios and/or hand signals.
- Diesel Electric Locomotives Train Working Rules.
- Proven train handling experience on heavy haul operations will be advantageous.
- Demonstrated operational knowledge of the Belfast to Komati route or similar corridors will be advantageous.
- Knowledge of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) operating environments, procedures, and interfaces will be advantageous.
- Candidates must have a clean safety record, with no history of serious incidents, accidents, or disciplinary findings related to train operations.
Required skills:
Theoretical and practical competence to:
- Train Working Rules
- Train Assistant Duties on Diesel Electric
- Locomotive
- Compressed air brake
- Shunting of trains.
- Loading of trains.
- Able to work with minimum supervision.
- Follow Instructions.
- Function in a team.
- Safety Orientated
- Target driven.
- Work flexible hours.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Pay attention to details.
- Mentally and physically fit.
- Speak, read, and write English fluently.