Position Purpose
Assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient driving/handling of all different types of trains/locomotives (airbrake, vacuum, high speed, heavy haul and passengers) to ensure that the customer's freight/cargo reaches its destination in good condition, on time, in order to enable the organisation to satisfy the customer needs.
Position Outputs
1. Sign on duty at designated workplace and be allocated duties to be performed for the duration of the shift.
o Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
o Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
o Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
o Clean working area.
o Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed; assist with locomotive brake tests.
o Couple locomotive.
o Sign on duty.
o Dispatch locomotives.
2. Prepare locomotives.
o Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
o Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
o Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
o Clean working area.
o Assist with starting up of locomotives as prescribed.
o Assist with locomotive brake tests.
3. Prepare communication equipment.
o Obtain radio’s/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters when applicable.
o Check functionality of communication equipment.
4. Perform pre‑trip preparation of the locomotives and the whole train prior to departure to adhere to roadworthiness, train working rules and safety standards.
o Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of guard personnel.
o Mount telemeters where necessary.
o Complete vehicle list and vacuum form.
o Mount train indicators.
o Examine train.
o Do brake test in conjunction with train driver.
5. Execute shunting activities in sidings and en route according to directives to enhance safe working procedures.
o Obtain works order.
o Perform shunting, placing, removing of trucks as per works order.
o Update vehicle list.
o Place and clear load/empty trucks at siding.
6. Assist the train driver en route to ensure safe movement of the train from a required point to the destination, without delays or damage to locomotives, wagons, infrastructure, track and other equipment, to ensure predictable service.
o Verbally compare signal positions and display with train driver.
o Observe proceeding trains, patrol locomotives.
o Reset locomotive trip outs.
o Observe safe running of train.
o Protect train during incidents.
o Assist Train Driver during emergency circumstances.
7. Comply with safety standards and laid down instruction to ensure well‑motivated and competent conduct.
8. Provide accurate feedback timely to the Train Driver regarding any incidents and deviations along the route.
9. Assist in performing various administrative duties.
10. Complete the Train journal and submit to the Section Manager at sign‑off after every shift to ensure timely and accurate processing of monthly salary.
Qualifications and Experience
1. Educational requirements
Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science.
2. Other requirements
Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioral risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months.
Physical hearing, vision, mental, fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related safety behavioral risk assessments).
The operator shall not allow employees younger than 21 years of age to undertake Train driver or train control duties (SANS 3000, par 6.2.6.8).
3. Minimum trainee pre‑requisite
Minimum height 1.6 m.
Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS) standards).
Ability to carry heavy objects.
4. Functional training
Be prepared to successfully undergo Train Assistant duties (theoretical and practical) so as to be certified to work independently as a Train Assistant.
Be willing, prepared and capable to obtain a Train Assistant duties certificate (theoretical and practical) successfully and be certified to work independently as Train Assistant.
Competencies
Knowledge:
* Various communications systems.
* Depot layout.
* Locomotive classes.
* Locomotive equipment.
* Route/road.
* Sections/stations and sidings.
* Signing on duty procedures.
* Train working rules.
* Trip report.
* Yard and siding layout.
* Knowledge of general TFR policies.
* Shunting procedures.
* Locomotive classes and their hauling capacities, constraints on the particular territory.
* Health and Safety Act 8515.
* First Aid.
* Basic conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).
* SANS 3004 (Human Factors).
* HC Policies and procedures.
* Train service/ITP.
* Training workings.
* Substance Abuse policy and procedures.
Skills Required:
* Locomotive coupling and uncoupling.
* Locomotive preparations (Electrical and Diesel).
* Observation.
* Shunting movement.
* Train handling skills.
* Time management.
* Stress handling.
* Assessment.
* Literate communication.
* Communication.
* Judgement.
* Reasoning.
* Psychomotor skills (reactions/coordination).
* Concentration.
* Spatial perception.
* Depth perception.
* Numericals.
* Train/locomotive handling and preparation.
* Problem solving.
* Electrical and diesel locomotive driving.
Attributes:
* Stress handling.
* Self‑management.
* Safety conscious.
* Punctual.
* Willing to work shifts.
* Results orientated.
Equity Statement
Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.
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