Trainee Train Assistant

• Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
• Employee Group: Trainee
• Department: OP-COR-EXEC-TCM-Train Crew A-KTR
• Location: Komatipoort
• Reporting To: Section Manager: Train Traffic
• Grade: SSTFT
• Reference: req4274

Assist the Train Driver in the safe and efficient driving/handling of all different types of trains/locomotive consists (airbrake, vacuum, high speed, heavy haul and passengers) to ensure that the customers freight/cargo reaches its destination in good condition, on time, in order to enable the organisation to satisfy the customers' needs.

1. Sign on duty at designated workplace and be allocated duties to be performed for the duration of the shift.
   • Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
   • Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
   • Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
   • Clean working area.
   • Assist with starting up of locomotive as prescribed and with locomotive brake tests.
   • Couple locomotive.
   • Sign on duty.
   • Despatch locomotive.
2. Prepare locomotives.
   • Determine which locomotive to be prepared.
   • Obtain and place equipment on locomotive.
   • Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
   • Clean working area.
   • Assist with starting up of locomotives as prescribed.
   • Assist with locomotive brake tests.
3. Prepare communication equipment.
   • Obtain radios/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters when applicable.
   • Check functionality of communication equipment.
4. Perform pre trip preparation of the locomotives and the whole train prior to departure to adhere to roadworthiness and train working rules and safety standards.
   • Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of guard personnel.
   • Mount telemeters where necessary.
   • Complete vehicle list and vacuum form.
   • Mount train indicators.
   • Examine train.
   • Do brake test in conjunction with train driver.
5. Execute shunting activities in sidings and enroute according to directives to enhance safe working procedures.
   • Obtain works order.
   • Perform shunting/placing/removing of trucks as per works order.
   • Update vehicle list.
   • Place and clear load/empty trucks at siding.
6. Assist the train driver enroute to ensure the safe movement of the train.
   • Verbally compare signal positions and display with train driver.
   • Observe proceeding trains patrol locomotives.
   • Reset locomotive trip outs.
   • Observe safe running of train.
   • Protect train during incidents.
   • Assist Train Driver during emergency circumstances.
7. Comply to safety standards and laid down instruction to ensure that he is well motivated and competent.
8. Provide accurate feedback timeously to the Train Driver regarding any incidents and deviations along the route.
9. Assist in performing various administration 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.

• Educational Requirements: Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science.
• Other Requirements: Be prepared to undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioural risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months; physical, hearing, vision, and mental fitness to be verified through medical tests and related safety behavioural risk assessments; employees younger than 21 years of age shall not undertake train driver or train control duties (SANS 3000, par 6.2.6.8).
• Minimum Trainee Pre Requisite: Minimum height 1.6 m; psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System); ability to carry heavy objects.
• Functional Training: Be prepared to undergo Train Assistant duties (theoretical and practical) 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 a Train Assistant.

• 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 851
  • 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
  • Literacy
  • Communication
  • Judgement
  • Reasoning
  • Psychomotor skills (reactions/coordination)
  • Concentration
  • Observation
  • Spatial
  • Depth perception psychomotor
  • 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

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.

If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.