Trainee Train Assistants
Operating Division: TFR
Employee Group: Trainee
Department: Operations
Reporting To: Section Manager
Grade: SSTP
Position Purpose
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.
Position Outputs
Sign on duty at designated work place and be allocated duties to be performed for
the duration of the shift
Prepare locomotives
Prepare communication equipment
Performs the pre-trip preparation of the Locomotives and the whole Train prior the
departure to adhere to roadworthiness and train working rules and safety standards
Execute shunting activities in sidings and enroute according to directives to
enhance safe working procedures
Assist the train driver enroute to ensure the 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
Comply to safety standards and laid down instruction to ensure that he is well
motivated and competent
Provide accurate feedback timeously to the Train Driver regarding any incidents and
deviations along the route
Assist in performing various administration duties
Complete the Train journal and submit to the Section manager at sign-off after
every shift to ensure timeous and accurate processing of monthly salary
Qualifications and Experience
Educational Requirements
Grade 12
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.
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 behavioural 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)
The following minimum Trainee pre-requisite:
The candidate should be a minimum of 1.6 meters tall
Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS) standard)
Ability to carry heavy objects
Competencies
Knowledge
Various communication 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 85
First aid
Basic conditions of employment act (BCEA)
SANS 3004 (Human factors)
HC policies and procedures
Train service/ITP
Train workings
Substance Abuse policy and procedures
Skills
Locomotive coupling and uncoupling
Locomotive preparation (Electrical and Diesel)
Locomotive Stabling
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
Numerical
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
“NB: The candidate must meet the minimum inherent health requirements of the job”
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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