Queensland Rail

Government, Community & Emergency Services

What You Can Do With Us

From Trackside to Corporate, Stations to Network Control, Queensland Rail offers numerous career paths that you may not be aware of. Here are a few videos of some business areas and roles and the employees that make the job their own.

Remember, it takes more than just train crew to keep our wheels turning!

Stations & Customer Service

The South East Queensland network extends from the centre of Brisbane south to Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast, north to Ferny Grove, Shorncliffe, Caboolture and Gympie, east to Cleveland and west to Ipswich and Rosewood.  So many station employment opportunities! 

Rail Operations Response Unit

Commonly known as RORU within the business, this crew are at the coal face when an incident happens on track or within our network.  Whether that be a truck hitting a bridge or an accident on the track – this amazing team are the ones who are first on the scene.  This role is extremely important for QR and requires resilience, quick thinking and a strong safety acumen.

Network Control

If you want to see something impressive then the control room is a sight to be seen!  In this team, you would have the opportunity to talk to the Train Guards, Safety Officers and others who are out on the network to assist them in directing the trains and reporting any incidents.  If you have strong attention to detail, then this could be the team for you.

Trades

At QR we have many facilities that need upkeep on a daily basis, this includes the stations, offices, depots and more.  To help us with this we employ a team of exceptional trade staff who are responsible for maintaining these, it could mean fixing downlights in the offices in the CBD or painting the walls after an upgrade at one of the stations.  With so much property to look after, it takes a solid team to keep it all up to standard!

Protection Officers

The name says it all! This team are solely responsible for ensuring the protection of our workers on site and ensuring they are not exposed to any harm or risks whilst completing works on track.

Signalling (Engineers & Techs)

Signalling plays a critical role to ensure that our train services run safely and efficiently on our network.  Operational Systems Engineers work with leading software technologies to design train management and support systems for our signalling network.  The Signalling Electricians are the ones to call if a signal fails on the network and ensure that it’s fixed in record time to get the trains back up and running

Authorised Officers

If you have a background in security, then you could be qualified to join our team as an Authorised Officer. Authorised Officers play an extremely important role in keeping our stations and trains safe for commuters and our people.

Travel & Tourism

Did you know that in certain customer service roles you are able to travel across Queensland?  Our travel trains go from Brisbane to various locations such as Far North QLD and inland to Longreach and Mt Isa. We are regularly on the lookout for people like you to help make our customers journey a memorable one.

Cross River Rail

We are currently partnered with one of the biggest megaprojects that Queensland has seen in recent years – the Cross River Rail Project.  This is a huge opportunity for Queensland Rail and has seen a significant demand for quality people to undertake significant projects, enhance their skills, and gain valuable experience in a variety of disciplines.

Apprenticeships

At Queensland Rail, your growth really matters. From our varied and exciting Apprentice experiences to real support and mentorship, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the rail industry, on Queensland and on your future – and everything you learn will set you and your career apart.

Here’s some of what you’ll have access to:

• Our Essential Skills program, helping you develop knowledge and experience.
• Our Mentoring Program with expert leaders.
• Support from the Queensland Rail Young Professionals Network.
• Frequent networking events with other Apprentices.

Progress that Counts

There’s never been a more exciting time to join Queensland Rail. From Cross River Rail, to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, to all the amazing progress taking place in local communities across our state – there are endless opportunities for you to support exciting, innovative projects.

Here’s just a snapshot of what you could be working on:

• The $764.3 million European Train Control System rollout.
• Three new Gold Coast line stations, as well as $2.6 billion Gold Coast Faster Rail Project- track Duplication.
• The $360 million Park n Ride upgrade program.
• The $7.1 billion Ormeau Stabling and Maintenance Facility project.
• The 65 New Next Generation Rolling Stock (Trains) built in Maryborough.
• Central West line bridge replacement program replacing 16 bridges and repairing 44.

Benefits that Count

All that Queensland Rail achieves each day relies on the hard work and talent of our teams. That’s why we offer a range of meaningful benefits, all designed to help you bring your best, including:

• Free travel to and from work, home and duty on our train network
• Additional leave and flexible working arrangements.
• A fitness passport and annual flu vaccinations.
• Novated leasing and salary packaging.
• Professional memberships and study assistance.

Purpose that Counts

Want to make a difference? If you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey and be part of an organisation that combines professional growth with a purpose that counts, Queensland Rail’s apprenticeship opportunities are waiting for you. Here are some of the apprenticeships up for grabs.

Electrical

Electrical apprentices learn to install and maintain electrical components, wiring, equipment, and systems and may rotate through a variety of specialised areas of the rail industry. Specific areas of our business where an Electrician’s skills are developed include: Telecommunications, Rail Traction, Rollingstock Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Signalling Systems, Cabling Systems and Plant Servicing.

Mechanical

Mechanical Apprenticeships include Mechanical Fitters and / or Turners and Diesel Fitters. Apprentices get hands on to assist in repair, servicing and maintenance duties while working with Queensland Rail assets such asrollingstock, heavy earthmoving and/or rail track maintenance machinery, small to medium diesel engines, heavy lift vehicles and stationary plant equipment.

Plumber and Carpenter

As an apprentice Plumber or Carpenter, under guidance you will assist with the maintenance and repairs to Queensland Rails Facilities and Heritage assets (houses, depots, stations, equipment rooms).

Plumber: You will gain substantial knowledge of plumbing work in accordance with the National Construction Code and Queensland Plumbing Codes, regulations and learn to read plans, drawings, and specifications.

Carpenter: You will develop skills and knowledge required for the rail environment and gain associated trade qualifications through on-the-job training and formal training courses.

How do I apply?

We’re so excited you’re considering joining our Apprentice program. Please submit your application via our Careers page https://jobs.queenslandrail.com.au/  Applications close Friday 28^th July 2023.

We’re a team of thousands and we’re proud of our individual, diverse journeys, and stories. And as we grow, we need more diverse backgrounds and perspectives than ever before. We are committed to facilitating a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.                    

Traineeships

Traineeship – Transport & Logistics

Queensland Rail offers a range of Traineeships within Transport & Logistics, some of which are tailored specifically to the needs of operating a railway. Specific job roles may include Materials Officer, Network Maintainer, Network Controller, Network Planner, Train Driver and Train Guard.

Traineeship – Business

Traineeships may be offered within the following business areas: Administration, Finance / Accounts, Human Resources, Record Keeping, Legal, Project Management. Job roles relevant to this qualification include but are not limited to:

• Administration Officer
• Reception
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable

Traineeship – Asset Maintenance

Trainees will gain skills in an industrial and/or commercial environment and may work within our stations and facilities or be involved in the presentation of our suburban and long-distance travel trains. 

Traineeship – Systems Maintainer

Assist in the maintenance and installation of mechanical Trackside Systems equipment and infrastructure as required. At the end of successfully completing the training program, a Certificate III in Mechanical Rail Signalling will be obtained.

Traineeship – Train Controller

As a Trainee Train Controller, you will learn to control, coordinate and record the movement of trains and on–track vehicles across the Queensland Rail network. The role provides a specific training pathway to become a qualified Train Controller with Queensland Rail.  Training encompasses an intensive 25-week training program with classroom-based learning and on the job.

How do I apply?

In order to be considered for either an apprenticeship or traineeship with Queensland Rail, you will need to submit an application when a role is advertised. We do not have regular intakes scheduled for these positions and they can be advertised at any time. Unfortunately, we do not know when the next intake will be.

We recommend signing up for Queensland Rail job alerts that way you will receive notifications relating to Queensland Rail’s career opportunities that interest you. Please go to Job Alerts for information on how to set alerts.

Our dedicated careers team can be contacted on 13 16 17 or you can email the team at qrcareers@qr.com.au.

Our Graduate Program

You’ll connect Queensland.

We’ll connect you to an amazing career.

Why choose the Queensland Rail Graduate Program?

Queensland Rail is built on true connection. And everything we achieve is made possible by you.

As a graduate, you’ll shape a career you never expected. From our varied and exciting graduate experiences to real support and mentorship, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the rail industry, on Queensland and on your future.

You can make a difference

Purpose that Counts

Want to make a difference? As a graduate at Queensland Rail, you can.

So much of what you’ll do here is about the everyday. The daily commute. The freight train linking regional communities. You’ll be surprised by how much those moments matter. And in every graduate role, you’ll feel a true connection to the impact you make on lives – every moment, every day.

You’ll also be part of the bigger picture. From Cross River Rail to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, you’ll have opportunities to work on or support interesting, innovative projects. That means incredible things for your career. And as we grow and evolve alongside Queensland, you’ll know your contribution really counts.

People who count

What fuels our people is the connection they have with each other.

The true support they get and give, every day. Here, you’ll work with experienced, down-to-earth people who will help you learn the ropes. And through our formal mentoring program and networking events with other graduates, you’ll build genuine relationships that will last.

We’re a team of thousands and we’re proud of our individual, diverse journeys and stories. And as we grow, we need more diverse backgrounds and perspectives than ever before. Our future focuses on building an even greater organisation where everyone can thrive. Find out how you can get involved in our D&I journey here

Progress that Counts

Your journey matters. Make it with us.

We’re proud of every graduate who has built their career here. For some, it’s about getting exposure to a diverse range of work – you might be rotating through our business, supporting an exciting project or connecting regional communities. Others really love gaining new knowledge and experience through our Essential Skills program. At Queensland Rail, the opportunity is what you make it – and everything you learn will set you and your career apart.

Thinking about what comes next? The size of our organisation means there’s often new roles up for grabs. So, when it’s time to take your next step, just put up your hand – we’ll help you carve out the future you’ve always wanted.

Job Opportunities

Queensland Rail updates their current vacancies page daily. We recommend signing up for Queensland Rail job alerts that way you will receive notifications relating to Queensland Rail’s career opportunities that interest you. Please go to Job Alerts for information on how to create a profile and set your job alerts.

To view all our current listed vacancies please click here

Our dedicated careers team can be contacted on 13 16 17 or you can email the team at qrcareers@qr.com.au.

Awards

Resources