Leading Hand Structures (Trade/Non Trade)

Company description:

KiwiRail Ltd

Job description:

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About us:

At KiwiRail, we're building a better connected and sustainable New Zealand. Our rail network connects businesses and communities across the country.

We work together to keep our network safe, reliable, and ready for the future. As part of our Structures team, you'll contribute to work that supports communities and keeps New Zealand moving.

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role:

As a Leading Hand Structures, you'll help lead and supervise a team carrying out structures maintenance, repairs, and renewals.

You'll help deliver both planned and unplanned work safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards. You'll work alongside your team, providing practical direction and supporting them to complete work effectively.

Safety is central to everything we do. You'll be a safety leader who sets a positive example and makes sure work meets KiwiRail's safety, quality, and engineering requirements.

The role will involve:

• Leading and participating in structures maintenance, repair, and renewal work.
• Planning and directing the day-to-day activities of the Structures team.
• Following planned work instructions and making sure work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Identifying and responding to defects and hazards that could affect staff, the public, or train operations.
• Completing work records, documentation, and reports accurately.
• Working professionally with contractors, clients, colleagues, and members of the public.
• Providing information to support compliance reporting and engineering requirements.
• Supporting on-the-job training and verifying team competencies.

The role is based at a local depot, with some travel and overnight stays required.

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring:

We're looking for someone who can support their team, work safely, and contribute to reliable structures maintenance.

You'll bring:

• Experience supervising or supporting a work team.
• Experience planning and organising team work.
• A strong background in railway structures maintenance.
• Knowledge of rail infrastructure codes and standards, or the ability to learn them.
• Structures maintenance experience at Senior Structures Maintainer level.
• Completed On-the-Job Training competencies relevant to the position.
• Intermediate Structures knowledge or completed Intermediate Structures modules.
• Basic computer skills and confidence completing work records.
• A safety-focused approach and commitment to the wellbeing of others.
• The ability to work cooperatively and communicate clearly with a range of people.
• A willingness to support training, share knowledge, and help others develop.

It would be useful if you also have:

• Completed Advanced Structures courses.
• A relevant carpentry qualification.
• NCEA Level 1 or 2, or an equivalent qualification.
• A Class 2 New Zealand driver licence.
• Appropriate licences required to carry out the role.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you:

You'll join a team doing practical work that directly supports New Zealand's rail network.

You'll have opportunities to:

• Build your leadership and technical skills through training and on-the-job development.
• Continue developing your structures maintenance knowledge.
• Work alongside experienced people across KiwiRail.
• Contribute to a safer, more reliable rail network.
• Build a career with an organisation that connects communities and businesses across New Zealand.

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to support a team and help maintain the structures that keep our network moving, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply now and bring your experience, practical skills, and commitment to safety to KiwiRail.

KiwiRail is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people can contribute and develop. We welcome applications from people with different skills, experiences, and backgrounds.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter online. If you're a current KiwiRail employee, please apply using your internal profile.

Rā aukati | Applications close: 30 August 2026 (unless filled sooner)