Trainee Train Assistant - Ogies at Transnet

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. · 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 assist with locomotive brake tests · Couple locomotive · Sign on duty · Despatch locomotive
• 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 locomotive as prescribed · Assist with locomotive brake tests
• Prepare communication equipment · Obtain radio’s/handsets/walkie talkie/telemeters when applicable · Check functionality of 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 · Attach/detach vehicles according to works order in absence of yard personnel 
  • Mount telemeters where necessary 
  • Complete vehicle list and vacuum form  
  • Mount train indicators 
  •  Examine train 
• Do brake test in conjunction with train driver
• Execute shunting activities in sidings and enroute according to directives to enhance safe working procedures. · Obtain works order · Performa shunting/placing/removing of trucks as per works order · Update vehicle list · Place and clear load/empty trucks at siding 
• 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. · 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
• 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 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science 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 1.6m tall. 
• Psychomotor ability (to be assessed through Vienna Testing System (VTS) standard) 
• Ability to carry heavy objects 

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 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 

Attributes 

• Stress handling 
• Self-management 
• Safety conscious 
• Punctual 
• Willing to work shifts 
• Results orientated 

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