Overview / Purpose

The Rail Protection Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety of rail workers, rail assets, and the public by implementing protection measures, managing rail possessions, and coordinating with operational and safety stakeholders to prevent collisions and unwanted train movements in work zones. The role ensures compliance with rail safeworking rules, industry standards, and network-specific procedures.

Key Responsibilities / Duties

Plan, implement and maintain protection arrangements for worksites, possessions, track access and maintenance windows

Conduct risk assessments, site inspections, and safety briefings prior to works commencing

Issue and manage protection documents (e.g. Work Protection Permits, Safe Work Method Statements, Protection Work Plans)

Coordinate with train controllers, site supervisors, contractors, and field crews to control train movements into or near work zones

Set up warning systems, signals, lookouts, barricades and exclusion zones in accordance with safeworking procedures

Monitor for compliance with rail rules and protection protocols during works

Respond to incidents or breaches of protection, initiate mitigations, escalate as needed

Maintain accurate records, logs, reports, incident reports, and communication records

Participate in post-work reviews, investigations, and continuous improvement of protection practices

Train or mentor less experienced protection officers or safeworking staff (as relevant)

Assist in developing or reviewing protection procedures, standards and guideline documents in line with national best practice (e.g. RISSB guidelines) Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board

Adhere to safety, compliance, and regulatory requirements (e.g. network rules, Rail Safety National Law, state regulations)

Work in varied and sometimes harsh environmental conditions (weather, remote locations)

Perform shift work, night work, weekend work, standby / on-call duties as required

Required Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

Proven experience in rail protection, safeworking, track protection, or related rail operations

Understanding of rail safeworking rules, signals, train control, and rail operational procedures

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, plans, signalling diagrams

Strong risk assessment, hazard identification and mitigation skills

Good communication, negotiation, and stakeholder liaison skills

Capability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

High level of attention to detail

Valid Australian driver’s licence

Ability to pass criminal history / integrity checks

Meet health and fitness standards required for a Rail Safety Worker (e.g. Category 3 health assessment)

Willingness to travel and work outside normal hours

Desirable:

Formal qualification in rail infrastructure or rail operations (Cert III, Cert IV, diploma)

Certification / training in protection / track access / safeworking

Previous incident investigation or safety audit experience

Experience in remote or FIFO rail environments

First aid qualification

Knowledge of relevant standards, codes, and guidelines (e.g. RISSB protection officer guidelines)

Key Competencies & Attributes

Safety-first mindset

Analytical and sound decision-making under pressure

Resilient and adaptable to change

Effective at conflict resolution and problem solving

Clear, precise written and verbal communication

Proactive, self-motivated

Teamwork, collaborative attitude

Integrity, reliability, punctuality

Working Conditions & Environment

Work in rail corridor, track environment, adjacent to live rail lines

Outdoor conditions – exposure to heat, cold, wind, dust, rain

Will require travel to regional and remote sites

Shift work, night shifts, weekend work, standby / call-outs

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): high-visibility gear, hard hat, gloves, safety boots, radios, etc.

Physical demands: some walking, standing for long periods, climbing or stepping across track structures

Performance Indicators / Success Measures

Zero protection breaches or near-miss incidents under supervision

Timely and accurate issuance of protection documentation

Effective coordination with train control, operations, and site crews

Compliance with safeworking rules, procedures, and audits

Contribution to continuous improvement of protection systems

Quality and timeliness of reporting and record keeping