This advert is open for application by external applicants.
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.
Applicants that are interested in applying for any of the advertised positions must apply by registering on the Careers section of the Transnet Internet.
Please take care in completing all required details on the profile, and then apply for the position.
Alternative Application Methods: (Completed Curriculum Vitae to be submitted)
Post:
E-mail:
Fax: 0117749199
The closing date is on 01.08.2014.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.
Note: if you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Any questions regarding the application or recruitment process should be sent in writing to PAULINE.MAKHUBELE@TRANSNET.NET.
We urge all our employees, clients, members of the public and our suppliers to report any kind of fraud or corruption at Transnet. Call the hotline toll free number: 0800 003 056 or email Transnet@tip-offs.com
Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
Position Title: Trainee Train Assistant
Employee Group: Permanent
Department: SC-OPS-EXEC-TCM-TT Outside A-TZB
Location: Thabazimbi
Reporting To: Section Manager (Train Traffic)
Grade Level: TFR7D2
Reference Number: 50004682
Position Purpose: To assist the Train Driver in the movement of the train, shunt the train and to convey information to the client centre en route to enhance the safe, fast movement of commodities.
Position Outputs:
PREPARED LOCOMOTIVE:
- Obtain and place equipment on train (plus minus 15 kg)
- Check and supplement prescribed equipment i.e. pantograph hook stick (plus minus 5 kg), jumper cables (plus minus 10 kg) etc.
- Coupled locomotives (multiple set) through air and vacuum hoses, jumper cable and ensure correct functioning of automatic coupler between locomotives
- Despatch locomotives, operating hand operated points
- Attach and/or detach vehicles according to works order in absence of yard personnel (Equivalent of 45 kg)
- Mount telemeters (where necessary) i.e. mount (front unit = 5.17 kg) (rear unit = 8.06 kg)
- Remove and carry train indicators to last vehicle and mount (side and rear indicators) (plus minus 10 kg).
- Required to board vehicle to effect proper mounting
- Examining of train as prescribed
ASSISTANCE EN ROUTE:
- Verbal exchange of signal positions
- Observe proceeding trains
- Patrol locomotives (walking through corridors of electric locomotives using extended foot plate and hand rails at speeds up to 40 km/h; walking on running board of diesel locomotives and stepping over to another locomotive at speeds up to 40 km/h; manual operating of circuit breakers while locomotive is in motion)
- Protect train during incidents, accidents etc.
- Be prepared to walk relatively long distances to check train loads (day and night)
- (Determine status of train, placing and securing of detonators on rail, displaying hand signals day and night, walking on uneven ground, ability to withstand natural elements)
- Assistance to Train Driver during emergencies (in event of Driver failure to bring train to standstill; walking long distances to report position, and requirements)
- Attach/detach trucks as per works-order (manual application of equipment; standing of vehicle walking alongside moving vehicles)
PREPARED COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT:
- Obtain radios/handsets/two way communication radios/telemeters when applicable (carrying of communication equipment and place on footplate or mount on vehicle).
SHUNTING MOVEMENTS: STABLED TRAIN/LOCOMOTIVE:
- Assist the Train Driver by applying hand brake
- Secure as prescribed (applying hand brakes and placing of scotch blocks in front wheels)
- Store tools and equipment (remove kit-box from locomotive and store away)
Qualifications and Experience:
- Grade 12 with Maths
- At least 1,6 meters tall
Competencies:
- Applicants must have the potential and attributes necessary to be trained to efficiently and safely perform the tasks of a Train Assistant and to be trained as a Train Driver.
Applicants must however possess the following:
- Psycho motor
- Depth perception
- Communication (reading, written and verbal)
ATTITUDES:
- Safety conscious
- Environmental awareness
- Conscientious
- Prepared to work overtime
- Prepared to work shifts
CAPABILITIES:
- Visual acuity
- Physically able to lift and carry heavy objects (be prepared to be subjected to assessment of physical abilities)
NB: Applications are invited from candidates who are interested and the ability to be trained for the ultimate appointment as Train Assistant.
Look under Alternative Application
Methods above for the application email address / fax or click here to apply online
At the end of an interview:
You should be getting the opportunity to ask questions from your side at the end of the interview. Use this as an opportunity to show your interest in the company and the position. Develop your questions while you do your research on the company. Do not ask a question of which you should know the answer (e.g. what does your company do?) or anything that will be provided in future documentation (e.g. conditions of employment). Your questions need to make the interviewer sit up and realise what a brilliant candidate you are. You therefore need to focus on the role and not your own needs. Below is a selection of questions you could consider asking:
- What are some of the issues that will face the successful candidate in terms of improving the inter-personal relations in the department?
- What are the current vulnerabilities in terms of processes / people / technology / etc. within the organisation that need to be attended to?
- What are the most important key result areas that the successful candidate will have to meet in the first 6 months? How would these be measured?
- I read that market ABC or product ABC is very important to your company; how will this position be able to support the company in attaining this market or product?
Hopefully this got you thinking. Now, develop some of your own that you will also be able to link to the research that you have done.
However, if the position is very junior or entry level, then the following type of questions will be sufficient:
- Why did the previous incumbent leave?
- What does a typical day look like in this position?
- Could you give me more detail around the company structure?
- Is there any support for further education?
Under no circumstances should you even attempt to ask the following questions:
- How many days annual leave will I get?
- What is the earliest date for a possible promotion?
- When will I qualify for an increase?
- What is the earliest that employees are allowed to leave in the afternoon?
These and similar questions will raise serious concerns as to the value that you will be adding to the company. Most of these will be answered in the letter of offer once the interview process is finalised.