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A Rail Protection Officer implements safety procedures to protect rail and track workers. You’ll use signals and other control equipment to ensure workers are safe while carrying out track inspections, repairs and maintenance. Rail Protection Officers might conduct risk assessments and provide safety briefings to work crews before work begins.
Rail Protection Officers should have strong situational awareness and excellent attention to detail. You’ll need to be able to focus for long periods of time and communicate clearly when required. Rail Protection Officers must be able to follow instructions and work to correct procedures. Teamwork is important and you may have to work irregular hours.
There are 3 courses available for people who want to become a Rail Protection Officer.
Possible job outcomes:
Become a rail track supervisor with the TLI47121 Certificate IV in Rail Infrastructure. This nationally recognised qualification certifies you for supervisory roles in rail structures, track surfacing, track working, or track protection. The course covers: leadership, project management, rail safety and risk control measures, supervising work teams, resolving conflict and grievances, accident-emergency procedures. Enquire now for entry requirements, specialisation electives (and their availability) and upcoming enrolment opportunities near you..
Average duration: 12 months.
Get an operational role on the railways with the TLI27121 Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to specialise in either track work, structures, track surfacing, or tram and light rail infrastructure. The course covers: using hand tools, safe manual handling, communicating with your work team, following WHS procedures, managing fatigue, environmental procedures for rail infrastructure, technical skills related to railway maintenance work, and much more. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, specialisation electives (and their availability), and training providers near you that offer this qualification..
Get a job on the railways as a track protection officer with the TLI32721 Certificate III in Track Protection. This hands-on qualification will teach you how to plan and coordinate trackwork and protection activities for multiple worksites. Competencies include: implementing a trackwork authority, placing and removing way stopboards, operating signalling and point control equipment, applying a site risk management system, conducting a track protection assessment, applying quality systems, and more. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, railway career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment opportunities in your area..
Average duration: 6 months.
In Australia, a full time Rail Protection Officer generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this industry has grown moderately in recent years. There are currently 5,800 people employed in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Rail Protection Officer. Rail Protection Officers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate III in Track Protection is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Rail Protection Officer. This course covers a range of topics including risk assessments, track protection assessments and safety briefings. A Certificate II or IV in Rail Infrastructure may also be appropriate.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within rail. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Rail
Rail Protection Officer
$960 weekly pay
Rail Worker
Track Worker
Railway Shunter
$1,340 weekly pay
Senior Track Worker
$1,200 weekly pay
Signaller
Track Machine Operator
$1,400 weekly pay
Train Driver
$1,600 weekly pay
Rail Safety Manager
$2,000 weekly pay
Train Controller
$1,800 weekly pay
Learn more about Rail Protection Officer courses in your area.