Pacific National recruits drivers across three states

AUSTRALIA: Pacific National has opened one of its largest recent recruitment campaigns for qualified locomotive drivers, targeting roles across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria as customer demand grows.

The campaign covers qualified drivers, Drivers Under Instruction and Second Persons at multiple locations. The original recruitment announcement also says further opportunities continue to emerge across the operator’s national network.

Pacific National’s current open roles include qualified locomotive driver positions with Queensland Coal teams in Sarina, Coppabella, Gracemere and Gladstone.

Recruitment targets long-term train crew careers

Chief People and Culture Officer Bronwyn Baker said the recruitment drive supports both business growth and natural workforce renewal.

“Our focus isn’t simply on filling vacancies – it’s about building long-term careers and creating a valued team of qualified drivers who want to be part of an organisation that keeps Australia’s freight moving.”

The company is seeking applicants who combine technical competence with teamwork, sound judgement, clear communication and a commitment to continuous improvement. It also encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds as it works to build a more inclusive workforce.

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Freight volumes show the operational scale

Pacific National says it moves an average of 2.26 million tonnes of coal, 280,000 tonnes of bulk freight and 12,518 twenty-foot equivalent intermodal containers in a typical week.

The operator employs 3,400 people at more than 70 locations, while 59% of its workforce is based outside metropolitan areas. Its activities span energy, resources, manufacturing, agriculture and intermodal freight, creating driver opportunities across metropolitan, regional and remote communities.

The business runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Drivers may work across commodities ranging from consumer goods and intermodal traffic to bulk freight.

Training, benefits and progression

Qualified drivers receive structured onboarding, operational training, competency assessments and continuing development. Career paths can lead to driver trainer, operations supervisor, train crew manager and wider operational leadership roles.

Benefits include competitive remuneration, a Fitness Passport, discounted health insurance and an Employee Assistance Program. Pacific National also offers paid parental leave, purchased leave and other flexible arrangements where operations permit.

Candidates can apply through the operator’s open-roles portal. Its separate driver careers page also outlines trainee pathways and flexible employment options for people considering a future driving career.