Loco Driver
Company: BTT
Business Unit: Richards Bay
Department: Operations
Location: Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Employment Type: Permanent
Reporting To: Rail Supervisor
Positions Available: 1
Reference Number: BTT260818-2
Minimum Education: Grade 12 / National Certificate
Closing Date: 25 August 2026
Job Overview
BTT is currently recruiting for a Loco Driver to join its Richards Bay Operations Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of locomotives used to move incoming and outgoing rail tankers.
This role is an important part of the company’s day-to-day operations, ensuring rail tankers are accurately positioned at designated stations for loading and offloading. The Loco Driver will work closely with the shunting team and Rail Supervisor to ensure that rail movements are completed safely, efficiently and in accordance with applicable rail safety requirements.
The position is suited to someone who has practical experience in rail operations and plant operations, particularly within a chemical industry environment. Candidates should be safety-conscious, reliable and able to work effectively in an operational environment where accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
The successful candidate will also be expected to maintain good housekeeping standards, conduct locomotive inspections, report faults and deviations, and ensure that rail tankers are moved and positioned correctly.
Purpose of the Role
The main purpose of the Loco Driver position is to safely operate locomotives for incoming and outgoing rail tankers and work collaboratively with the shunting team.
The role involves ensuring rail tankers are positioned correctly at the required loading and offloading stations while supporting efficient turnaround times and maintaining compliance with rail safety and SHE requirements.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Safely operating locomotives in accordance with applicable rail safety regulations.
- Moving and shunting rail tankers from and to designated sidings.
- Positioning rail tankers correctly within the plant.
- Ensuring rail tankers are placed in the correct loading and offloading bays.
- Working closely with the Rail Supervisor and shunting team during rail operations.
- Carrying out regular checks and inspections on locomotives.
- Reporting locomotive faults, defects and deviations.
- Reporting any defects identified on rail lines.
- Maintaining the cleanliness and good housekeeping of locomotives.
- Weighing rail tankers in and out over the relevant scale.
- Accurately recording tanker weights.
- Placing dispatch cards on rail tankers as required.
- Ensuring tank car turnaround times are achieved to minimise operational downtime.
- Liaising with the Supervisor regarding all shunting activities.
- Performing fire-fighting and standby duties where required.
- Performing relevant legal and SHE appointment duties.
- Following company policies, procedures and safety requirements.
- Supporting the wider Operations Team when required.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Matric / Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
- At least 2 years’ experience in plant operations within the chemical industry.
- At least 2 years’ experience in rail operations.
- Computer skills.
- Ability to speak, read and write English fluently.
- A locomotive driver’s licence will be advantageous.
Candidates should have sufficient practical experience to operate safely within an industrial and rail environment. Previous experience working around chemical plant operations and rail tankers will be particularly relevant to the role.
Skills and Competencies
The role requires an individual who can work safely, responsibly and efficiently in an operational environment.
Important qualities include:
- Strong safety awareness.
- Attention to detail.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to follow procedures and instructions.
- Reliability and accountability.
- Ability to work effectively with a team.
- Good operational awareness.
- Ability to identify and report faults.
- Good record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work under operational pressure.
- Commitment to maintaining housekeeping standards.
- Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies.
- A strong understanding of workplace safety requirements.
The ability to communicate clearly with supervisors and members of the shunting team is essential because effective communication plays an important role in ensuring safe rail movements.
Rail Operations and Safety
Safety is a central part of the Loco Driver’s responsibilities. The successful candidate must operate locomotives in accordance with established rail safety regulations and company procedures.
Regular locomotive checks must be completed, and any faults or deviations must be reported promptly. The Loco Driver must also ensure that rail tankers are correctly positioned before loading or offloading activities take place.
The position requires a strong commitment to SHE standards and responsible operational practices. Candidates must be prepared to participate in fire-fighting and standby duties when required and carry out relevant legal and SHE appointments.
Operational Efficiency
The Loco Driver contributes directly to the efficient movement of rail tankers through the plant. Correct positioning, accurate weighing and effective communication with the Supervisor and shunting team are essential to keeping operations running smoothly.
The successful candidate will be expected to help avoid unnecessary downtime by ensuring that tank cars are handled efficiently and turnaround times are achieved.
Housekeeping and Equipment Care
Maintaining equipment in good condition is another important responsibility. The Loco Driver will be required to keep locomotives clean and carry out regular checks to identify potential problems.
Any faults found on locomotives or rail lines must be reported so that appropriate action can be taken. Good housekeeping practices must be maintained at all times to support a safe and organised working environment.
Application Information
Job Title: Loco Driver
Company: BTT
Location: Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Department: Operations
Contract: Permanent
Positions: 1
Reference: BTT260818-2
Closing Date: 25 August 2026
If you have the required rail and plant operations experience, are safety-focused and are ready to take on an important operational role in Richards Bay, this could be an opportunity worth considering.
Apply before 25 August 2026.