Track Protection Officer (FIFO, Mainline)

About the role

A global mining and resources company is seeking two experienced Track Protection Officers (TPOs) to support ballast cleaning operations across its rail network. The work is based in Perth with a FIFO arrangement from Perth to Karratha, reporting to the Rail Supervisor / Superintendent. The initial roster is 12:9, transitioning to 2:2 in 2027, with a mix of day and night shifts.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, verify and implement Track Protection Plans and work-on-track authority requirements
• Confirm worksite limits, access points, safe places, adjacent line risks and protection requirements before work starts
• Set up, maintain and remove field protection controls in line with approved safeworking requirements
• Run pre-start and safeworking briefings, including sign-on, hazard identification and emergency arrangements
• Coordinate with Train Control, supervisors, PPOs, maintainers, contractors and ballast cleaning crews
• Monitor changing site conditions such as rail traffic, machine movements, fatigue, weather and changes to work scope
• Exercise stop-work authority and escalate unsafe practices or non-compliance
• Complete documentation, handovers, authority cancellations and close-out records

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience as a Track Protection Officer, Protection Officer or Safeworking professional in rail maintenance or possession environments
• Current, network-relevant Track Protection Officer competency
• Valid Australian C-Class driver's licence
• Ability to work a varied FIFO roster and day and night shifts
• Strong communication, teamwork and safety commitment, including the confidence to challenge unsafe work
• Ability to pass a pre-employment medical and other tests, and meet client onboarding, site access and VOC requirements

Required skills

• Strong understanding of safeworking systems, permits and protection authorities
• Experience in heavy haul rail and/or major maintenance campaigns highly regarded
• Experience with ballast cleaning, tamping, rail grinding, renewals or track machines highly regarded

What we offer

• $60-$70 per hour plus superannuation, depending on experience and skill set
• FIFO opportunity with a major mining and resources company
• Exposure to major rail maintenance and ballast cleaning operations