controller

driver

training specialist

driver assistant

Pacific National

My current role in the Logistics Centre is extremely busy and every day certainly presents many challenges. My role currently deals with the day to day management of the train plan, dealing with train crews, customers and network, endeavouring to keep the operation to the plan. The role is 24/7 with two or three people on each shift, it requires alot of communication and brainstorming between those on shift to recover plans when factors outside of our office environment impact on our train operations. The most rewarding part of the role is being able to meet our customers expectation both internally (train crew) and externally, especially when faced with unplanned events, and the most disappointing is when this is not able to occur and a service may be cancelled

Pacific National always provided a stable, positive and just environment to work.
Given the transport operational nature of the business, it certainly provided challenges to ones ability at times, however, my overall feeling was a positive one given the way that the teams operated and behaved under considerable pressures.
The culture is more of a blue collar culture,even in a lot of the office environments and given that most employees are train crew, there is a unionised culture throughout.

The hardest part of the roles is undoubtedly having to work under pressure in times of disruption where ambiguity reigns, however this was generally the most satisfying part of the roles too once positive outcomes were achieved.
There really are some exceptional people in this business.

Oversee the allocation of train crew to ensure they were rostered as per EA, rail Industry standards,Fatigue rules and qualifications
Handle complaints and request regarding Shift breaches, build holiday roster liase with live Run on a daily basis regarding crewing requirements, fill sick leave and complete a daily summary for reporting to management of the crews used to fill programme and any reason as to why programme was unable to be filled.

Worked with an outstanding and dedicated staff

Hardest part of the job was there was always a shortage of train crew on a daily basis and trying to fill the necessary jobs required a lot of hard work and thinking outside the square.

The most enjoyable part of the job was at the end of the day seeing how the team came together and helped each other

Probably one of the best jobs I have had so far. I enjoyed my team and I got along with management team as well.

However, fast forward to 2024, post Enterprise Agreement negotiations and the whole culture of the company changed. Management changed and this has turned into one of the most toxic work environments I have been.

If you are chasing money, I recommend you apply to work here.
However, if you are chasing a fulfilling role, or a positive work culture and environment, please look somewhere else.

I did enjoy a lot, however. I enjoyed working with my direct team, I enjoyed the work and I enjoyed building relationships with our stakeholders.

I hope things change at this company and I hope certain people are forced out.

Senior management are ignorant and arrogant, and have little respect or care for those they are supposed to manage. Post the changeover of much of the executive team the company has really become an unhealthy environment to work in (it was actually a lot better over 2 years ago). There is some really good people that work there, but (in Finance at least) there are several in upper management they have hired over the last 2 years (or thereabouts) who are downright disrespectful. I wouldn't wish working here on my worst enemy.

a typical day at work involves shift work.
You have to liase with your shift mananger to find our daily requirements.  Usually like to know when next crew will be relieving you.You maintain contact with shift manager at all times, regarding times, fuel , loading and un loading trains. some co workers are good to work with others are excellent. when at work you usually try to work with your co workers to get the job done, as efficiently as possible, making sure that all safety standards and procedures are carried out. and that the work place is safe and secure.

In my role every day was different with ample opportunities to make a difference. Satisfaction of knowing that without my intervention, set programs would not be achieved. Each day had its challenges with the rewards of learning something new. Working in a self managed team environment fostered a can do attitude where you take ownership of a problem and fix it with collaboration of your co-workers. The most satisfying part of the job is knowing that you have contributed in the companies success because of my interpersonal and negotiation skills in achieving the targets.

1. Typical work day involved working 12 hour shifts controlling freight trains and crews, very demanding and required constant attention to detail.
2 .Learnt good workplace safety principles and practices
3. Management was ineffectual
4. Co-workers in general were excellent
5. Hardest part of the job was constant interference and harassment  from fellow shift manager
6. Most enjoyable part of the job was achieving results in the face of extreme pressure to get trains stowed, interaction and working with train crews and keeping them productive and happy.

What is the best part of working at the company?
No much to say that is good about PN except work mates 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Dealing with rosters. Worst rostering system ever. Drivers are just walking zombies after a 6 day block of ridiculous shifts

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very toxic. Management seem.to go out of there way to.ensure there is little to no morale

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Day one generally not to.bad and progressively worsens through the week

Pacific National are sincere and actively support and encourage women within their industry  
The company expects the work to be done at a high and safe standard as it should be in the rail industry, i enjoyed my time working for them and wouldnt hesitate in taking up another position with them again

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Controller 3 salaries reported	$119,667 per year
Driver 4 salaries reported	$121,000 per year
Training specialist 1 salary reported	$55.00 per hour
Driver assistant 1 salary reported	$80,000 per year

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