About us

At the West Coast Wilderness Railway (WCWR), history comes alive in the heart of Tasmania's rugged wilderness. Our 35km narrow-gauge heritage railway runs between Queenstown and Regatta Point, Strahan, following the route of the original 1890s railway built to carry copper from Queenstown's mine to the port at Strahan. Since reopening in 2000, we have delivered unforgettable heritage rail journeys through lush rainforest and remote mountain landscapes.

As a team, we share our passion for this remarkable region with visitors from around the world, while helping to preserve and celebrate the heritage and ongoing legacy of this iconic railway.

Supported by the Tasmanian Government to drive tourism on the West Coast, WCWR is an accredited rail transport operator under the Rail Safety National Law, regulated by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).

About the role

Reporting to the Rail Division Manager (RDM), the Rail Operations Manager (ROM) leads all rail operations and rolling stock maintenance across the railway. You'll provide operational and technical leadership to the Operations Supervisor, Workshop Supervisor, train crew and workshop teams, so that every service runs safely and on time, and our heritage fleet stays available, reliable and compliant. This is a hands-on leadership role with a high level of autonomy.

You'll be as comfortable in the rail corridor and the workshop as you are in the management meeting.

Key responsibilities include:

- Leading secure, compliant train operations under the RSNL, our Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) and WHS legislation
- Overseeing train crew and workshop rostering, competency and authorisation, and fatigue management
- Working with the Workshop Supervisor to plan and deliver rolling stock maintenance, inspection and release to service
- Managing operational change through the WCWR change management process
- Supporting the response to operational and rail safety incidents and supporting regulatory reporting to ONRSR




- Managing operational budgets, resources and contractors
- Building a strong, positive safety culture across your teams

About you To be successful in this role, you will bring:

- At least 10 years' rail industry experience, through either a rail operations pathway (train driving, network control, safeworking or operations management) or a rolling stock maintenance and engineering pathway
- At least 5 years in an operations supervisory or management role in the rail industry
- A working knowledge of the Rail Safety National Law and the practical operation of a Safety Management System at an accredited operator
- Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams, contractors and consultants
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and organisational skills

It would be great if you also have experience across both operations and rolling stock maintenance, heritage steam or vacuum brake experience, an ICAM qualification, or a Certificate IV in Engineering (Mechanical), Train Driving or Network Control. A willingness to work towards a steam locomotive driver qualification is highly valued.

You will also need:

The chance to experience Tasmania’s remote living in a truly unique region rich in history and the perfect terrain to explore the outdoors, surrounded by amazing hikes, epic mountain bike trails, vast beaches with water stretching to South America, the highest waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere, world-class fishing, and so much more.

- The ability to obtain and maintain a Rail Safety Worker health assessment (Category 3 minimum; Category 2 if undertaking train driving duties)
- A current Australian driver's licence




- A National Police Check and Registration to Work with Vulnerable People, provided within 6 weeks of commencement
- Availability for weekends, public holidays, peak seasons and after-hours on-call

What we offer

- The chance to lead a heritage railway that is genuinely one of a kind
- A full-time competitive salaried position
- Relocation assistance available
- Access to Employee Assistance Program
- Support for training and professional development
- A close-knit team in one of Tasmania's most spectacular regions
- An unforgettable workplace, a member of the Cultural Attractions of Australia
- Subsidised staff accommodation for the right candidate
- Exclusive employee discounts

Life on the West Coast Tasmania's West Coast offers something rare: space, community and a pace of life that leaves room for what matters to you. Whether you're chasing adventure or settling in with family, you'll find a welcoming, close-knit community and an outdoor playground on your doorstep. Hike through ancient rainforest, ride Queenstown's world-class mountain bike trails, or walk the vast Ocean Beach, where the next landfall is South America.

Explore Montezuma

Falls, one of Tasmania's highest waterfalls, cast a line in some of the state's best river and harbour fishing, and discover a mining and railway history found nowhere else. If you're looking for a genuine change of pace, the West Coast is ready for you.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining how your experience meets the requirements of the role. A copy of the position description is available on request.

For a confidential conversation, contact Veronica Sauvao, People & Culture Manager, on [0477 521 550](tel:0477 521 550) or [email protected].

Applications close on 23 October 2026.

WCWR is an equal opportunity employer and a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol workplace. All Rail Safety Workers participate in our Drug and Alcohol Management Program.

📌 Rail Operations Manager (Queenstown)
🏢 West Coast Wilderness Railway
📍 Queenstown