Rail Safety Officer - Brisbane

About the opportunity

At ONRSR, we’re more than regulators. As a Regulatory Officer (Rail Safety Officer), you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of safety for Australia’s rail networks. Our vision is simple: Safe railways for all Australians. We’re looking for someone with a curious mind and proactive thinking to help us deliver on that vision - through risk-based regulation and by sharing valuable insights that improve safety across the industry.

As a Regulatory Officer, you'll be located in our Brisbane office while also spending time in the field, working directly with rail operators and safety workers. You will apply your analytical thinking, regulatory expertise, and strong interpersonal skills to assess accreditation applications, monitor safety performance, and respond to emerging risks.

If you are passionate about safe railways this role might be just what you are looking for and will include a structured supportive training program, with a balance of office-based and field work within active rail environments. Periodic travel to both regional and metropolitan locations will be required, along with occasional work outside of normal hours.

In this role, you will:

• Influence how rail safety evolves across the country
• Promote safe practices and build safety awareness among rail operators
• Use data and insights to strengthen our risk-based regulatory approach
• Foster a culture where our people are valued, skilled, and engaged
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders
• Help position ONRSR as a modern, future-focused safety regulator

Why ONRSR?

• Join a culture that values integrity, innovation, and inclusion
• Being part of a team that’s passionate about making a national impact
• Work in a role that blends independence with collaboration and continuous learning
• Make meaningful connections with professionals across the rail and safety sectors

Your Impact as a Rail Safety Officer

As an appointed Rail Safety Officer, you'll apply your curiosity, critical thinking, and eagerness to learn new skills. Following our policies and procedures, you'll play a vital role in implementing proactive, risk-based regulation.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting a variety of regulatory tasks, such as site visits, incident responses, inspections, audits, education sessions, and enquiries.
• Supporting the assessment of applications for rail accreditation and registration.
• Preparing high-quality written reports on regulatory activities, including recommendations to senior leadership.
• Assisting in the delivery of technical advice related to the application of the Rail Safety National Law.
• Monitoring operator performance using regulatory intelligence to identify emerging risks and support safety initiatives.
• Performing Duty Officer responsibilities on a rostered basis taking calls about rail incidents and providing initial responses.