Organisation Name:
National Railway Museum
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Transport
Location of voluntary activity:
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road
York
YO26 4XJ
When are volunteers needed: The Miniature Railway runs 7 days a week, with peak times being weekends and school holidays.
Any availability is welcome, and availability during peak times is always appreciated.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Customer Service
Driving
Engineering
Outdoor
Role description:
Miniature Railway Driver
Location: National Railway Museum, York City Centre
Hours: 10.00-16.00
Start Date: March 2026
Key dates:
- Volunteer Open Days: 15 & 16 March (attend one day only, please specify availability in application)
- Volunteer Inductions: 22 & 24 March (attend one day only, please specify availability in application)
Inspire our visitors!
Get involved and learn to drive and guard on 7 ¼ inch gauge diesel-powered locomotives on our miniature railway. Helping to deliver one of our most popular attractions, you will inspire our visitors, ignite their curiosity and bring the railways to life for a wide audience.
This year is an exciting time to join the team. You will be able to experience and be part of our journey to become the world’s railway museum through our transformative Masterplan works. Following the grand reopening of Station Hall, work continues on the creation of a new Central Hall to connect our site and provide level access. By getting involved you can celebrate these achievements with us and be part of building our future.
To help you make the most of this opportunity we’ll provide you with a dedicated Supervisor and training to develop your railway knowledge and customer service skills.
In this role you’ll:
- Act as an ambassador for the museum, welcoming visitors in a friendly and professional manner
- Drive and guard on our Miniature Railway, ensuring the train is operated in a safe manner at all times
- Prepare the locomotives in the morning and return them to overnight storage at the end of the day
- Be informed of all facilities, events and exhibitions taking place within the museum so you can respond to visitor queries
- Attending a minimum of one day of internal training a year
If you need help with your application or would like to talk to us about what we can do to support you through this process, please email Katrina at volunteer.nrm@railwaymuseum.org.uk or call 01904 686248
Additional information:
- If successful we’ll request a basic criminal record check. We’ll arrange and process this for you and will cover all the costs. Any issues raised in the check will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- This role is subject to a probationary training period; you will receive full driver training and a medical assessment carried out by a medical practitioner. We ask volunteers to aim to commit to a minimum of 6 months in the role.
- Practical competencies are reviewed a minimum of every two years.
- You will be required to wear the uniform and PPE supplied by the museum.
- You must be 18 years or over to volunteer in this role.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
This role is perfect for people who:
- Enjoy collaborating with volunteers and staff as part of a supportive team
- Have an enthusiastic approach to delivering a positive visitor experience
- Are able to communicate information clearly to colleagues and visitors
- Are willing to learn new skills and take advice from colleagues (full driver training will be provided)
- Demonstrate an ability to understand and follow safety procedures
We ask all volunteers to show inclusive behaviours, valuing everyone’s contribution, and promoting a culture of openness.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
In this role you will gain skills in guarding and driving our Miniature Railway. You'll develop practical and theoretical knowledge of running an operational train service, all while boosting your customer service skills.
Training will be provided for both the operational and customer service based skills.
As a volunteer with us, we will also provide:
- A chance to meet new people and make friends.
- A reference upon request for all volunteers who have supported the museum.
- An opportunity to make a difference to our museum.
How to get involved:
We believe in a culture that recognises and values different experiences, mindsets, and expertise and welcome applications from all backgrounds. You can apply for this position via our careers site.
Please answer the following questions in the Supporting Statement section of the application form:
Why are you interested in volunteering with us as a Miniature Railway Driver?
If you have any questions about the role, please call Katrina, Volunteer Manager, on 01904 686248 or email volunteer.nrm@railwaymuseum.org.uk
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 30-03-2026