Organisation Name:
National Railway Museum
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Transport
Location of voluntary activity:
National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York
When are volunteers needed: Role start date: September 2025
Volunteer Open Days: 12 & 13 June (attend one day only, please specify availability in application)
Volunteer Inductions: 26 & 28 July (attend one day only, please specify availability in application)
Inspiring Service Training: 20 August
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Customer Service
Role description:
Inspire our visitors!
Get involved and learn to drive and guard on 7 ¼ inch gauge petrol and 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. With our grand reopening of Station Hall to mark our 50th birthday in September, and plans to create a new Central Hall to connect our site and provide level access, 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
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:
We want to ensure you have a rewarding experience with us. That’s why we’ll provide:
An opportunity to develop skills and enhance your CV.
A chance to meet new people and make friends.
Travel expenses up to £5 a day.
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: 06-06-2025