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: Any day of the week
Hours: 10.00-16.00 for a full-day. Timings can be flexible and we recommend volunteering at least once a month
Recruitment Event: Thursday 15 October.
This is an opportunity for us to get to know you and for you to learn more about what you will be doing and how you will be supported. This is essential before being inducted for the role.
Volunteer Induction: Thursday 22 October.
If successful, this is our general induction that all volunteers need to attend before getting started.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Advice / Information / Support
Driving
Greeter / Welcomer
Miscellaneous
Outdoor
Role description:
Would you like to meet new people and help our visitors enjoy one of our most popular attractions at the National Railway Museum, the Miniature Railway?
Meet new people 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 care 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.
- Attend 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
- Enjoy being outdoors and engaging with a diverse range of visitors
- 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:
- The chance to learn a specialist skill (Driving and Guarding our Miniature Railway)
- An opportunity to develop skills and enhance your CV
- 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 and our visitors
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 found via the web link below.
Please answer the following questions in the Supporting Statement section of the application form.
1. Why are you interested in volunteering with us as a Miniature Railway Driver?
Following this we have our Recruitment Event on Thursday 15 October. If successful, we then have our Volunteer Induction on Thursday 22 October.
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 Grace at [email protected] or call 01904 686280
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 08-10-2026