Locomotive Crew Volunteer

Golden Spike National Historical Park is looking for volunteers to assist the locomotive engineers with the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of the park's two replica 1868 steam locomotives. This strenuous, but rewarding opportunity allows volunteers to experience what it was like to be on a locomotive and maintain it as a fireman in the late 1860s, in a location steeped in American railroading history, all the while helping to interpret and maintain the park's significant cultural resource to countless visitors.

*This position does not include housing.*

DUTIES

Volunteers will be responsible for:

• Assisting park staff with locomotive-based maintenance tasks (brass polishing, painting, sanding, etc.).
• Assisting park staff with railroad-based maintenance (track work, ballasting, etc.).
• Assisting with preparing locomotives for morning departures and end-of-day shutdown procedures.
• Properly oiling and lubricating necessary surfaces on the locomotives.
• Firing locomotive boilers using wood and coal.
• Maintaining operating pressures in the boilers during locomotive demonstrations.
• Operating related auxiliary equipment for high pressure locomotives as necessary.
• General shop projects and upkeep.
• Splitting, collecting, and loading wood onto the locomotive.

Volunteers will also be asked to assist with:

• Locomotive maintenance needs.
• Participation in park interpretive programs.
• Preparations for and participation in major park events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills/Experience Needed:

• Enthusiastic and positive attitude.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Skills/Experience Preferred:

• Demonstrated railroad experience.
• Knowledge of 19th century American History.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:

This position requires significant physical effort with frequent moving and lifting of weights up to fifty pounds, in addition to continuous standing, walking, bending, and reaching. At times this may include working in uncomfortable or awkward positions for extended periods. In addition, volunteers to the position will need to climb stairs and ladders, work on uneven surfaces, and be on their feet for extended periods of time.

Work Environment:

The position has the possibility of working in extreme temperatures that can range from over one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and below zero degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The incumbent will be expected to work above ground on platforms, locomotives, or in maintenance pits in the Engine House with poor lighting and exposure to slippery surfaces. The incumbent will also be subjected to high levels of noise, vibration, smoke, and fumes.