​Interpretation & Education - “Ring of Fire” Interpretive Demonstrator

Steamtown “Ring of Fire” Interpretive Demonstrators support visitor engagement and educational efforts by helping preserve and interpret one of the historic technologies used in steam locomotive maintenance. Volunteers in this role serve as interpreters of the park's railroad preservation mission by conducting live “Ring of Fire” demonstrations, explaining the history and significance of the process, and engaging visitors through educational programs at the park and approved community outreach events. Through these demonstrations, volunteers help foster meaningful connections between visitors and the technologies, craftsmanship, and industrial heritage of steam-era railroading.

Steamtown “Ring of Fire” Interpretive Demonstrators responsibilities include: 

• The “Ring of Fire” is the historic method used to remove and install the steel band, or "tire," on a steam locomotive cast wheel. Volunteers will learn to safely operate the “Ring of Fire” by turning the flame on, regulating heat, and shutting the flame off in accordance with established procedures. While operating the “Ring of Fire”, volunteers will discuss the history of this process, its use during the steam era, and its continued application in railroad preservation.
• Working with Locomotive Shop staff to complete all required safety training, including OSHA, NPS safety requirements, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use, prior to operating any “Ring of Fire” equipment. The “Ring of Fire” consists of a steel wheel mounted on a demonstration table with a circular piping system connected to propane and compressed air. 
• Working with I&E and Locomotive Shop staff to demonstrate the operation of the “Ring of Fire” during scheduled public programs at Steamtown NHS and approved off-site community outreach events. 
• Conducting pre-demonstration inspections in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reporting any safety concerns or equipment issues to I&E and Locomotive Shop staff before operating the equipment. 
• Assisting I&E staff by greeting visitors, providing information, and answering questions about the park's history, programs, railroad preservation, and the “Ring of Fire” demonstration. 
• Maintaining a professional, approachable, and courteous demeanor while representing the National Park Service.

Safety Considerations: 

• Must attend and participate in all required National Park Service training prior to participation. 
• Willingness to follow applicable federal, state, and local laws, along with park policies, procedures, and SOPs. 
• Demonstrations will be conducted under the supervision of an authorized NPS employee. 
• Volunteers are expected to identify and report any safety concerns prior to beginning demonstrations and shall immediately stop any demonstration if a safety concern arises during operation. 
• Volunteers will co-lead demonstrations both within the park and at approved off-site community outreach events with park staff. 

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to climb steps
• Ability to bend, walk, and stand for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment (40 pounds or more).

Climate and Sensory Conditions: 

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. 
• Volunteers will work in an industrial environment and may be continuously exposed to potentially hazardous worksite conditions, including fumes, vibration, excessive noise, flying particles, moving machinery, welding flash, dust, dirt, grime, smoke, and cinders. 
• Climatic conditions may range from extreme cold to extreme heat, high humidity, rain, snow, and high winds. 

Attire: 

• Volunteers operating the Ring of Fire shall wear clothing made of natural fibers, primarily 100% cotton, consistent with Locomotive Shop uniform requirements.
• Required attire consists of blue, black, or striped bib overalls; a long-sleeved, Locomotive Shop-issued royal blue uniform shirt or dark plaid button-up/work shirt; safety boots; and a railroad hat.
• The park will provide designated uniform items and required PPE.

Internal Controls:

• As part of Steamtown National Historic Site's risk management program, volunteers serving in this on-site recurring position are required to complete, at minimum, an Electronic FBI Fingerprint (eFP) background check. A higher-level background investigation may be required if assigned duties change to include unsupervised access to federally controlled facilities, access to DOI/NPS information systems, issuance of government keys or a PIV card, handling of government funds, or other responsibilities requiring additional screening under National Park Service policy.