Railroad Operations - Locomotive Shop

Volunteer positions within Railroad Operations at Steamtown NHS support and assist National Park Service staff in restoring, maintaining, and preserving historic rail equipment and infrastructure. The Railroad Operations - Locomotive Shop role contributes directly to the park’s preservation mission by assisting with the hands-on repair and maintenance of steam and diesel locomotives, rolling stock, and shop equipment. 

This position helps fulfill the park’s goal of preserving and interpreting the technologies, skills, craftsmanship, and industrial heritage of steam-era railroading in the United States. Volunteers serve as stewards of this mission by performing critical hands-on preservation and restoration tasks that support both operational readiness and long-term resource conservation of historic railroad resources for future generations.

NOTE: A full, in-depth Service Description outlining the position requirements, expectations, and safety considerations is attached to this opportunity. Please review in its entirety before applying for this skilled position.

Description of Duties

Railroad Operations - Locomotive Shop volunteers support Steamtown NHS’s preservation efforts by assisting staff to restore and maintain historic steam and diesel railroad locomotives, rolling stock, and shop equipment. Tasks support efforts to return or maintain equipment in operational status or restore equipment for static interpretive display. Tasks vary based on skill, experience, and current shop needs, and are typically performed under close supervision with guidance from qualified NPS staff. All work must follow established safety protocols, accepted trade practices, and Steamtown NHS preservation standards. Completed work is periodically reviewed to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with applicable policies and procedures. 

Railroad Operations - Locomotive Shop responsibilities include: 

• Assisting with hands-on restoration, maintenance, and repair of steam and diesel locomotives, railroad cars, and related shop equipment. 
• Performing or supporting basic to advanced shop tasks such as cleaning, painting, disassembly, reassembly, and component replacement. 
• Participating in skilled trades work including (but not limited to): metalworking, woodworking, electrical work, machining, welding, and fabrication. 
• Helping to reproduce or repair historic components using traditional tools and materials. Craft skills required include painting, welding, brazing, repairing, fabricating, and modifying various types of metal and alloy-part equipment systems and structures. 
• Reproducing historic hardware and architectural metals with use of epoxies and other wood construction to repair, restore, or reconstruct interiors/exteriors of steam locomotive structures listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. 
• Performing duties involved in the manufacturing and/or repair of parts for locomotives and cars from raw stock of different types of metals, metal alloys, and other materials. Incumbent will layout, fit, adjust, shape, bore, slot, mill, and grind metals used in building, assembly, repairing, and maintaining locomotives, engines, motor cars, pumps, and heavy equipment. Incumbent bends and fits steel and copper pipes. 
• Troubleshoot cause of mechanical operations problems and make necessary repairs. Work includes overhauling, rebuilding, and other major/minor repairs of systems such as air brake, steam, diesel, and gasoline types of internal combustion engines; hydraulic utility systems; interior/exterior jackets, under-carriage units, bearings, frame works, truck units and any other related parts as needed. 
• Providing supportive documentation of work performed, including photos, notes, or basic technical drawings. 
• Participating in routine inspections and learning applicable safety, mechanical, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FRA, OSHA). 
• Engaging with the public, when appropriate and comfortable, by answering questions or demonstrating non-sensitive work during shop tours or special events.

Required Qualifications

Age and Experience: 

• Be 18 years of age or older.  
• Position is subject to federal Drug and Alcohol Testing (DAT) requirements: 
  • This position is considered covered service under federal railroad regulations. As such, volunteers may be subject to mandatory pre-appointment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and/or randomized drug and alcohol testing in accordance with 49 CFR Part 219 and applicable NPS and FRA policies. 
• Experience with hand and power tools is essential. 
• Prior experience in trades such as mechanics, machining, fabrication, restoration, or related work is helpful but not required.  
• Volunteer experience or employment in industrial, mechanical, or preservation settings is a plus. 

Knowledge and Qualifications: 

• General familiarity with Steamtown NHS, steam and diesel locomotives, and railroad rolling stock. 
• Understanding of basic tool use, machine operation, and/or shop safety. 
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, diagrams, and specifications is a plus. 
• General knowledge/understanding of mechanical make up, operation, and working relationship of heavy-duty systems, assemblies, and parts such as: steam, diesel, gas engines, gear systems, and drive line assemblies. 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Interest in preservation craftsmanship and maintaining historically accurate restorations. 
• Willingness to learn or apply practical skills in: 
  • Metalworking and fabrication 
  • Carpentry and woodworking 
  • Machining and welding 
  • Electrical systems and mechanical repair 
  • Painting and finishing 
  • Blacksmithing 
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and adhere to safety procedures. 
• Strong attention to detail, recordkeeping, and care in handling historic materials.