The RPSI is a voluntary-run organisation. Our volunteers preserve, conserve and restore railway vehicles from the era when steam trains were common. We operate mainline steam trains throughout Ireland and throughout the year.

Whether you’re travelling on one of our trains, visiting our museum or buying a book from our shop, the people you meet and those working away behind the scenes are nearly all volunteers.

Download a form  today to join our teams who are dedicated to keeping Irish railway heritage alive. 

You do not need any previous experience of working or volunteering on a railway; all training will be provided. Let us know the area(s) you are particularly interested in, we can then discuss your training requirements and find you a suitable position.

Volunteers must be aged 18 or over. If you are under 18 please contact us to register your interest in a Young Volunteers programme.

As an active volunteer with RPSI you will be invited to become a Member of the Society for insurance purposes. Please be aware some roles require disclosure of certain medical information or a requirement to undertake an Access NI or GAVF.

Volunteering presents you with the opportunity to meet new people, gain skills and contribute to a worthwhile cause.

There are a wide variety of roles available, from customer service based to locomotive operations, and so there is something for everyone.

Note: The Society retains the right to refuse to accept any volunteer.

   
Steam Locomotives: Our steam engines require regular overhaul and a lot of care when running.
   
Carriage & Wagon: This essential work involves restoration, maintenance and repair of our heritage vehicles in preparation for both mainline running and display in the museum.
     
   
Train Operations: Roles are varied within operations and include Drivers, Firemen, Guards, Shunters and Steam Raisers.
   
Cleaning: Volunteers aim to make our carriages and locomotives look their best for the public.
     
   
Permanent Way: These volunteers take charge of maintenance and renewal of the track infrastructure.
   
Diesel Locomotives: These volunteers work on cleaning, maintaining and servicing these incredible engines.
     
   
Carriage Stewards: On every train there is a team of smiling stewards who look after the health and safety of our passengers.
   
Catering: On board our train we have a fully stocked dining car and kitchen, manned by willing volunteers.
     
   
Shop: Whether it's helping with our online shop or selling items on the train, volunteers are always needed for sales.
   
Electrical: From maintenance around our site or assistance with locomotive wiring, there are always jobs for the electrical squad.
     
   
Christmas: The festive season trains take a lot of volunteer input - lots of openings!
   
Tour Guiding: Visitors are taken through our museum by a dedicated team of tour guides, all of whom share their passion with our visitors.
     
   
Committees: Dirty hands aren't for everyone, but there are lots of committee and administration jobs to be done too.
   
Duty Manager: Take charge of a public event at Whitehead for a day.
     

If you would like to become a RPSI volunteer then you must:

  • Be an RPSI Member (required for insurance purposes).
  • Print and return a self-certification form (to ensure eligibility for volunteering) -  download here.
  • Agree to undergo a convictions disclosure check, should the need arise.
  • If a vulnerable adult, be accompanied by a guardian or family member to take responsibility at all times.
  • Be aged over 18. Exceptions are:14+, accompanied by a parent, guardian or family member to take responsibility at all times (Whitehead).
    16+, accompanied by a letter of parental release (Whitehead).
  • In the Dublin area, off-train work is done on railway property and under 18s or vulnerable adults are not permitted, even for a visit.
  • Be suitably dressed - for physical work at Dublin or Whitehead, old clothes/overalls, steel toe capped boots are essential (you won't be allowed to work without them). Don't wear anything that you want to see clean again!