Volunteering

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!