Prairie Dog Central Railway - Winnipeg - Volunteer Manitoba

Description

Organization Name: The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc.

Address: 64099 Prairie Dog Trail, R.M. of Rosser MB R3G 3N4

Organizational Description: The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc. (VLS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and operating Canada's railway heritage. Established in 1968, VLS owns and oversees the Prairie Dog Central Railway, one of the oldest regularly operating vintage railways in North America.

The Society's mandate is threefold:

Preservation – Restoring and maintaining historic locomotives, railcars, and infrastructure for future generations.

Operation – Running safe, scheduled heritage train excursions that bring history to life for the public.

Community Engagement – Providing a meaningful volunteer experience for individuals of all ages and skill levels while fostering Manitoba pride and tourism.

VLS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and long-term planning. Day-to-day operations are carried out by management staff and supported by more than 100 volunteers who contribute their time and expertise across multiple areas including train crew, maintenance, restoration, event coordination, and guest services.

The Prairie Dog Central Railway is a living museum on rails, offering unique heritage train excursions from Inkster Junction Station to rural Manitoba communities such as Grosse Isle and beyond. Featuring historic steam locomotive No. 3 (built in 1882) and vintage passenger coaches from the early 1900s, the PDCR provides guests with an authentic railway experience that combines history, tourism, and community.

The railway operates a full seasonal schedule of excursions, charters, and special events such as themed rides, holiday trains, and partnerships with rural communities. These activities support local tourism, generate economic impact in the region, and provide an immersive cultural experience for families, tourists, and rail enthusiasts.

Volunteers are essential to the Prairie Dog Central's success, serving in roles such as engineers, conductors, firemen, brakemen, car attendants, track crew, and restoration specialists. The railway offers meaningful volunteer opportunities where individuals can learn new skills, connect with like-minded people, and play an active part in preserving Manitoba's railway heritage.

Volunteer Opportunity Details

Volunteer Opportunity ID: 6016

Description of Duties

Railway Porters are the ambassadors of the Prairie Dog Central Railway. They are often the first and most frequent point of contact for passengers and play a key role in ensuring both a safe and enjoyable heritage railway experience. Porters assist with boarding and de‑training, provide on‑board customer service, maintain coach safety and cleanliness, and support the Conductor in carrying out safe train operations.

This volunteer role is essential to preserving and sharing Manitoba's railway history.

Key Responsibilities

Passenger Service & Safety

• Greet passengers at boarding and assist with tickets, seating, and luggage/strollers.

• Ensure aisles and seating areas remain clear and safe.

• Provide information, answer questions, and share in the heritage experience.

• Monitor passenger safety: remind riders to remain seated, secure windows, and prevent unsafe movement between cars.

• Assist passengers with mobility needs, always offering a steadying hand without physical handling unless necessary to prevent injury.

• Escort and protect passengers during en‑training/de‑training under the Conductor's direction.

Coach Duties

• Arrive 60 minutes before departure for crew briefing.

• Inspect assigned coaches for hazards, cleanliness, and supplies (toiletries, brochures, cleaning items).

• Remain in the assigned coach during the trip, unless directed otherwise by the Conductor.

• Collect passenger headcounts and report to the Head Porter after departure.

• After passengers de‑train, clean the coach (sweep, remove garbage/recycling, wipe windows/seats, check toilets, secure equipment).

• Ensure coach is ready for storage (toilet batteries off, step box stowed, issues reported).

Additional Duties

• Head Porter: coordinate coach counts, inspect coaches post‑trip, support other Porters.

• Caboose Porter: holds current 105 certification, carries a radio, monitors communication with Conductor.

• Night Operations: wear reflective vests, carry a lantern/flashlight, and ensure passenger safety during evening events.

• Remain aware of the First Aid kit, fire extinguisher, and AED locations. Notify the Conductor/Trainman immediately of emergencies.

Skills Required

• Friendly, welcoming, and professional demeanour.

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a train crew.

• Physically able to stand for long periods, assist passengers, and carry step boxes.

• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Previous experience in hospitality, events, or heritage settings is an asset, but not required.

• Must wear proper uniform: white shirt with black tie, black trousers/slacks, black polished shoes, and PDCR‑issued vest/cap (or PDCR‑branded ball cap if unavailable).

Training & Support

• Full orientation and on‑the‑job training provided.

• Ongoing mentorship from experienced Porters and Train Crew.

• Safety protocols are reviewed before each season and reinforced during briefings.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Be part of a one‑of‑a‑kind heritage railway experience.

• Gain skills in customer service, teamwork, and railway operations.

• Build lasting friendships in a supportive volunteer community.

• Complimentary ride passes (as per volunteer policy).

• Pride in helping preserve Manitoba's living railway history.

Skills Gained / Related Careers

By volunteering as a Railway Porter, individuals gain transferable skills and valuable experience that apply to many professional settings:

Skills Gained

• Customer service and hospitality

• Public speaking and communication

• Conflict resolution and problem‑solving

• Safety awareness and emergency preparedness

• Teamwork and leadership

• Time management and organization

Related Career Pathways

• Transportation & Logistics (railway operations, transit services, aviation ground crew)

• Hospitality & Tourism (guest services, event coordination, tourism operations)

• Public Safety & Emergency Services (first responder support roles, security, safety compliance)

• Education & Community Engagement (heritage interpretation, museum programming, volunteer coordination)

Time Commitment

• Seasonal volunteer position (primarily weekends and special events from May to December).

• Typical shifts are 4–6 hours, depending on excursion length.

• Volunteers are expected to commit to at least two trips per month during the operating season, where possible.

Location of volunteer opportunity: Winnipeg

Do you require a criminal record check? No

Do you require a child abuse registry check? Yes

Will cost be reimbursed? No

Opportunity is available to candidates that: Fulfilling volunteer hours for school credit, French speaking / Bilingual (French and English), Speaks another language (other than French or English): Various

Organization will provide: A letter of reference, Certificate of recognition, Supervision, Training/Orientation

Volunteer Manitoba is located on the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge that the clean water we drink comes from Shoal Lake 40 first nation, and that our electricity is produced on treaty territory. Volunteer Manitoba respects the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.