General Volunteer Positions Prairie Dog Railway

General Volunteer Positions! - The Prairie Dog Central Railway

Organization Name:
The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc.

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

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.

In summary:
The Vintage Locomotive Society and Prairie Dog Central Railway provide a unique opportunity for Manitobans to engage in heritage preservation, tourism, and community service. Volunteers not only keep the trains running – they also ensure that a vital piece of Canadian history remains alive, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come.

Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteers in General Positions provide essential support across a variety of railway operations and community activities. Duties may include:

• Assisting passengers with boarding, seating, and general inquiries.
• Parking lot attendants.
• Supporting special events, theme rides, and community outreach programs.
• Helping with light maintenance tasks (cleaning cars, organizing supplies, assisting crews).
• Providing hospitality at stations and on trains (greeting guests, distributing materials, or helping with refreshments).
• Supporting railway staff and other volunteers in day-to-day operational needs.

This is a flexible role designed for individuals who want to contribute but may not yet wish to commit to a specialized position.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Reliability and willingness to learn.
• Basic physical fitness (ability to stand, walk, and lift light objects).
• Adaptability – tasks may vary depending on operational needs.

• Customer service and hospitality experience.
• Teamwork and collaboration in a unique, heritage railway environment.
• Problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic situations.
• Event and operations support experience.
• Increased knowledge of railway history and heritage preservation.

• Customer Service Representative
• Event Coordinator
• Hospitality Worker
• Tourism and Heritage Interpreter
• Transportation and Logistics Support
• Operations Assistant

Age: 16‑17, 18‑30, 31‑54, 55+

Time Commitment:
Daytime, Evening, Weekend

Location:

64099 Prairie Dog Trail (just outside the city of Winnipeg), Winnipeg

Criminal Record Check:
No

Child Abuse Registry Check:
Yes

Reimbursement of Costs:
No

Eligible Candidates:
Those fulfilling volunteer hours for school credit.

Organization Will Provide: A letter of reference, supervision, training/orientation.