Locomotive Fireman (July - October)

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Golden Spike National Historical Park is looking for volunteers to assist the locomotive engineers with the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of the park's two replica 1868 steam locomotives during the 2025 operating season. This strenuous, but rewarding opportunity allows volunteers to experience what it was like to be on a locomotive as a fireman in the late 1860s, in a location steeped in American railroading history, all the while helping to interpret the park's significant cultural resource to countless visitors. Housing in the form of a trailer pad may be available for a 32 hour a week commitment.

DUTIES

Volunteers will be responsible for:

• Assisting with preparing locomotives for morning departures and end-of-day shutdown procedures.
• Properly oiling and lubricating necessary surfaces on the locomotives.
• Firing locomotive boilers using wood and coal.
• Maintaining operating pressures in the boilers during locomotive demonstrations.
• Operating related auxiliary equipment for high pressure locomotives as necessary.
• General shop projects and upkeep.
• Splitting, collecting, and loading wood onto the locomotive.

Volunteers will also be asked to assist with:

• Locomotive maintenance needs, such as monthly boiler washes.
• Participation in park interpretive programs, such as living history demonstrations.
• Preparations for and participation in major park events.

Hourly Commitment:

• Volunteers will be asked to commit to a minimum of 32 hours per week.

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills/Experience Needed:

• Enthusiastic and positive attitude.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Skills/Experience Preferred:

• Demonstrated railroad experience.
• Knowledge of 19th century American History.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:

This position requires significant physical effort with frequent moving and lifting of weights up to fifty pounds, in addition to continuous standing, walking, bending, and reaching. At times this may include working in uncomfortable or awkward positions for extended periods. In addition, volunteers to the position will need to climb stairs and ladders, work on uneven surfaces, and be on their feet for extended periods of time.

Work Environment:

The position has the possibility of working in extreme temperatures that can range from over one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and below zero degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The incumbent will be expected to work above ground on platforms, locomotives, or in maintenance pits in the Engine House with poor lighting and exposure to slippery surfaces. The incumbent will also be subjected to high levels of noise, vibration, smoke, and fumes.

Housing:

Volunteers looking to use an RV/Trailer pad will be required to provide their own factory-built RV or trailer. The park will provide partial hookup, including 50 or 30 amp electric, water, septic, picnic tables, and laundry. There is no cable TV or phone hookup at the volunteer RV/Trailer sites, although volunteers may have success with their own satellite dishes. Government computers are not available for personal internet use. A minimum of 32 hours a week will be required.

Start Date - 2025-07-01

End Date - 2025-10-31