Current Vacancies

The East Lancashire Railway is constantly on the lookout for talented people to help keep this vital spark of British Heritage alight.

Do you have what it takes to be a part of our family?

General Buffet Volunteer Assistant

We are looking for general assistant you’ll support the day-today operation of the buffet by assisting both counter and stock support staff . This is a flexible hands on role that helps ensure customers receive a friendly service and buffet environment remains clean organised and welcoming

Key Responsibilities

  • Greet customers providing a friendly helpful service
  • Clear and clean table promtly
  • Restock supplies   such as cups napkins and condiments
  • Assist with  opening and closing tasks
  • Follow food hygiene and safety guidelines at all times
  • Support team members during busy times

Requirements

  • Reliable, punctual and willing to learn
  • Ability to work in team
  • Basic understanding of cleanliness and food safety
  • Positive attitude and enthusium

 

To apply please send a C.V to buffet.manager@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Cashier/Counter Volunteer

We are seeking a friendly and reliable Buffet cashier and counter staff member to join our team In this role you will be the first point of contact for our customers providing an excellent service Whilst handling transaction and support the smooth day-to-day running of the buffet .

  • Key ResponsibilitiesGreat customer services
  • Operating till and handling cash and card payment
  • Prepare and serve drinks and light food
  • Maintain a clean and organised counter area
  • Restock supplies including cups , food ,and condiments’
  • Assist with opening and closing duties
  • Follow food hygiene and safety standards at all times

Requirements

  • Good communication and customer service skills
  • Basic numericity and confident in handling payments
  • Ability to work at a fast pace
  • Reliable , punctual and team player

 

To apply please send a C.V to buffet.manager@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Infrastructure and Permanent Way Team Member – Full Time

Pay: Minimum Wage

Reporting to: Infrastructure and Permanent Way Team Leader

Supporting: Permanent Way Team

Department: Infrastructure

Job Purpose:

Be part of a team of engineers to deliver goals set by the ELR and be willing to work alone when required. Following and communication of safety practices and procedures is paramount.

Main Accountabilities:

  • Maintenance of the track and structures to the ELR published safety management system and track standard.
  • Delivery of all allocated work to budget.
  • Quality standards.
  • Maintenance of relevant records regarding track condition and safety for the department.
  • Comply with all health and safety standards, maintain a safe workplace, identifying possible hazards and ensuring safe working practices.
  • Maintaining safe operation of the railway under engineering possession.
  • Weekend work when required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Work to instructions and directions of the Infrastructure and Permanent Way Team Leader.
  • Maintain Records of the work and make these available for inspection.
  • Develop and maintain excellent relationships with the engineering team, volunteers and suppliers.
  • Deputise for the Team Leader when required.

General:

  • Willingness to progress and assume further responsibilities within the department.
  • Perform other duties as may be reasonably required by the General Manager.
  • The post is subject to satisfactory completion of a probationary period of 12 months.

Key experience and qualifications required:

Essential:

  • Computer literate and able to plan work schedules on computer.
  • Full, valid driving licence.
  • Willing to undertake training in track work and plant.

Desirable:

  • Experience leading teams.
  • Experience of risk assessments.
  • A pro-active, participative and flexible approach to problem solving, taking the initiative by evaluating, making suggestions and generating new ideas to improve working methods and levels of performance.
  • An ability to work under pressure and to manage conflicting demands.
  • Emergency First Aid at Work.
  • Able to work without supervision.
  • Availability out of hours.
  • Rail industry, or construction/building industry experience.
  • Experience of modern safety standards and regulations

To apply please email a C.V to glenn.longworth@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Closing date is 8 June 2026.

Shop Manager (Volunteer)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Volunteer Shop Manager to take the lead in running our Shop. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on management experience, meet new people, and make a real difference.

As a Volunteer Shop Manager, you’ll help create a welcoming and engaging environment for customers and volunteers, ensuring the shop operates smoothly, efficiently, and successfully.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee the day-to-day running of the shop.
  • Supervise, support, and motivate volunteers.
  • Deliver outstanding customer service at all times.
  • Manage stock levels, operate the till, and maintain attractive product displays.
  • Handle cashing up, banking, and basic record-keeping duties.
  • Ensure the shop remains clean, tidy, and compliant with health and safety guidelines.
  • Liaise with other shop volunteers to arrange shift cover and maintain smooth operations.
  • Work closely with the management team to meet sales targets and keep the shop refreshed with new stock.

Skills & Qualities

  • Friendly, approachable, and confident when engaging with the public.
  • Organised and reliable, with excellent attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Comfortable handling money and completing basic administrative tasks.
  • Able to work well as part of a team and take initiative when needed.
  • Previous retail or supervisory experience is desirable but not essential – full training will be provided.

What You’ll Gain

  • Valuable hands-on experience in retail management and customer service.
  • Development of leadership, organisation, and teamwork skills.
  • The satisfaction of contributing to a great cause and making a positive impact.
  • References and experience to enhance your CV.

If you are a people person who enjoys working off your own initiative and are interested in registering your interest in this role, please contact events@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Shop Assistant (Volunteer)

The East Lancashire Railway is looking for a friendly, helpful individual to help us to run our busy Gift Shop in Bury Bolton Street Station. Duties will include working the till and handling customer enquiries, keeping the display area stocked up with products, keeping the area neat and tidy and cashing up and closing at the end of the working day.

The position is voluntary. The volunteer will ideally need to be available to work midweek during the summer months and Sunday, either all day or just for the morning/afternoon time slots. Full training and support will be given.

If you are a people person who enjoys working off your own initiative and are interested in registering your interest in this role, please contact events@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Bury Station Buffet Assistant (Volunteer)

We currently have an opening for a buffet assistant to join our busy and professional team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a customer focused individual to join a unique and popular part of the business at the East Lancashire Railway.

This is a volunteer role, applicants must be aged 18 or over to apply. The successful applicant will be required to work weekends as well as some midweek days during our busy period.

If you feel you can work under pressure whilst maintaining an extremely high level of customer service and while continuously augmenting our establishment’s reputation, then this could be the role for you.

Download the full Job Description here.

Please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to our Buffet Manager at – maggie.sayce@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

 

Train Buffet Volunteers for Steam or Diesel

As a train buffet staff, you’ll assist with the operation of the onboard buffet service , helping provide passengers with food and drinks and welcoming experience during their journey . This role involves customer services light food handling ,maintaining a clean and organised service area in a fast-paced mobile environment

Key Responsibilities

  • Great passengers and provide friendly helpful services
  • Serve hot and cold drink light snacks
  • Handle simple card transactions
  • Keep buffet aera clean stocked and well organised
  • Restock food , beverages and supplies throughout the journey
  • Follow food hygiene and safety standard at all time
  • Clear waste and ensure proper disposal of recycling
  • Support the onboard team to ensure smooth service during busy periods

Requirements

  • Strong communication and customer service
  • Ability to work in a moving environment and stay calm in busy periods
  • Basic numeracy skills
  • Awareness of hygiene and safety practices

 

To apply please send a C.V to buffet.manager@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Stock and Support Volunteer Staff

As a stock and support staff, you’ll help keep the buffet running smoothly . This role  focuses on organising stock, maintaining cleanliness and support counter staff to e ensure positive experience for customers

Key Responsibilities

  • Monitor stock levels inform staff of items the need replenishing
  • Rotate stock to ensure freshness
  • Keep storage areas clean and tidy
  • Support  counter staff during busy periods
  • Dispose of waste properly and follow recycling procedures

Requirements

  • Reliable and punctual
  • Good organising skills
  • Ability to work independently and part of a team
  • Basic understanding of hygiene and food safety
  • Willing to help with variety tasks

 

To apply please send a C.V to buffet.manager@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Seasonal Casual Retail & Events Support Assistant

Pay: Minimum Wage

We are seeking an enthusiastic Seasonal Casual Retail & events Support Assitant to join our team during our busy summer and events season.

This is a varied, customer-facing role supporting retail operations, onboard sales, cafés and family events across the railway. The position plays an important role in enhancing the visitor experience while helping to maximise retail sales during peak trading periods.

You will work closely with the Sales & Events Team, Café Manager and retail volunteers, supporting busy services, special events and children’s activities.

This is a flexible casual role, and working hours may increase during peak periods such as major events and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

Retail & On-Train Sales

  • Proactively sell souvenirs and merchandise onboard trains during busy services and events
  • Promote event-specific products and seasonal merchandise
  • Process card and mobile payments using POS systems
  • Engage with visitors and encourage additional purchases

Retail Shop Support

  • Assist with the operation of the railway shop when volunteer cover is limited
  • Maintain attractive product displays and merchandising standards
  • Ensure the shop remains open and trading during busy periods

Café & Buffet Support

  • Support the Café Manager during peak demand
  • Assist with onboard buffet services and customer service

Events & Birthday Parties

  • Assist the Sales & Events Team with the delivery of children’s events and birthday parties
  • Support event setup, preparation and guest experience
  • Promote retail items and add-on purchases during events

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

  • Friendly, confident and enthusiastic when interacting with visitors
  • Comfortable working in a busy, fast-paced environment
  • Reliable and flexible with working hours
  • A strong team player with good communication skills
  • Interested in events, retail or tourism

Previous experience in retail, hospitality, events or customer service would be advantageous but is not essential.

Safeguarding & Compliance

As this role may involve supporting children’s events:

  • An Enhanced DBS check will be required
  • Safeguarding awareness training will be provided
  • Basic food hygiene awareness may be required

What We Offer

  • A varied and engaging seasonal role
  • The opportunity to work at a busy heritage railway and major events
  • Experience across retail, hospitality and event operations
  • Flexible hours during peak periods

 

Download the full job description.

To apply, please email an expression of interest and a C.V to Events@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Event Support Team Member (Volunteer)

The East Lancashire Railway is looking for a reliable and helpful individual to help support our many events. One of the main perks of this role is that no 2 days are the same. One day you could be travelling on a train, the next you could be staffing radio systems in the control room.

Duties might include:

  • First Aid
  • Security
  • Crowd Control
  • Event Set Up
  • Safety
  • Ticket Checking
  • Concert Duties
  • General Station Duties

The ideal candidate will be able to:

  • Ensure the safety and security of customers visiting the railway
  • Provide medical response services when required
  • Oversee general security operations to maintain a safe environment
  • Work in the control room, monitoring and managing events to ensure smooth operations
  • Collaborate effectively with other members of the team

 

If you are interested in taking on this varies and exciting role, please contact events@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

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