Join our team as an Infrastructure Volunteer at The Bluebell Railway
Recently retired? between jobs? or just looking for a different leisure activity and a new challenge? We’re looking for dedicated infrastructure volunteers to join our hardworking team at The Bluebell Railway.
Infrastructure is the department that looks after everything on the railway that doesn’t move. From the eleven miles of running line as well as the sidings, all the station buildings, sheds and signal boxes, the electric, gas, water and telephone services along with signalling equipment and installations – we keep it all in good shape so that the rest of the railway can function safely and efficiently. We also care for twenty two miles of lineside greenery – probably the longest garden in the south of England. It is a big undertaking and with only the equivalent of three paid members of staff – we rely on our volunteer force to keep it all under control.
- You will be working as part of a team, outdoors and indoors – depending on the location.
- We need you to be proactive and adaptable to challenges, in Infrastructure, everybody works on everything when the need arises.
- You will be willing to work on a varying range of projects across the railway.
Whether you’re passionate about railways, enjoy hands-on work, or want to be part of something historic, this is a great opportunity to get involved, meet new people, and support the Bluebell Railway’s future. No particular skills are required for general Infrastructure work, but previous experience in a variety of practical skills will be helpful and really appreciated. There is also the opportunity to learn new skills.
Candidates must be able to work sometimes in challenging conditions and have a clear understanding of the working environments required and in differing locations across The Bluebell Railway.
Are you ready to make a difference and help preserve one of the UK’s most iconic heritage railways?
If so, contact us today to get involved.
Roles, skills & working areas
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsted Keynes | Permanent Way engineers | Must be fit, able and willing to work outdoors undertaking tasks that include track maintenance and renewals, lineside clearance, lineside fencing and buildings maintenance. | Regular or occasional depending on activity |
| Horsted Keynes | Signal assistant technician | An individual who will enjoy working in a small team maintaining and faulting mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Must be reasonably fit and enjoy working outside, in inclement weather during emergencies. Ideally have experience in electrical and/or mechanical engineering, but positions are also available in more physical applications. Training in the black art of railway signalling is the department’s speciality. | Team usually meets daytime on Wednesdays & Sundays |
| Horsted Keynes | Assistant telecommunications technician | An individual who will enjoy working in a small team maintaining and faulting mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Must be reasonably fit and enjoy working outside, in inclement weather during emergencies. Ideally will have experience in telecoms equipment. | Team usually meets daytime on Saturdays |
| Horsted Keynes | Electrician | Whilst electrical experience is desirable, full training will be given, if necessary. | Weekly on a Wednesday between 1400 & 2000 |
| Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes, Kingscote & East Grinstead | Friends of each station groups | General DIY maintenance group with skills in bricklaying, carpentry, electrics, gardening, painting and plumbing welcomed. | Regular |
