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We have a very small team of paid staff, as well as many local (and some not-so local!) volunteers who provide the backbone of our operation here at Moors Valley Railway.

They fulfil many roles and come from different backgrounds and ages. We provide equal opportunities for everyone and provide training applicable to each role.

Vacancies

Railway Maintenance & Operations Assistant

Moors Valley Railway – Dorset

Moors Valley Railway is a thriving, family-run steam railway within one of Dorset’s finest country parks. We are looking for a practical, reliable, and hands-on individual to join our small, dedicated team and support the day-to-day running of this much-loved family attraction. This is a varied and rewarding role combining railway maintenance and operational duties, offering the opportunity to work closely with experienced staff and volunteers in a unique environment.

The Role
As a Railway Operations Assistant, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the railway.
Your responsibilities will include:
– Carrying out routine maintenance of rolling stock and permanent way
– Supporting the upkeep and presentation of railway infrastructure and grounds
– Assisting with the servicing and maintenance of steam and diesel locomotives
– Supporting daily railway operations during public opening periods
– Undertaking operational duties such as driving, guarding, and ticket sales (training provided)
– Assisting in the preparation and delivery of special events, including Steam Galas and Santa Specials

This is a hands-on position that requires flexibility, including weekend and peak-period working.

About You
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, dependable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Essential:
– Practical, hands-on skills (engineering, mechanical, or similar)
– Strong awareness of safety and attention to detail
– Good communication and customer service skills
– Ability to work flexibly and take initiative
– A proactive, problem-solving approach
Desirable:
– Interest in or knowledge of heritage or steam railways
– Experience in mechanical or railway environments
– Experience of locomotive driving or railway operations
– Basic administrative and IT skills

What We Offer
– A unique opportunity to work in a well-loved heritage attraction
– A varied and engaging role with no two days the same
– Full training and development where required
– A supportive, close-knit team environment

Additional Information
We are open to discussing this role with candidates seeking either full-time or part-time work. Exact hours and working patterns will be agreed with the successful applicant. If you’re looking for a practical, varied role in a distinctive setting—and want to be part of a passionate team preserving a heritage railway—we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please contact andy@moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk

Cafe & Retail Staff

Join our team at Moors Valley Railway as a Retail Assistant in our shop and café. We’re seeking passionate individuals who take pride in their knowledge of our facility and are eager to share it with our customers.

You’ll be an ambassador of Moors Valley Railway, and also the wider Moors Valley Country Park, ready to recommend and promote our exciting offerings. As the face of the business and through excellent service you’ll make sure our customers feel truly valued every time they shop with us.

  • Efficiency and effectiveness are key aspects of your role ensuring that our customers don’t wait while maintaining high standards in food safety and hygiene consistently.
  • Being a team player is crucial. You’ll take responsibility for creating a great inclusive retail and café environment, supporting and respecting your colleagues and our customers every day.
  • Flexibility is also vital. You should be confident to work effectively across various aspects of our retail areas , adapting to the changing demands of the retail environment.The role includes:· Serving our customers efficiently and knowledgably, utilising our ePOS till system and being responsible for taking cash and card payments· Keeping the work areas clean and tidy, ensuring that our shelves are always stocked

    · Proactively engaging with customers to deliver remarkable service throughout their visit to store.

    We are looking for candidates who:

  • Are passionate and with high levels of energy, enthusiasm and self-motivation
  • Have the ability to work both individually, and as part of a team
  • Have good interpersonal skills and a customer service attitude
  • Are available to work weekends and school holidays

The role is part time with hours varying depending on the time of year. The summer school holidays are our busiest time of year and during that time the working day would run from 10:30am to 5:30pm.

Full training will be provided and applicants must be aged 16 or over.

To apply please send your C.V to shop@moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk

Volunteering

Meet new friends, learn new skills, and help make the railway even better! We always need helping hands and volunteers can get involved a number of areas based on experience or interest:

  • Locomotive Department: volunteers start as cleaners, progress to being a guard, and subject to passing the relevant exams, can work their way to up an engine driver
  • Workshop: volunteers perform a number of skilled roles and we have a number of retired engineers who attend on a regular basis
  • General: we have many roles including locomotive, coach and track maintenance, signalling and telecommunications, general maintenance and gardening