Hop on board and join our group of dedicated and talented volunteers.
Volunteer
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is operated almost entirely by volunteers. They are the heartbeat of the Enginehouse, keeping the museum running smoothly and accessible to the public. Whether as docents, gift shop operators, train crew members, or part of the mechanical team, every role is vital to preserving Portland’s rail heritage.
No need to be a rail expert – just bring your enthusiasm for community connection and history to volunteer!
How to Sign Up
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator
Visit the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Fill out our online applications:
Volunteer Opportunities
Docents are interpretive guides in a museum. Ours are the primary interface with the visiting public and are responsible for creating an enjoyable and educational experience for our guests. Docents explain the stories and details about our equipment and railroading in an entertaining manner, while insuring the public’s safety in a working enginehouse. Successful candidates will have the capability of and an interest in never-ending learning along with a public presence and the ability to perform with minimal supervision. Smiling faces are the measure of success in this vital volunteer role.
Our Gift Shop provides an opportunity for visitors to find that special memento of their visit to the Rail Heritage Center and is an important revenue source. Gift Shop volunteers help guests in their selection, collect payment for the purchases, and administer memberships and donations. Successful candidates will have a pleasant out-going manner, attention to detail, and the ability to perform with minimal supervision.
Greeters are the first person that visitors will experience when arriving at the Center. They are friendly and engaging, letting people know about what is happening at the Center.
Help with our train rides in various positions – Car Host, Loading Host, Stationmaster and Will Call.
Train Operations positions include Engineer, Conductor, Brakemen, and Firemen. To be qualified for these positions, it’s strongly preferred that volunteers have been previously certified. If you have experience, place contact us at volunteer.coordinator@orhf.org.
The locomotives and cars are restored and maintained on site at the Enginehouse. If you are a skilled are skilled as a welder, machinist, or in another highly specialized area please contact us at volunteer.coordinator@orhf.org.