Volunteer at Waterloo Central Railway

WCR is a heritage railway in the heart of St. Jacobs, Ontario, offering unique experiences for rail enthusiasts and community members alike. We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to help keep our trains running, our passengers smiling, and our heritage alive. Whether you’re interested in trains, hospitality, or hands-on shop work, we have a place for you!

Why Volunteer with WCR?

Volunteering at WCR means becoming part of a historic community that keeps Canada’s railway heritage on track. You’ll gain hands-on experience, make new connections, and have the chance to work with heritage steam engines, historic railcars, and more—all while making a positive impact.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Steam Program Volunteers

Get up close and personal with our historic steam engines! We need skilled individuals to help maintain and operate these beautiful machines.

• Firepersons
• TSSA-Qualified Steam/Boiler Operators

Shop Specialties – We Need You!

Do you have experience in skilled trades? Join our shop crew and put your talents to use on historic railway equipment. We’re looking for:

• Boilermakers
• Machinists
• Welders
• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Carman/Locomotive Maintainers
• Painters
• General Labourers

On-Train & Hospitality Volunteers

Love interacting with people? Our on-train and hospitality volunteers play a vital role in creating memorable experiences for passengers:

• Trainpersons
• Servers
• Aides & Snack Bar Service Staff

Support Roles

Even behind the scenes, your contribution makes a difference! We’re looking for help in various support roles to keep everything running smoothly:

• Decorating
• Cleaning
• General Labour
• Hospitality (Platform Greeters, Event Assistants)
• Outreach & Market Booth Representatives

High School Volunteers Welcome!

Are you a student looking to earn community service hours while learning new skills? We take high school volunteers, with a preference for students in Grade 10 or above. You’ll assist with basic tasks under supervision, contributing to WCR’s day-to-day operations.

Age Requirements

• To train for specific roles like Trainperson, Train Service Manager (TSM), or Conductor/Engineer, volunteers must be 18 years or older.
• Volunteers aged 18 and up are required to complete a police check, and we’ll guide you through this process.

Ready to Get On Board?

Whether you’re skilled in a trade, love working with the public, or just want to learn something new, WCR offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Plus, volunteering with us is a great way to give back to your community while preserving a piece of Canada’s rich railway history.

Join the WCR family!

For more information or to get started, email us at volunteers@waterloocentralrailway.com.