Prairie Dog Central Railway - Conductor

Organization Details
Organization Name: The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc.
Address: 64099 Prairie Dog Trail
R.M. of Rosser MB  R3G 3N4
Website: http://pdcrailway.com
Organizational Description: The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc. (VLS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and operating Canada's railway heritage. Established in 1968, VLS owns and oversees the Prairie Dog Central Railway, one of the oldest regularly operating vintage railways in North America.

The Society's mandate is threefold:

Preservation - Restoring and maintaining historic locomotives, railcars, and infrastructure for future generations.

Operation - Running safe, scheduled heritage train excursions that bring history to life for the public.

Community Engagement - Providing a meaningful volunteer experience for individuals of all ages and skill levels while fostering Manitoba pride and tourism.

VLS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and long-term planning. Day-to-day operations are carried out by management staff and supported by more than 100 volunteers who contribute their time and expertise across multiple areas including train crew, maintenance, restoration, event coordination, and guest services.

Prairie Dog Central Railway (PDCR)

The Prairie Dog Central Railway is a living museum on rails, offering unique heritage train excursions from Inkster Junction Station to rural Manitoba communities such as Grosse Isle and beyond. Featuring historic steam locomotive No. 3 (built in 1882) and vintage passenger coaches from the early 1900s, the PDCR provides guests with an authentic railway experience that combines history, tourism, and community.

The railway operates a full seasonal schedule of excursions, charters, and special events such as themed rides, holiday trains, and partnerships with rural communities. These activities support local tourism, generate economic impact in the region, and provide an immersive cultural experience for families, tourists, and rail enthusiasts.

Volunteers are essential to the Prairie Dog Central's success, serving in roles such as engineers, conductors, firemen, brakemen, car attendants, track crew, and restoration specialists. The railway offers meaningful volunteer opportunities where individuals can learn new skills, connect with like-minded people, and play an active part in preserving Manitoba's railway heritage.

In Summary:
The Vintage Locomotive Society and Prairie Dog Central Railway provide a unique opportunity for Manitobans to engage in heritage preservation, tourism, and community service. Volunteers not only keep the trains running - they also ensure that a vital piece of Canadian history remains alive, accessible, and inspiring for generations to come.
Volunteer Opportunity Details
Volunteer Opportunity ID: 6026
   
Description of Duties:

The Conductor is the on-board leader of each Prairie Dog Central excursion, responsible for passenger safety, crew coordination, and smooth train operations. The Conductor acts as the primary point of communication between the train crew and passengers. Duties include:




  • Overseeing the safe boarding and disembarking of passengers.



  • Coordinating with the Engineer and Fireman regarding train movements.



  • Making safety announcements and providing guidance to passengers during trips.



  • Managing the train crew, including Porters and On-Board Attendants, to ensure excellent passenger service.



  • Checking tickets and ensuring all passengers are accounted for.



  • Responding to passenger concerns, emergencies, or special needs while maintaining calm and professionalism.



  • Recording trip reports, safety checks, and other documentation as required.



  • Acting as a public ambassador by sharing the history and heritage of the railway.
   
Skills Required:

Prerequisites




  • Must hold or have previously held recognized Conductor Certification under Transport Canada's Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations or equivalent qualification with a Class I, II, or short line railway.



  • Demonstrated conductor experience in passenger or freight service.



  • Current or prior qualification in CROR (Canadian Rail Operating Rules).



  • Strong safety record and knowledge of operating procedures.



  • Ability to adapt professional skills to a heritage passenger railway setting.



Conductor Skills




  • Operational Authority: Skilled in managing train operations in compliance with rules and regulations.



  • Crew Leadership: Directs and supervises train crews effectively.



  • Passenger Safety & Care: Ensures safety while balancing customer service.



  • Communication: Proficient in coordinating with locomotive crew and managing passenger interactions.



  • Situational Awareness: Maintains control in dynamic, safety-sensitive environments.



  • Emergency Management: Responds to on-board incidents with authority and professionalism.
   
Skills Gained/Related Careers:

Skills Gained




  • Application of professional conductor skills in a heritage passenger railway environment.



  • Experience balancing regulatory compliance with tourism and passenger service.



  • Leadership development through mentoring and supervising volunteer crew.



  • Reinforcement of operational decision-making in safety-critical situations.



  • Expanded network within both heritage preservation and active rail sectors.



Related Careers




  • Senior Passenger Train Conductor



  • Rail Yard Supervisor



  • Rail Safety & Compliance Officer



  • Transportation Operations Manager



  • Heritage Railway Operations Lead
   
Age: 18-30, 31-54, 55+
Time Commitment:
Daytime
, 
Evening
, 
Weekend
Location of volunteer opportunity: Central
- Rosser
Does opportunity require a criminal record check? No
Does opportunity require a child abuse registry check? No
Opportunity is available to candidates that: General Populace
Organization will provide: A letter of reference
Supervision
Training/Orientation
How to Apply:
Closing Date: Dec 1, 2025

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