RAIL OPERATIONS CREW

EVER DREAMED OF BEING A PART OF A WORKING HERITAGE RAILWAY?

The Rail Operations Crew are the people who bring Zig Zag Railway to life. They operate trains, manage stations, control railway movements and help create memorable experiences for thousands of visitors each year.

No previous railway experience is required.

In fact, most of our volunteers join us with little or no railway knowledge. Our members come from all walks of life and represent a wide range of ages, professions, cultures and backgrounds. What they have in common is a willingness to learn, contribute and be part of something special.

Whether you’re a teacher, mechanic, office worker, student, retiree, tradie, parent or simply someone looking for a new challenge, there is a place for you within our Rail Operations Crew.

Zig Zag Railway is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and develop new skills. We believe that preserving Australia’s railway heritage is strengthened by the diverse experiences and perspectives that our volunteers bring to the organisation.

YOUR RAILWAY JOURNEY

Every operational volunteer begins by completing their Rail Safety Worker qualification, providing the foundation required to work safely within the rail environment.

From there, volunteers can progress through a range of operational qualifications and responsibilities, developing skills and experience at a pace that suits them.

A typical operational pathway may include:

  • Rail Safety Worker
  • Section Car Observer
  • Signaller
  • Guard
  • Section Car Driver
  • Diesel Observer
  • Fireman
  • Diesel Driver
  • Steam Driver

Some volunteers may also choose to qualify as a Train Controller. Train Controllers oversee the safe movement of trains across the railway and require an extensive understanding of railway operations, safeworking systems and network rules. While not a compulsory qualification, it is one of the most important and respected operational roles on the railway.

Not everyone follows the same path. Some volunteers enjoy specialising in a particular role, while others continue to broaden their qualifications over many years. Whatever your goals, our experienced trainers and mentors will support you throughout your railway journey.

MORE THAN JUST TRAINS

While operating heritage trains is an exciting part of what we do, joining the Rail Operations Crew is about much more than learning railway skills.
It is about becoming part of a community, building friendships, preserving history and contributing to an organisation that has been inspiring visitors for generations.

Many of our volunteers tell us they joined because they liked trains. They stayed because of the people.