Prairie Dog Railway - Porter

Organization Name:
The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc.

Address: 64099 Prairie Dog Trail, R.M. of Rosser MB R3G 3N4

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.

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.

Volunteer Opportunity Details

Volunteer Opportunity

Railway Porters are the ambassadors of the Prairie Dog Central Railway. They are often the first and most frequent point of contact for passengers and play a key role in ensuring both a safe and enjoyable heritage railway experience. Porters assist with boarding and de‑training, provide on‑board customer service, maintain coach safety and cleanliness, and support the Conductor in carrying out safe train operations.

This volunteer role is essential to preserving and sharing Manitoba's railway history.

• Greet passengers at boarding and assist with tickets, seating, and luggage/strollers.

• Ensure aisles and seating areas remain clear and safe.

• Provide information, answer questions, and share in the heritage experience.

• Monitor passenger safety: remind riders to remain seated, secure windows, and prevent unsafe movement between cars.

• Assist passengers with mobility needs, always offering a steadying hand without physical handling unless necessary to prevent injury.

• Escort and protect passengers during en‑training/de‑training under the Conductor's direction.

• Arrive 60 minutes before departure for crew briefing.

• Inspect assigned coaches for hazards, cleanliness, and supplies (toiletries, brochures, cleaning items).

• Remain in the assigned coach during the trip, unless directed otherwise by the Conductor.

• Collect passenger headcounts and report to the Head Porter after departure.

• After passengers de‑train, clean the coach (sweep, remove garbage/recycling, wipe windows/seats, check toilets, secure equipment).

• Ensure coach is ready for storage (toilet batteries off, step box stowed, issues reported).

• Head Porter: coordinate coach counts,…