Job type: Part-time, seasonal
Season: Immediate opening through December 31, 2026
Schedule: Variable daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts
About Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum is a nonprofit historic railroad located along Portland’s Eastern Promenade. We preserve and operate Maine’s historic two-foot gauge railroad equipment while providing scenic train rides, educational programs, and special events for visitors of all ages.
Our train crew works together to provide every passenger with a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience. Our busiest periods occur during the summer, fall, and The Polar Express™ Train Ride holiday season.
Position Summary
We are seeking a dependable, safety-focused, and guest-friendly Train Conductor to join our seasonal operating team.
The Conductor is responsible for passenger safety, train movement communication, boarding, onboard announcements, and coordination with the Engineer. This is a safety-sensitive, public-facing position that requires sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm and professional in changing conditions.
Prior railroad experience is helpful but not required. We will consider candidates with strong experience in transportation, public safety, tourism, hospitality, event operations, or other roles requiring responsibility and direct interaction with the public.
Primary Responsibilities
- Serve as Conductor aboard scheduled passenger trains and special-event trains
- Coordinate train movements and safety procedures with the Engineer
- Directly oversee safety and communication during pushing movements
- Complete pre-departure equipment and readiness checks
- Safely manage passenger boarding, unloading, and movement around the train
- Make clear onboard announcements and communicate with guests of all ages
- Monitor passenger safety, comfort, accessibility, and behavior
- Respond appropriately to changing conditions, guest concerns, and operational issues
- Stop or delay operations when necessary to address an unsafe condition
- Follow all training requirements, railroad operating procedures, and organizational safety policies
- Assist with minor operating, grounds, or facility tasks between train assignments
- Represent Maine Narrow Gauge professionally when interacting with guests, volunteers, and coworkers
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Strong verbal communication and customer-service skills
- Ability to remain calm, attentive, and professional under pressure
- Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
- Dependable attendance and punctuality
- Ability to work independently while following established operating procedures
- Availability for weekend, holiday, and variable seasonal shifts
- Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, wind, and other changing weather conditions
- Ability to climb railroad-car steps, walk over uneven surfaces, and stand for extended periods
- Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting as required
- Valid driver’s license
- Authorization to work in the United States
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following is helpful but not required:
- Railroad or transportation operations
- Safety-sensitive work
- Tourism, hospitality, or visitor attractions
- Public safety, military, or emergency services
- Event operations or crowd management
- Public speaking or guest-facing work
What We Offer
- Starting pay of $23.00 to $28.00 per hour, based on relevant experience
- Paid job-specific training
- Uniform and boot allowance
- A unique outdoor workplace along Portland’s waterfront
- Opportunities to develop additional railroad operating skills
- Potential opportunities for continued or expanded employment based on performance and organizational needs
- A supportive team committed to safety, historic preservation, and excellent guest service
Important Scheduling Information
This is a part-time seasonal position. Work hours vary based on train schedules, special events, weather, and operational needs. The greatest staffing needs occur during weekends, the summer and fall visitor seasons, and The Polar Express™ Train Ride from November through December.
Applicants should clearly identify their regular availability, including weekend, evening, and holiday availability.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and employment process for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- On-the-job training
- Paid training
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to maintain consistent part-time availability, including weekends, through December 31, 2026?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Portland, ME 04101 (Required)
Work Location: In person
