Volunteer

Join Our Team of Volunteers

Do you want to learn how to drive BCER 1225? Talk to the passengers and tell stories about ‘the good old days’ on the rails? Greet and guide passengers on board, or at the stations? We are always looking for volunteers!

We offer a comprehensive (and fun) orientation session for all of our volunteers.

Volunteers are needed on weekends during our operating season of May through to October to help with greeting guests, ticket sales, guided tours and more.

Additionally, we are always seeking volunteers with electrical, mechanical and woodworking skills to help maintain and restore the cars.

For a complete list of opportunities, see below.

Getting Started with Volunteering

Volunteer orientation is held throughout the year for all positions.

All ages are welcome! We have active volunteers from 18 years of age to 80+, both men and women.

It’s easy to apply, and we will help you find an opportunity best suited to your interests and skill set:

  1. All Volunteers must fill out the Volunteer Application Form as a first step in the process.
  2. Send your filled-out form to the Volunteer Coordinator by pressing the Submit button, it will then be forwarded onto the Coordinator of the area that you are interested in.
  3. All Volunteers are expected to become FVHRS Members.

Contact the Coordinator of your area of choice (see below) for any additional information.

Scope of Volunteer Opportunities

At the Station

During the operating season of May to October:

STATION VOLUNTEER – minimum commitment of 2x 1/2 days, or 1 full day per month

  • Greeter at the Front Gate or Station Entrance
  • Museum Guide
  • Tickets Sales
  • Souvenir Sales
  • Platform Guide and Electric Lift Assistant
  • Stationmaster (following experience in most station areas)

Contact: Stephen Plant, Station Volunteer Coordinator
stephen (at) proactiveaccountants.ca
604-626-4355

DISCOVERY CENTRE TOUR GUIDE – minimum commitment of 2x 1/2 days, or 1 full day per month

Give guided tours of the Carbarn – instruction provided.

Contact: Stephen Plant, Volunteer Coordinator Barn Tours and Speeder Ops.
stephen (at) proactiveaccountants.ca
604-626-4355

On the Train

During the operating season of May to October:

TRAIN OPERATOR – min. commitment of 2 full days per month

Needs to pass a medical and must be prepared to take a course on various sections of the Canadian Railway Operating Rules and pass a written exam. Must be willing to take the time to practice operating the Heritage Interurban with a qualified operator.

CONDUCTOR – assists Train Operator, is also a qualified Train Operator.

Contact: David King, Operations Manager
david_king (at) telus.net
604 816 5172

PASSENGER ATTENDANT – min. commitment of 2 x 1/2 day  or 1 full day per month

Needs to be familiar with the FVHRS Safety Management System and Passenger Handling Document, and pass an open book test on each. Volunteer should enjoy meeting and interacting with the passengers. A working knowledge of the history of the Fraser Valley Line and BCER 1225 would be beneficial.

Contact: Stephen Plant, Volunteer Coordinator Passenger Attendants
stephen (at) proactiveaccountants.ca
604-626-4355

SPEEDER OPERATOR / BRAKEPERSON – min. commitment of  2 full days per month

Needs to be familiar with FVHRS’s Safety Management System and Passenger Handling Document and pass an open book test on each. Speeder Operator should be willing to take the time to practice operating the Heritage Interurban with a qualified operator. Brakeman should enjoy meeting the public. The speeder operator will require a medical (good for 3 years).

Contact: David King, Operations Manager
david_king (at) telus.net
604 816 5172

Restoration & Maintenance

All year, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9AM to 2PM:

RESTORATION VOLUNTEER – min. commitment of 2 full days per month, 9AM to 2PM

In the Carbarn, various projects are available for restoration, annual and monthly maintenance, refurbishing of mechanical and electrical parts of FVHRS equipment and property. People with a variety of skills in electrical, mechanical, woodworking and painting are required.

Contact:  Carbarn Volunteers inquiry
info (at) FVHRS.org
604-574-9056

OR: Terry Nichols, Maintenance Coordinator
tdnichols (at) telus.net
604-313-5505