Current Vacancies

The East Lancashire Railway is constantly on the lookout for talented people to help keep this vital spark of British Heritage alight.

Do you have what it takes to be a part of our family?

Fund Raising Officer

We are looking for an organised, experienced, and proactive Fundraising Officer to drive income generation at ELR. This exciting new role will be key in securing essential capital and revenue funds to support all areas of our work, from restoring historic locomotives and repairing bridges and viaducts to supporting education projects in our Transport Museum and covering day-to-day operational costs.

In this role, you will raise the profile of fundraising across the organisation and work closely with colleagues, volunteers, and the Board to increase income from diverse sources, including trusts and foundations, individuals, corporations, and statutory bodies.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and a self-starter, eager to develop and lead new fundraising initiatives with a keen eye for detail. As an enthusiastic ambassador for our work, you will build our supporter base and clearly convey the impact of ELR to potential partners and stakeholders. You should have strong experience in building fundraising relationships, managing administration, and creating compelling content for various marketing channels (social media, website, crowdfunding, print, etc.).

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the fundraising strategy for a leading North West visitor attraction and heritage site. With significant potential to explore new fundraising avenues, accelerate activity, and foster a visible culture of philanthropy, this role offers great scope for professional growth.

The position is initially for two years, with a review after 18 months and the potential to transition into a permanent, full-time role upon the successful achievement of key objectives.

There are four criteria that will disqualify applicants, so please only apply if you meet all of the following requirements:

  • At least three years of fundraising experience.
  • Experience securing funding from various sources, including trusts, foundations, corporations, individuals, and government bodies.
  • Experience providing excellent stewardship and relationship management with supporters.
  • Experience conducting prospect research to identify potential supporters.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 6th January at 12:00.

We are actively interviewing! We will review applications as soon as they come in and are ready to hire as soon as we find the right person, so don’t wait for the closing date!

Remuneration package:

Salary range: £27,000 – £30,000, depending on experience.

  • Free travel on East Lancashire Light Railway services
  • Rail Staff Travel Scheme, which allows discounted travel on the UK National Rail Network
  • Company pension scheme
  • Group Life Insurance inc. death in service benefit
  • Employee Assistance Programme including BUPA Healthy Minds & Help@Hand app

A full-time office based role but hybrid and flexible working is available to this post.

Click HERE to view the full job description and to apply

If you experience any issues in applying, please contact staffliaisonofficer@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Traction and Rolling Stock Painter

Are you the person we’re looking for to help us keep everything looking ship shape, from the locomotives to the rolling stock? Responsibilities include assisting in the maintenance, repair and restoration of the Company’s rolling stock and locomotive fleet.

Download the full Job Description here.

Letters of interest & CV’s to be emailed to:

Jonathan.Valentine@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Shop Assistant (Volunteer)

The East Lancashire Railway is looking for a friendly, helpful individual to help us to run our busy Gift Shop in Bury Bolton Street Station. Duties will include working the till and handling customer enquiries, keeping the display area stocked up with products, keeping the area neat and tidy and cashing up and closing at the end of the working day.

The position is voluntary. The volunteer will ideally need to be available to work midweek during the summer months and Sunday, either all day or just for the morning/afternoon time slots. Full training and support will be given.

If you are a people person who enjoys working off your own initiative and are interested in registering your interest in this role, please contact lorna.kelly@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Bury Station Buffet Assistant (Volunteer)

We currently have an opening for a buffet assistant to join our busy and professional team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a customer focused individual to join a unique and popular part of the business at the East Lancashire Railway.

This is a volunteer role, applicants must be aged 18 or over to apply. The successful applicant will be required to work weekends as well as some midweek days during our busy period.

If you feel you can work under pressure whilst maintaining an extremely high level of customer service and while continuously augmenting our establishment’s reputation, then this could be the role for you.

Download the full Job Description here.

Please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to our Buffet Manager at – maggie.sayce@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Dining Train Assistant – Casual Worker

We currently have an opportunity for a dining train assistant to join our busy and professional team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a customer focused individual to join our unique and popular part of the business at the East Lancashire Railway.

This is a casual worker role and you must be aged 18 or over to apply. Previous experience in a customer facing role is essential and restaurant/bar work experience is an additional bonus. You will be be required to work evenings and weekends as well as some midweek days during our busy period. If you feel you can work under pressure whilst maintaining an extremely professional level of customer service, and while continuously augmenting the establishment’s reputation, then this could be the job for you.

National Minimum Wage applies to this role. No agencies.

To apply, please send a copy of your C.V and covering letter to the dining manager – Andy.Mcnamara@eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • Greeting customer as they arrive and showing them to their table
  • Giving out menus and taking orders for drinks
  • Serving drinks and occasionally food
  • Dealing with bill payments
  • Making sure tables are clean and tidy
  • Be on hand to answer any questions and make sure that customers enjoy their experience
  • Ensure customers feel welcome and comfortable throughout the experience
  • Perform duties in an efficient, professional and courteous manner
  • Perform reasonable alternative duties, as instructed by your Manager

The Ideal Candidate will need:

  • Be extremely reliable and punctual
  • Understanding of the hospitality industry and/or previous experience
  • The ability to remain calm under pressure
  • The ability to memorise orders
  • Numeracy skills and cash handling
  • Excellent English and communication skills
  • Delivering the highest quality customer service
  • Be of a good physical condition
  • Exhibit a constant ‘Can-Do’ attitude
  • Enjoy a busy and fast paced environment
  • Work well within a team
  • Carry out tasks quickly and efficiently
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Well presented and observe strict hygiene
  • Ability to resolve conflict and take criticism