Lincoln Home Trails and Rails Volunteer

Job Title: Trails & Rails Volunteer

Job Description:  Volunteer will be responsible for providing high quality, educational programs aboard Amtrak trains between Springfield and Chicago. 

The volunteer will:

• Make presentations to large and small groups of Amtrak passengers about history and the significant natural and cultural resources along the train route from Springfield to Chicago and back.
• Relate to passengers of all ages, ethnic origins, and socio-economic-political backgrounds in a courteous, friendly, and helpful manner.
• Walk through the train and informally talk to passengers about central Illinois history, cultural and natural resources by using and showing them props such as animal pelts.
• Set up and give out brochures and other appropriate materials in designated train areas.
• Work effectively with Amtrak personnel and other park volunteers on and off the train.

Season and Work Schedule: 

For the 2020 season, the program operates from:

• May 9th – May 31st & Sept. 5th – Nov. 1st, 2020: Saturdays & Sundays
• June 5th – August 29th, 2020: Fridays & Saturdays
• The two-person volunteer team reports to the Springfield station at 7:45AM and returns about 5:30 PM on the same day.
• Volunteers are required to make a minimum of approx. two trips per month, after the initial onboard training trips.

Skills needed:           

• Ability to speak slowly, clearly, and in a well-modulated voice, to orally communicate information in a clear, concise manner.
• Ability to give presentation with and without using a public address system.
• Ability to work effectively with a two-person team onboard the trains.
• Ability to synthesize information and prepare scripts/index cards/talking points summarizing main points to use when making presentations.
• Ability to track train route progress and provide appropriate commentary at the right place.
• Skill in making oral presentations to large and small groups.
• Friendly and outgoing personality.
• Public service and customer service skills.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow operating procedures and Amtrak safety regulations.
• Experience with educating people about history (preferred)  
• Ability to assess and provide feedback about the effectiveness of the program and suggestions for program enhancement.

Physical Demands:   

• Sufficient eyesight and hearing capabilities to understand instructions provided by Amtrak crews.
• Walking and talking for extended period of time. Volunteers may be required to stand on the train for several hours straight.
• Walking safely through a moving train and climbing up and down narrow stairs.
• Lifting, moving, or carrying a wheeled suitcase or backpack weighing up to 35 pounds up and down stairs.
• Grasping, pulling, and turning emergency exit mechanisms, if needed.
• Sufficient mobility in all limbs and the body strength to assist others in exiting the train.

Train Fare and Meals:         

• Train fare/tickets are provided. 
• Volunteers can bring own food or if food is purchased on the train, volunteer can be reimbursed up to $15 per day volunteered with a receipt.  

Training:                   

• Training consists of 16-24 hours of self-study, 16 hrs of classroom training, and 4 runs (max 40 hours) of onboard training. 
• In-service training is available to enhance volunteer knowledge and presentation skills.