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From stuffing envelopes to laying track, ASTA volunteers have the opportunity to do just about everything it takes to keep a vintage passenger railroad up and running. There are tasks to suit just about everyone’s time and talents, and the rewards include the satisfactions of giving the public an incomparable hands-on experience of golden-age railroading, learning new skills, and working and socializing with a welcoming, diverse and dedicated group of fellow volunteers.

Lack of railroad knowledge or experience is no hindrance—we’ll “train” you—and we’d love to have you on board!

Here’s an outline of ASTA’s volunteer opportunities:

We have jobs available to fit almost everyone’s interests. There are opportunities as On Board Service Crew Members, administrative volunteers, maintenance/restoration volunteers, and—after a process of selection, training and hands-on experience—opportunities to join the Operating Train Crew.

On Board Service Crew work in each of our cars on every trip, to assist and interact with our passengers. As docents, they answer questions, explain some of the history of our trains and their routes, and make sure that every customer’s experience is as comfortable, fun and rewarding as possible.

Concession Car Crew staff the car on every train that sells soft drinks, snack items, souvenirs, toys, t-shirts, cameras and memorabilia. The concession car frequently becomes the social crossroads of the train during a run, so our concession-car staff is essential to making our passengers’ train ride as enjoyable as possible

Seasonal Volunteers are critical to the success of our holiday and special event trains, and there are many positions to fill. Instructions and on-the-job training is provided as needed.

Maintenance and restoration volunteers work under our general superintendent’s direction in our Cedar Park home yard, helping with the never-ending but essential tasks of maintaining our engines, cars, fixed facilities and other equipment. Special skills such as welding, carpentry, mechanical, plumbing and painting are always welcome, but general help is needed as well, and it’s a great opportunity to learn some new skills. Maintenance and restoration crews often work during the week as well as on weekends

Operating Crews—Conductors, Engineers, and Brakemen safely operate our trains, comfortably and on time. Our operating volunteers are all fully trained and qualified for their jobs, and ASTA maintains its own federally approved training and advancement program for people who’d like to learn the venerable craft of railroading and be considered for our operating staff.

Sign up to volunteer

To become an ASTA volunteer, please first print and fill out our application, then contact us to RSVP a slot in our monthly orientation class. You can then simply bring the application with you to the orientation session, which is typically scheduled on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
Thank you, and we look forward to working with you!