Job opportunities

Railway Driver and Footplate Fireperson

Purpose of the role

The role of a Steam Locomotive Driver and Fireperson will be based within The Great Whipsnade Railway Department at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo throughout our most popular times of year.  The successful candidate will assist with daily operational requirements including driving and firing steam locomotives on the railway rolling stock. The operation includes both Steam & Diesel powered Locomotives with passenger carriages touring their way through the territories of some of the worlds most inspiring animals. 

 

Positions available: 8

 

Key responsibilities:  

• Preparation and cleaning of locomotives, with disposal at the end of each shift.
• Conduct necessary safety checks
• To Drive and or Fire steam locomotives while working with station staff to ensure daily scheduled times are met.
• To liaise with station staff to ensure continuity of a smooth service during the day
• Delivering a great experience for visitors and passengers 
• Dealing with emergencies during the journey.

 

About you

The successful candidate:

• Will be a qualified Driver or have completed Firing and or Driver examination  
• Is experienced in driving and firing steam locomotives and all aspects of locomotive management. 
• Can deliver great customer service and communication skills to enhance the passenger and visitor experience
• Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to running a service, taking responsibility for day to day problems with the locomotives
• Has the ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including evening/weekend and bank holiday shifts.

Please note: Working hours range from 2-3 days per week, as part of a rota which includes regular weekends. Due to the nature of the role some tasks can be physically demanding and you will be expected to work outside in all weather conditions.

 

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

 

About us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

 

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:  

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct  
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages