Train Manager
The Watercress Line is a living museum. Its visitors gain many opportunities to experience and learn about the role played by railways and steam power in the development of the communities, industry and commerce in the Alresford to Alton area of the Hampshire countryside while also enjoying a range of heritage, family and enthusiast events throughout the year … while also enjoying the ultimate family day out! The Watercress Line’s volunteers are its backbone.
They work alongside a small number of specialist employed staff to:
1. manage and operate the railway, and to develop these professional skills
2. deliver all the commercial activities and visitor events including education and museum
3. restore and preserve the heritage rolling stock, structures, equipment, archives and artefacts.
Role Title: | Watercress Belle / Royal Wessex Train Manager |
|---|---|
Location: | Alresford |
Time Agreed: | Saturdays 1600-2300 (Watercress Belle), and Sundays 1000-1700 (Royal Wessex) |
Purpose and Business Objective: | To manage the evening dining service on The Watercress Belle and lunchtime service on The Royal Wessex. Act as the interface between the guests and the food service contractor. |
Tasks to include: | On the Thursday prior to a weekend of either service: Attend Alresford at 1630 pm to: · Confirm gas, water and power are adequate for planned services. · Confirm toilets are adequately stocked, are clean and kitchen car systems are functional. · Check bar stocks are at minimum levels, chilling where needed and arrange for the catering team to replenish. · Ensure battery table lamps are charged, and if not, place on charge. · Issue seating layouts and passenger lists to contractor (Envelope in SI office). · Assist the contractor to load required equipment. On day of Service · Put all restaurant car systems into operation including EPOS from Booking Office. · Agree with assistants coverage of carriages. · Visit Booking Office to print all tickets in advance noting carriage and table number. · Welcome guests, issue their tickets, advise seat location and if West Country Buffet is open for drinks. · Before Passengers board check tables in your carriage to ensure all pre orders are correct. · Use the EPOS to record bar sales by table from information provided by waiting staff. · Prepare final bills and distribute to guests in your carriage and take electronic payment. · Cash up the electronic point of sale system on the return trip to Alresford. · Confirm all On-board systems are shut down at close of service. · See guests off the train. · Assist with cleaning the coaches at the end of the service and replenish bar stocks |
Training Opportunities:
– competences to gain
(FOC to volunteer) | · Understanding and experience of electronic point of sale system · Personal track safety qualification · Experience of working in a team · Customer interaction skills · Problem resolution skills |
Reporting to: | Train Management Team Leader: Steve Dwyer |
A volunteer in this role cannot: | • Have any impairment of mobility |
A volunteer in this role should avoid: | |
A volunteer in this role ideally:
(is/has/can …) | · Comfortable talking with and guiding clients • Personable and welcoming · Able to resolve issues that arise calmly · Comfortable working in the evenings • A good team-worker |
Please note:
- All volunteers must sign in at the start of and sign-out at the end of their role’s rostered periods.
- Volunteers must read and abide by the conduct guidance set out in the WCL Volunteer Handbook.
- Where specific departmental health and safety rules apply it is the volunteer’s responsibility to maintain awareness and to operate by those rules at all times when on site.
- Certifications and Qualifications required in specific roles must be current and complete.
