Railroad Technician, Seasonal

JOB DESCRIPTION :

The Descanso Railroad Technician, Seasonal is responsible for the care, maintenance and interpretation of the mechanical aspects of Descanso Gardens model train garden. The position requires significant interaction with the public, mechanical aptitude and attention to detail. This position requires maintaining a rigorous schedule of setup, maintenance and preparation to assure smooth start up and operation throughout the day. Dexterity, balance and the ability to operate from ladders is required as is a deft touch in handling the delicate mechanics of model trains. The Descanso Railroad Technician is also responsible for interpreting the train garden to the public and serves as an ambassador to the Gardens as a whole. This position requires a candidate who works well with adults and children under high visitation circumstances. This position works weekends and holidays. A member of the maintenance team, the Descanso Railroad Technician, Seasonal assists with regular maintenance duties as appropriate.

JOB CLASSIFICATION :

This is a part‐time, seasonal, non‐exempt position. The position includes evening and weekend hours. The term of this position is October through early January. The schedule can vary week to week and will be based on the needs of the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Responsible for the daily cleaning and maintenance of model train tracks including blowing, removing obstacles and keeping tracks clean. Tracks occasionally require light sanding and or cleaning with alcohol. Requires working from ladders and balancing in complicated garden areas
• Responsible for maintenance, cleaning and small repairs to model trains, including regular lubrication, wheel cleaning and inspection for wear and alignment.
• Responsible for rerailing derailed trains and determining and correcting cause
• Responsible for regular inspection of wheels, contact feet, axles, and couplers
• Responsible for daily switching of engines to avoid overheating
• Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of the hardscape in the Descanso Railroad garden, including removal of spider webs and debris from posts and trestles, maintaining paving and cleaning the load on platform for the ride on train.
• Answers questions and is well informed on the installation, function and maintenance process of the display area, ticket sales, hours of operation, events and narrative associated with the exhibit
• Monitors model trains and proactively works to identify and implement improvements to regular operations.
• Regularly monitors for wildlife issues
• Appropriately responds to inclement weather issues, including rain, heat and wind that may compromise the train collection and garden infrastructure

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES :

EQUIPMENT USED :

Ladders, Dremel tool, blowers, hand tools, pressure washer, water hoses

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TO APPLY : Interested parties may apply by submitting a Microsoft Word or PDF Letter of Interest and Resume to with RailroadTechSeasonal2025 in the subject line. Only those meeting the minimum requirements and submitting all required information may be contacted for further inquiry. We will accept resumes until the position is filled.