The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a successful and expanding heritage railway, operating steam trains on some 200 days per year. We are a major tourist attraction with over 120,000 visitors each year and we are committed to an excellent visitor experience.
Vacancies for any full-time or part-time posts available at The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will normally be advertised on this page.
CURRENT VACANCIES
Job Title: Estates Manager
Contract : Permanent 37.5 hours per week
Location: Havenstreet, Isle of Wight
Salary: £36,000
Background:
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is looking for a suitably qualified and experienced person to manage and maintain our ever-growing property portfolio. Based at Havenstreet Station the successful candidate will be responsible the station buildings and platforms at our four stations in addition to extensive fields and woodland within the railway’s ownership, some of which is designated as SSSI. We are also hoping to add an extensive undercover storage facility off site in the near future.
We currently have one full time and three part time paid staff employed within our enthusiastic estates team in addition to a pool of up to 15 volunteers providing valuable support.
Previous experience of working in a railway environment is not necessary but would be an advantage We are looking for someone who can take a flexible approach to their working week as evening and weekend working will be required on occasions as well as working outdoors in all weather conditions as there is a hands-on element to this role.
Main Purpose of Role:
To be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of land and property owned by or under the control of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and not forming part of the permanent way, bridges and other such structures.
Principle Responsibilities:
- Supervise daily operations of the Estate including grounds maintenance, landscaping and building upkeep.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify maintenance needs and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Lead and manage the estates team, providing guidance, training, and support to staff.
- Co-ordinate workloads and schedules to ensure efficient operations.
- Plan and oversee estate related projects, including renovations, repairs, and enhancements.
- Collaborate with contractors and suppliers to ensure quality workmanship and adherence to budget and timelines.
- Prepare and manage the estate’s budget, monitoring expenses and resource allocation.
- Prepare reports on maintenance activities, project progress, and budget status for senior management.
- Ensure that the estate is presented in an appealing manner for visitors, enhancing their overall experience
About You:
We’re looking for individuals who:
- Have previous managerial experience in estate management, facilities management or a related field.
- Have experience of managing a diverse workforce including paid staff and volunteers.
- Have effective organisational and communication skills.
- Have the ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions,
- Have a level of physical fitness necessary to undertake safety critical work.
- Have a flexible approach to working hours as evening and weekend work will sometimes be required.
- Hold a Full UK Driving Licence
What we Offer:
- A chance to work in a beautiful, unique and historic environment.
- Discounted travel
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Friendly professional working environment
How to Apply
If you would like to be part of our team at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, please send your CV and a brief cover letter to Kate Shaw HR Business Partner
A full job description is available on request.
Closing date: Friday 17th July 2026: 17:00 hours
Job Title: Commercial Cook
Come and join the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and be a part of a team that delivers an exceptional experience, amidst the charm of historic steam trains and beautiful scenery.
As a Commercial Cook, you will work in a team as in our main catering outlet kitchen, to provide quality home cooked favourites, great customer service and be proactive in ensuring that our customers have a positive, memorable and inspiring dining experience.
Contract term: Seasonal, April – October
Location: Havenstreet, Isle of Wight
Contract Type: Zero Hours
Salary: National Minimum Wage
Main Purpose of Role:
As a Commercial Cook, you will work in our main catering outlet as required, to provide quality home cooked favourites, great customer service and be proactive in ensuring that our customers have a positive, memorable and inspiring dining experience. This will also include event catering on a large scale.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparation of food ready for service & customer consumption
- Working to strict environmental health regulations & guidelines
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation within the catering area
- Engage with customers and provide excellent service
- Work alongside other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations
- Be knowledgeable about menu items and particularly Allergens to assist customers who have an intolerance
About You:
We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who:
- Have previous experience in a catering or hospitality kitchen environment, however full training will be given
- Has excellent communication and customer service skills
- Has own transport due to location, this is essential
- Are a keen team player with a positive attitude
- Has the ability to work in a fast paced environment
- Has flexibility to work varied hours including weekends, evenings and holidays
- Is highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Is willing to learn, develop & support continuous improvement
What we Offer
- Flexible working schedules
- A chance to work in a beautiful, unique and historic environment
- Competitive pay
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Friendly professional working environment
How to Apply
If you are passionate about food and customer service and want to be a part of a unique experience at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, please send your CV and a brief cover letter to our catering manager Stuart Angus:
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
We currently require individuals to work in all departments throughout the Railway. Take a look at our Volunteer pages. Whether you are looking for an interesting and rewarding volunteer role or to acquire training and a skill set for your CV, we have something for you.
To see what’s available go to the Volunteer pages – click HERE for further information, and to complete the online application form.
- Station Maintenance
- Gardening
- Fund-raising
- Mechanical Engineering
- Operating trains
- Catering
- Administration
- Carriage & Wagon
- Special Events
- Train Story Guide
- Booking Clerk