The Louisiana Steam Train Association (LASTA) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic railroad equipment, restoring Southern Pacific steam locomotive No. 745, and sharing Louisiana’s railroad history with future generations. As we relocate our historic railroad collection and develop the Garyville Museum and Heritage Railroad project, we are looking for volunteers with a wide range of skills, experience, and interests.

You do not need railroad experience to get involved. Whether you enjoy machinery, construction, historic preservation, public education, or administrative work, you can contribute.

Volunteer Opportunities

Here are some the ways you can contribute to preserving Louisiana’s railroad history.

Mechanical and Equipment Restoration	Track, Facilities, and Construction	Museum, Administration, and Community Support	Railroad Operations
Help maintain and restore our historic locomotives, passenger cars, freight equipment, and supporting machinery.	Help develop and maintain the railroad and museum facilities at Garyville.	Not all volunteer opportunities require physical labor or on-site work. Some administrative, technical, and planning activities may be performed remotely.	LASTA is developing its future railroad operating workforce. Railroad operating positions require additional training, qualification, and, where applicable, regulatory certification. Opportunities depend on operating needs and completion of required training.
– Steam and diesel locomotive mechanics – Railcar repair and maintenance – Electricians and electrical technicians – Welders, machinists, and pipefitters – General mechanical maintenance	– Track construction and maintenance – Carpenters and construction volunteers – Equipment operators – Painting and facility repairs – Grounds and property maintenance – Museum exhibits and restoration projects	– Museum guides and historical research – Marketing, photography, and social media – Fundraising and grant support – Administrative assistance and record keeping – Volunteer coordination and recruitment – Community outreach and special events – Training and safety support	– Locomotive engineers and conductors – Brakemen and hostlers – Steam locomotive firemen – Passenger car attendants – Railroad operations and safety personnel

How to Become a Volunteer

Our volunteer onboarding process helps applicants find suitable assignments and prepare to work safely and effectively.

1. Explore Opportunities – Review the volunteer positions above and consider the areas where your interests and experience may be most useful.
   
2. Submit an Application – Complete the online LASTA Volunteer Application. Tell us about your interests, experience, availability, and preferred contact times.
   
3. Introductory Call – A volunteer coordinator will contact you to arrange an introductory telephone or video call, preferably at one of your requested times. This is an opportunity to discuss assignments and answer questions.
   
4. Welcome Packet – Following a successful introductory call, you will receive a welcome packet explaining volunteer policies, training requirements, safety expectations, and next steps.
   
5. Required Training – Before participating in assigned activities, volunteers must complete applicable online training, acknowledgment forms, and other required documentation. Some positions require additional qualifications.
   
6. Orientation – An orientation session will introduce you to LASTA’s facilities, projects, safety requirements, and volunteer team.
   
7. Join the Team – After completing onboarding, approved volunteers will be added to LASTA’s Slack communications platform and assigned to an appropriate crew or workgroup.

Volunteer Participation and Scheduling

Volunteer participation is essential to maintaining equipment and advancing our project goals. Active volunteers are asked to contribute at least 18 hours per calendar quarter to maintain active status. Eligible hours may include on-site work, remote assignments, online crew meetings, and other authorized volunteer projects. We recognize that volunteers have employment, family, and other commitments, and we will work to provide flexible scheduling options whenever possible to accommodate individual circumstances.

All volunteers must follow LASTA safety policies, training requirements, and applicable operating procedures. Assignment to specific training sessions is determined by a review of each volunteer’s existing qualifications and the current requirements of the project. Following an initial assessment, volunteers are scheduled for mandatory or supplemental training as appropriate for their role. Training and volunteer opportunities are therefore assigned based on project needs, volunteer qualifications, and availability.

Why Volunteer With LASTA?

• Help preserve historic railroad equipment and Louisiana history.
  
• Develop practical mechanical, railroad, and preservation skills.
  
• Work alongside experienced volunteers and industry professionals.
  
• Participate in the development of a new railroad museum and heritage railroad.
  
• Contribute to a nonprofit preservation organization with long-term community benefits.

Whether you can assist regularly or contribute through specialized projects, your participation can make a difference.

Ready to Get Started?

Join the LASTA crew and help build the future of railroad preservation in Louisiana. We look forward to learning more about your interests and how you may be able to help. Please complete the below application or you may open it directly at: https://forms.gle/dgc8nEKbpMPUsRyE6