When most people think about jobs in the rail industry, their first thought is usually the people on board the train: the train engineer and conductor. But the world of rail is vast, and behind every moving train is a network of professionals keeping everything on track—literally and figuratively.

In this blog series, we're diving into the lesser-known but equally vital careers that power the rail industry. From the workers who maintain and inspect tracks to the engineers designing new infrastructure, from the dispatchers coordinating train movements to the marketers and administrators keeping operations running smoothly—rail careers go far beyond the locomotive cab.

Looking to get into rail preservation? Wondering what skills would be helpful and how to reach out to your local rail preservation organization? Just wondering what in the world rail preservation even is?

How have the range of volunteer opportunities in rail preservation changed in the past several decades? What are the crucial roles for volunteers at preservation organizations? How can you prepare to volunteer with rail preservation organizations?