Work for Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad

Full-Time | Noblesville, Indiana

Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad is seeking a full-time Maintenance Lead – Equipment & Facilities to help keep our historic railroad equipment, railbikes, depots, shop areas, and guest-facing facilities safe, clean, reliable, and ready for service.

This is a highly hands-on position that combines mechanical and equipment maintenance with facility upkeep. The role includes troubleshooting and repairs, preventive maintenance, inspection tracking, cleaning, trash removal, janitorial duties, basic facility repairs, and coordination with outside contractors when specialized work is needed.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical ability, solid troubleshooting skills, and a willingness to take ownership of a wide range of maintenance needs. This person should be just as comfortable working on equipment as they are addressing a facility issue, cleaning a guest area, or helping prepare our locations for daily operations and special events.

This role plays an important part in preserving our historic railroad equipment while helping ensure our operation is safe, organized, clean, and guest-ready.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance and Repairs

• Perform hands-on maintenance and repair work on locomotives, passenger cars, railbikes, tools, and related operating equipment
• Troubleshoot and complete repairs involving mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and general equipment issues
• Monitor the condition, safety, cleanliness, and readiness of operating equipment
• Identify repair needs and determine what can be completed in-house and what requires an outside contractor
• Coordinate and oversee vendors and contractors completing specialized repairs and projects
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and functional shop and work environment
• Support the upkeep of tools, equipment, supplies, and maintenance work areas

Facilities, Depots, and Grounds

• Help maintain depot spaces, railbike facilities, shop areas, storage areas, restrooms, and guest-facing spaces
• Complete general facility maintenance, minor repairs, and routine upkeep
• Perform cleaning and janitorial duties, including trash removal, sweeping, mopping, restroom cleaning, and restocking supplies
• Help ensure public areas are clean, safe, organized, and ready for guests before and after operations
• Assist with seasonal setup, teardown, and maintenance for train rides, railbike tours, private events, and holiday programming
• Support outdoor and grounds-related maintenance in varying weather conditions
• Identify facility concerns and communicate repair, equipment, or supply needs in a timely manner

Preventive Maintenance and Inspections

• Develop, track, and carry out preventive maintenance schedules for locomotives, passenger cars, railbikes, facilities, and other operating assets
• Ensure inspections, maintenance logs, and required documentation are completed accurately and on time
• Help maintain compliance with inspection schedules, safety standards, and internal maintenance procedures
• Track open maintenance items and follow through until they are completed
• Help prioritize maintenance projects based on equipment condition, facility needs, and operating schedules
• Maintain organized records related to repairs, inspections, parts, supplies, and contractor work

Coordination and Operational Support

• Work closely with organizational leadership, the Chief Mechanical Officer, and the operations team to ensure equipment and facilities are ready for excursions, private charters, railbike tours, special events, and seasonal programming
• Communicate maintenance concerns, equipment needs, facility issues, and repair timelines clearly and promptly
• Support long-term planning for equipment upkeep, facility maintenance, capital improvements, and major repair needs
• Assist with purchasing and sourcing parts, tools, cleaning supplies, and repair materials
• Respond to unexpected or time-sensitive maintenance needs during active operations
• Help build a culture of safety, accountability, cleanliness, and operational readiness

Required Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical repair, equipment maintenance, facilities maintenance, electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, industrial equipment, fleet maintenance, railroad equipment, or a related field
• Ability to perform hands-on troubleshooting, repairs, cleaning, and general maintenance work
• Willingness to perform both mechanical and facility-related duties, including trash removal and janitorial work
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple maintenance priorities
• Experience coordinating repairs, inspections, maintenance schedules, or similar projects
• Ability to work safely around tools, equipment, vehicles, and railroad operations
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with leadership and team members
• Willingness to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays as operationally needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with railroad equipment, passenger transportation equipment, railbikes, fleet equipment, or similar mechanical systems
• Experience coordinating outside contractors and vendors
• Familiarity with maintenance records, inspection tracking, and preventive maintenance planning
• Welding, fabrication, diesel, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or other related technical experience
• Experience working in tourism, attractions, museum operations, nonprofit organizations, facilities maintenance, or a similar environment

Compensation and Benefits

• $28–$31 per hour
• Full-time position
• Paid time off plan
• In-person work based in Noblesville, Indiana
• Some evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required

Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad is currently unable to offer a full benefits package.

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to Emily Reynolds at [email protected].

Please include “Maintenance Lead Application” in the subject line.