Steam & Boiler Volunteer – Re‑Form Heritage
Re‑Form Heritage has achieved the GOLD Volunteer Quality Standard Award through VAST — recognising our commitment to excellent volunteer support and experience.
We are looking for volunteers to help maintain, monitor, and run the boiler and steam engine at Middleport Pottery, helping ensure every visitor enjoys an excellent experience.
This role also offers the chance to share specialist knowledge and act as an ambassador for Re‑Form Heritage.
Purpose of the Role
To run and monitor the boiler and steam engine
To ensure a high‑quality visitor experience
To share knowledge about steam power and the history of Middleport Pottery
Main Tasks
Running the steam engine using steam or electricity
Supporting general maintenance of the boiler and steam engine
Interacting with visitors and providing information
Running the engine at full steam during events
Explaining the history of steam power at Middleport Pottery and Burleigh
Who We’re Looking For
You will have:
Strong attention to detail
Confidence in speaking with the public
A commitment to excellent customer service
Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new skills
A willingness to complete boiler operator training
An interest in learning about Middleport Pottery’s history
A flexible approach, including covering sickness and holidays where needed
The ability to use your own initiative
A logical approach to tasks
An understanding of the importance of health and safety
Training Provided
Training includes:
Induction and meeting staff and volunteers
Role shadowing with other Steam Team Volunteers
Essential boiler firing training delivered periodically by a registered trainer
Heritage training on Middleport Pottery’s history
Two‑way radio training
Health & Safety and safeguarding training
Ongoing training will be provided as required.
Location & Hours
Middleport Pottery
Heritage areas are open 10am–4pm, seven days a week
Occasional out‑of‑hours events may require the steam engine to run
If you enjoy heritage, learning new skills, and helping bring history to life for visitors, this could be a rewarding volunteering opportunity.