Student Cast Member Application

Must safely and frequently transit through the interior of moving train cars during transit.
Must routinely cross open thresholds and gangways between train cars while the train is in motion.
Must maintain stability and personal safety while navigating environments subject to sudden shifts, vibrations, heavy swaying, and unpredictable motion.
Must maintain situational awareness and adhere to all safety protocols while moving through unstable or shifting walking surfaces while navigating through the train.
Must ascend and descend train car stairs following all safety protocols.

Independent contractors and volunteers on Friends of Coopersville & Marne Railroad (FoCMR) are not employees of either FoCMR or Coopersville & Marne Railway (CMR). Volunteers volunteer their time and receive no financial compensation for doing so. Independent contractors are paid on a per train ride basis to be paid at the end of the specific theme train. Independent contractors and volunteers are at will and may be dismissed by FoCMR for any reason. We expect everyone to perform their duties in a cheerful and respectful manner. Failure to due so will result in immediate dismissal. We are all here to run a safe railroad, get along with our fellow co-workers and volunteers and have fun! The minimum age for volunteers on some jobs at the railroad is 18 years of age. FRA rules and regulations may require medical examinations and drug testing for certain operating positions. Volunteers seeking those positions agree to comply with such requests.

Agreements:

1. Minors may only participate with the consent of their parent/legal guardian and must have a completed Work Permit on file.

2. The Contractor may provide services for the assistance or entertainment of passengers on theme train rides operated by FOCMR, including but not limited to: Bunny Trains, Summer Trains, Mother's Day Trains, Murder Mystery Trains, The Great Train Robbery, Christmas in July trains, Rails, Ales & Wine (over 17 only), Oktoberfest (over 17 only), Pumpkin Trains, and Santa Trains.

3. Eligible Dates are shown on the FareHarbor calendar or are provided by FOCMR to the contractor. The contractor will sign up for occasions when they choose to perform/provide services in the appropriate scheduling system. Advance notice if unable to be present as scheduled is extremely important as each position must be covered.

4. Contractor Car Hosts & Cast Members are paid per train run at the end of the month or end of the theme train.
Custodial - Cleaning the passenger cars at the end of the day. Varies, depending on how many cars are used on the run. Paid at the end of the month or end of the theme train.

5. The Contractor will submit an invoice to FOCMR for services provided (including dates). FOCMR will render payment through its contracted agency (GUSTO) within 14 business days of their approval. Payment cannot be made until the contractor completes sign-in to GUSTO. Payment will be made by ACH transfer. Payment is made after the theme train is finished.

6. If you choose to not sign up in our contracted agency GUSTO for payment, this will be accepted as your choice to be signed up as a non-paid volunteer in our organization, and upon request, we will provide you with a sheet listing your volunteer hours at our organization.

7. The Contractor (and Guardian, if applicable), acknowledges reading the safety information sheet - See below.

8. The Contractor is self-employed, not an employee of the FOCMR, and responsible for their own taxes and health insurance. FOCMR is not responsible for any employment taxes or other benefits to the Contractor and will issue a Form 1099 to Independent Contractor as required by Federal and State statutes.

9. All Contractors are engaged on an at-will basis. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to mean otherwise. This arrangement can be ended at any time by either the contractor, guardian, if applicable, or FOCMR.

10. This agreement is valid for only the calendar year in which it is signed and must be replaced annually.

The Friends of the Coopersville and Marne Railway welcome you aboard! We are glad that you chose to assist us as either a volunteer, contractor or at-will employee.

General Information:

1. The Conductor is in charge of the train. The Engineer is the driver. The Brakeman assists the Engineer and Conductor. The Trainman assists other crew as needed. The Car Hosts support hospitality services.

2. Any of the titled volunteer positions may occasionally require access to the caboose. If the caboose is being used as a dressing area, they will knock and ask for permission before entering.

3. Notify the Conductor of any issues or concerns with passengers or crew. In case of emergency, contact the nearest crew member with a radio.

Safety Standards:

1. Boarding and deboarding is to be done ONLY on the South (boarding platform) side of the train. Never approach the train from the North (Station) side.

2. Never board or try to get on or off a moving train.

3. When boarding, deboarding or passing between cars, always hold handrails firmly with both hands.

4. Cars may sway and move when the train is in motion. Caution is essential when moving through coaches and between the coaches/caboose. Hold on to handrails at all times. DO NOT step on the joints between coaches/caboose. Step OVER these joints.

5. DO NOT place objects of any kind on the rails. Serious injury may result if it is propelled off the rail by the train’s motion or can cause problems with the wheels.

6. Only cross in front of or behind the stationary train on the crosswalks. Do not cross over the rails.

I want to be a contractor or volunteer with Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway (FoCMR) which may require my presence on and in property owned by the Coopersville & Marne Railway Company (CMR). I am choosing to be a contractor or volunteer freely and without pressure. By signing this form, I agree to the following:

1. Release of Responsibility
I understand that contractual work or volunteering may involve risks. I agree that FoCMR and/or CMR, including their volunteers, employees, and board members, are not responsible for any injury, illness, death, or damage to myself or my property that may happen while I am performing my duties as an independent contractor or volunteering.

I also agree not to sue FoCMR and/or CMR, including their volunteers, employees, and board members, for anything that happens to me while I am acting as an independent contractor or volunteering. If my actions cause harm to another person or their property during my work, I agree that I am responsible for those actions.

2. Medical Care
I understand that FoCMR and/or CMR may provide basic first aid or help in an emergency, but they are not responsible for my medical care. I release them from any responsibility related to medical treatment I receive while working as an independent contractor or volunteering.
I understand that I am not covered by workers’ compensation.

3. Assumption of Risk
I understand that some activities may be dangerous. I accept the risks involved in the activities I choose to do. I agree that FoCMR and/or CMR are not responsible for injuries, illness, death, or property damage that may occur while I am acting as an independent contractor or volunteering.

4. Insurance
I understand that FoCMR and/or CMR do not provide health or medical insurance. I am responsible for having my own health or medical insurance coverage.

5. Photo, Video, and Audio Permission
I give FoCMR and/or CMR permission to take and use photos, videos, or audio recordings of me while I am on site. These may be used for educational, promotional, or fundraising purposes, and I will not be paid for their use.

6. Background Check
I understand that a criminal background check may be required before I can serve as an independent contractor or volunteer. By signing this form, I agree to the background check and agree to provide my date of birth if requested.

7. Nondiscrimination
I agree to follow FoCMR’s policies and all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, or disability.

8. Michigan Law
I understand that this agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. If any part of this agreement is found to be invalid, the rest of the agreement will still apply.