Noah's Ark - Park Operations Director - Full-Time

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family‑held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality—the intersection of heart and hospitality. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. Director of Operations (Aquatics & Theme) Responsible for the overall operation of all rides and water attractions. Specifically, to ensure the park operates in a safe, efficient manner; the appearance of the facility is fresh and clean at all times; that all employees are well‑trained and conduct themselves courteously; and the budgetary goals of the various departments are met or exceeded. Full‑Time Roles Roles & Responsibilities Supervisory Duties Manage and lead all aspects of Park operations, including Aquatics, Park Services, Grounds/Operations, Night Security, EMT’s and any other assigned business units Lead by example with a positive attitude while representing Noah’s Ark core values Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned hosts Manage and control all financial aspects of assigned departments while maximizing revenue and cost savings opportunities; maintain constant vigilance over labor, attendance, materials, and departmental spending and budgets Act as a strategic visionary to implement measures that will favorably impact process, people, and/or profit Ensure compliance with company and industry best practices, policies, and procedures to create a safe and productive environment for colleagues and guests Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all assigned park operations positions and backfill these positions when needed Participate in all aspects of supervision of assigned employees, including hiring, orientation, training, performance coaching, and discipline Ensure that all required meal and other breaks are being given in accordance with Wisconsin law Ensure daily sign‑in sheets are completed and submitted each day Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities Departmental Duties Provide leadership and oversight for all park attractions and aquatics programs Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, permitting, and required signage for all park attractions to ensure the highest level of safety Assist the park’s Director of Safety to ensure that all corporate and jurisdictional Health, Safety and Environmental performance and documentation standards are met or exceeded, including those set forth by OSHA and various other state/local ordinances and codes; maintain opening and closing operational checklists and park communication systems; conduct regular safety meetings and document regular site safety inspections; serve as liaison for public service agencies such as law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services Work closely with Noah’s Ark General Manager in establishing on‑going operations procedures and programs for the park Ensure the continued and safe operation of all water park and theme park attractions Collaborate with maintenance team to ensure that attractions are functioning properly and that acceptable water quality standards are being maintained for all attractions Ensure that all lifeguard operations remain in compliance with Ellis and Associates standards Provide direction (and in some instances oversee) in long‑term planning including Capex projects and other park improvements Lead pre‑season and post‑season operations teams, including support of routine maintenance activities Implement and execute the park Manager on Duty program Act as liaison with local law enforcement and public service agencies during emergency situations Conduct regular information meetings with various department heads to ensure good communications within park operations department Conduct daily and frequent site inspections to ensure that the highest possible standards of safety, courtesy, cleanliness, and efficiency are met Develop and motivate the management personnel in the park operations department Maintain close and open communication with peers and superiors Direct all aspects of the operations department through a close working relationship with the operations managers, supervisors, and hosts Oversee the selection, training, testing, and conduct of the lifeguarding staff to ensure the highest lifeguarding standards are met Assist with domestic and international hiring for all assigned departments Oversee park grounds and park services divisions and managers to ensure the park landscaping and facilities are clean and well maintained Oversee and order all tube, raft, mat, and lifejacket ordering and manage inventory Develop, monitor, and meet or exceed the yearly business plan for all operations‑related departments Ensure that all First Aid reports and other related data are collected, stored confidentially, and are accurate and complete Maintain a good working relationship with the Doctor of Record, local hospitals, local emergency medical services, and nearby health clinics Work with representatives of the insurance underwriter to identify and correct problems and to defend the company in liability matters Select and train security personnel to maintain 24‑hour coverage Establish and maintain good relations with vendor and supplier contacts Establish and administer contracts and orders Select and recommend merchandise that will maximize revenues for the park Monitor and maintain cost of sales on a regular basis, to remain profitable Assist with the development of all line schedules, budgets, and labor monitoring Assist Park leadership with budgeting and staffing metrics All other duties as assigned by leadership Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, or similar discipline highly desired; equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered 5-7 years of progressive growth and facility management experience in a senior management role, preferably in a high-volume theme park, water park or other attraction‑based operation 2+ years of Aquatics experience related to an amusement, theme park, or waterpark industry, highly desired Must have Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), or become so within 1 year of employment, when required by state and local guidelines Must hold or obtain lifeguard instructor certification from Ellis & Associates within 90 days of employment Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are highly desirable Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Wisconsin Child Labor Laws Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, open to close Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner Must possess a safety-oriented mindset and be fully committed to enforcing all DOSH, IROC, Ellis, and all other regulations, policies, and procedures Ability to inspire, motivate, and successfully lead a large number of hosts Must be able to speak with guests directly when other operations leadership is not available Must be able to effectively work with and manage high volume of J1 Work and Travel participants Ability to handle high‑pressure situations, meet the demands of constant deadlines and coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic environment Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills Must possess strong decision‑making skills and be able to think creatively while maintaining accordance with all safety, financial, and regulatory constraints Ability to analyze financial information, costs, inventory and sales to achieve maximum profit potential and address variances for a multi‑million‑dollar facility Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point Must exude professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality at all times Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday Ability to remain sedentary for extended periods of time, while using a computer Must be able to meet all program requirements and successfully pass the Ellis & Associates lifeguard training program Ability to aid and physically move guests of varying heights and weights Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more Ability to climb or descend stairs for some of the rides and attractions Working Conditions This role will be based in both an office setting as well as frequent interaction with all outdoor and indoor areas of the park Frequent exposure to water of varying depths and pool chemicals Constant exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments Team Member Benefits Competitive compensation Management Incentive Plan Comprehensive health and wellness package 401k Savings and Investment plan Free admission to select parks in the continental US Generous vacation and sick time #J-18808-Ljbffr Noah’s Ark Waterpark