Ride Operator

What you get to do:

• You’ll provide exceptional guest service while delivering the thrills and excitement we’re known around the world for.
• You will ensure excellent guest service by responding to and exceeding their requirements, expectations and needs.
• In all you do, you will consistently practice safe work habits, including the use of personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Screen riders for ride admission requirements, verbally provide instruction, and provide direction to those who may not be able to ride
• Assist in loading and unloading guests from ride
• Physically check ride restraints prior to starting the ride, verifying all riders are safety secured
• Visually check rides and riders for safety prior to starting the ride
• Follow all park policies and procedures, including those related to safety and emergency situations
• Complete required daily safety paperwork
• Monitor the ride, always keeping eyes on the ride, and being ready to respond
• Avoid distractions and do not carry cell phones, headphones, or other entertainment devices while operating rides
• Always remain attentive and alert
• Quickly respond to coworkers, leadership, and guest concerns or questions
• Verbally communicate and enforce safety rules
• Work well with other ambassadors to avoid problems and resolve conflicts
• Able to speak clearly to include the use of Public Address systems and two-way radios
• Comfortable speaking to large crowds with or without Public Address systems
• Visually observe guest actions during ride operation to prevent safety hazards
• Promote and support a team work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
• Maintain a professional appearance and ensure guests feel safe
• Initiate conversations with guests to include safety instructions, recover poor experiences, and deliver excellent guest service
• React calmly and quickly in stressful/emergency situations
• Physically assist Guests throughout the ride/attraction as required
• Must tolerate a fast-paced, dynamic, and hectic environment and remain productive
• Support excellent guest service by moving efficiently to keep lines moving quickly while also maintaining the highest standard of safety
• Flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
• Report unsafe situations and ask any questions immediately
• Provide exceptional, professional guest service in a team environment.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• At least 18 years of age
• Strong English language communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal abilities
• A commitment to great customer service
• Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
• Must pass ride certification tests with 100% accuracy
• Successfully pass company provided and paid American Red Cross certification trainings to include First Aid, CPR, and AED
• Attend in-service meetings and early/late trainings
• Maintain cleanliness and appearance of the ride and its surrounding area to include sweeping, emptying trash, using chemicals, hosing ride vehicles, and other tasks as assigned
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include rain and extreme heat
• Must be able to wear a life vest and work on a dock (for Paddle Boats)
• Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and cold/heat temperature extremes
• Must be able to work in enclosed areas (for Sky Tower)
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Perform the following physical activities: extensive walking, kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, stand for long periods, stoop to low levels, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• You must be comfortable with heights up to 200 feet (350 feet for Sky Tower)
• Able to wear a full body safety harness and climb up to 200 feet to perform ride escorts and complete training
• Able to climb evacuation steps and maintain good balance
• Able to ride all rides and attractions which require a physical ride through guest experience inspection to include water rides
• Work a flexible schedule and hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be flexible to work all locations within Park Operations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities

What else is important:

• Must be able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights up to 150 ft, if needed
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat.
• Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and cold/heat temperature extremes
• Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals
• Work a flexible schedule/hour based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.

The perks of the position:

• Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:
• FREE park admission
• Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
• Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
• Scholarship opportunities
• Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer: SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

United Parks & Resorts is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. We’re also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We’re always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals for a variety of roles throughout our organization.