Are you a job seeker looking for a Ride operator job description and possibly prepare your self adequately for the tasks involved? Then read this article.

Disneyland ride operator job description

Every time people, especially children, visit amusement parks kike disneyland to have fun. At the pack, they enjoy riding roller coasters, carousels, Ferris wheels, park trains, and other fun rides. The amusement park authority ensures that patrons are safe while riding and having fun. A ride operator is an employee who is tasked with such responsibility.

Ride operators are tasked with ensuring the safe operation of rides at amusement parks, local parks, fairs, and festivals. A ride operator must be at alert all times in order to supervise the ride’s operation and patrons’ attitude. 

A ride operator administers safety precautions, perform a routine check on amusement rides and report problems to their immediate supervisors.

This article gives a detailed explanation of a ride operator’s job description, salary, duties or responsibilities and required skills needed for the profession.

Who Is A Ride Operator?

Ride operators are mainly employed in amusements parks where their primary role is ensuring the safe operation of a ride or rides.

The number one concern of a ride operator is the rider’s safety. They supervise and scrutinize rides during operation and could perform repair and maintenance jobs sometimes.

They enforce safety rules and guidelines and are skilled to shut and implementing emergency evacuation processes. They must ensure riders have used their seat belts and other safety instruments.

They perform frequent routine checks on mechanical riding vehicles and report complaints to their supervisors.

Furthermore, Ride operators help guests or riders operate rides in a safe and secure manner. They also teach on how to ride appropriately.

In some cases, They give, collect and ensure that riders have the appropriate ticket for a specific ride. They enforce a restriction on the maximum number of people acceptable on rides and ensure eligibility for rides are based on height and age.

Employers usually prefer to employ people who have a flair for safety and prior experience operating rides as a ride operator.

However, the Procedures and operational methods of amusement parks differ; hence, Ride operators are usually trained by their employers so they so can understand the mode of operation of the amusement park they are working in.

What Is The Salary Of A Ride Operator?

The average wage of a ride operator is $12.63 per hour in the United States. However, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics US in May 2022 salary survey, most ride operators earn an estimated wage of $9.38-22.36 per hour.

The average annual salary ranges from $19,510-$46,510.

This means that the highest-earning ride operator can earn as high as $30,000 more than the lowest warming ride operator.

You can check the average salary of the top 10 highest paying cities for ride operator job

Roles And Duties Of A Ride Operator 

A ride operator’s duties may vary depending on the procedure and operational method of the park. Roles and Responsibilities of a ride operator include but are not limited to

• Operating mechanic riding instruments and vehicles
• Enforcing riders to use seat belts and other safety measures
• Monitoring and reporting risky conditions to the manager
• Providing excellent services to customer’s satisfaction
• Cleaning, maintaining and refuelling riding instruments.
• Selling tickets to riders and taking payments
• Providing guests with information about operating a ride and what’s necessary during emergencies.
• Educating riders on the protocols and policies of the amusement park.
• Performing maintenance duties on designated rides.
• Providing onboard narration to guests to ensure customers have a pleasurable park experience.
• Teaching and training other team members about basic ride operations and procedures.
• Performing basic first aid treatment to guests in case of any emergencies.
• Assisting guests in embarking and disembarking from a ride.

How to become a ride operator?

Generally, there are no formal academic entry requirements for a ride operator job. Training is usually received on the job. However, there are basic requirements a ride operator should possess to function effectively. Highlighted below are the skills requirements of a ride operator.

Knowledge Of;

• General safety procedures
• Local area and attraction site
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency
• National occupational entry-level skills

Ride operator entry requirements:

• Communicate effectively, either verbally or orally.

• Be friendly and approachable to guests
• Be tactful and diplomatic
• Attend to emergencies swiftly 
• Prioritise rider’s safety 
• Calm and responsive under a tense atmosphere.
• Work with people of all ages and background
• Demonstrate attention to safety

Job Qualifications of a ride operator?

Some employers seek to hire applicants who are 18 years or older, while others have a minimum requirement of 16 years old.

Work experience is usually not necessary, as employers take time to teach ride operators the mode of operation of amusement rides. 

Employers seek approachable and outgoing applicants and show the ability to function effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Why Do Companies Hire Ride Operators?

One of the importance of hiring a ride operator is that they help in providing exceptional customer service. The ride operator welcomes guests and directs them on which ride is suitable for them. They also give guests information on ticket sales, prices and time limits of each ride they may desire.

The way in which a ride operator conducts himself when guests are around often have importance on the park and its hospitality.

Other Related Roles Of A Ride Operator.

There are similar roles to a ride operator job. They mainly perform the same function but could be different depending on the employer’s want. Such roles include;

• Parks Supervisor
• Attraction Manager
• Amusement Attendant
• Recreation Attendant

Conclusion

Ride Operators are vital in every amusement park or organization. Their role enhances the Park’s image and could be a significant determinant on the turn up the park see.

Key responsibilities of a ride operator job include providing instructions to riders, implementing safety procedures and making sure patrons ride safely and securely.

Sometimes, they function as a conductor in an amusement park. They take customers’ tickets sell and punch them.

It is essential for ride Operators to possess good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.