Carousel Operator (Seasonal)

Detroit Riverfront; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Part time

Job summary

Detroit Riverfront is seeking a Carousel Operator to create memorable experiences for visitors along the riverfront. This part-time, seasonal role (20-25 hours weekly) focuses on welcoming guests, ensuring safety, and providing great customer service while operating the Cullen Family Carousel. Candidates should have strong communication skills, a commitment to safety, and be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Pay is $15/hr from May to mid-September.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Friendly, outgoing personality with a passion for working with the public.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Greet and welcome guests with a positive attitude.
• Perform a full safety check before each ride.
• Continuously monitor riders to ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Strong commitment to safety

Excellent communication skills

Customer service skills

Friendly personality

Ability to focus outdoors

Job description

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is seeking an enthusiastic and safety-focused Carousel Operator to help create memorable experiences for visitors along the riverfront.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the Detroit Riverfront into a world-class gathering space for all. The Conservancy was founded in 2003 to develop, operate, steward, and program the Detroit Riverwalk and associated green spaces, including Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, Dequindre Cut, Archer Greenway, and Southwest Greenway. Every year, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy welcomes more than three million visitors who enjoy our public spaces through public programs, recreation, and community connection.

The Conservancy is responsible for the improvement, security, operations, maintenance, and programming of the Detroit Riverfront in perpetuity.

The Carousel Operator position will be responsible for welcoming visitors to the iconic Cullen Family Carousel for a safe and enjoyable ride. The ideal candidate is friendly, attentive, and energized by engaging with families, children, and visitors from around the world.

Key Responsibilities

Visitor Experience & Engagement

• Greet and welcome guests with a positive, approachable attitude
• Create a fun, inclusive, and orderly environment for all riders
• Clearly communicate ride instructions and safety expectations
• Serve as a friendly ambassador for the Detroit Riverfront

Safe Ride Operations

• Admit riders one at a time and maintain accurate rider counts
• Ensure proper balance of riders across the carousel
• Perform a full safety check before each ride, including:
• Securing all seat belts
• Confirming no one is in unauthorized areas
• Verifying gates are fully closed
• Announce the start of the ride and activate music when available
• Operate the carousel according to established procedures

Monitoring & Guest Flow

• Continuously monitor riders to ensure compliance with safety rules
• Allow parents/guardians to stand next to children as appropriate; no other standing permitted during operation
• Direct riders to exit through the designated gate after each ride
• Ensure all riders fully exit before allowing re-entry

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to safety and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Friendly, outgoing personality with a passion for working with the public
• Ability to stay focused in a busy, outdoor environment
• Dependable and able to follow procedures consistently

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Frequent interaction with children, families, and large groups

Carousel Operator is a non-exempt, seasonal, part-time position with 20-25hrs a week. Pay rate is $15/hr. Season will begin in May and run through mid-September. We are hiring four people for this position. Work week will vary and will include weekday and weekend work.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status.