Idlewild and SoakZone: Ride Operator

Kennywood Park; Ligonier (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free admission to parks

Flexible schedule

Exclusive employee events

Job summary

Kennywood Park in Ligonier is looking for a Ride Operator to supervise and monitor park attractions while ensuring the safety of all guests. This position requires a fun and professional attitude when interacting with visitors of all ages.

No minimum education or previous experience is required, but team members must complete the International Ride Operator Certification course as part of their training. This is a seasonal role with flexible scheduling, providing various perks including free admission for family and friends.

Qualifications

• No minimum education requirement.
• Successful completion of International Ride Operator Certification (iROC) course is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and operate park rides.
• Ensure guest safety and compliance with various regulations.
• Conduct regular inspections of assigned rides.

Skills

Guest interaction

Safety awareness

Quick reaction time

Job description

As an equal‑opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and loved.

We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are treated with respect.

Ride Operator

Responsible for supervising, monitoring, and attending to park rides, including boarding, securing passengers, operating the ride, and ensuring passengers exit safely.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Greet and interact with guests in a fun and professional manner
• Must enjoy interacting with guests of all ages
• Follow all Idlewild and SoakZone and manufacturer established safety regulations
• Operate assigned ride or attraction in accordance with company policy and procedure, state and federal regulations and safety protocols.
• Conduct morning inspections of assigned ride before daily operation begins
• Test rides daily before opening to guests
• Answer questions related to ride operations and the park
• Maintain an environment that ensures the safety of all employees and guests
• Perform and enforce accurate height, weight, or age requirements for all rides and attractions
• Determine if each guest entering a ride is wearing the proper wristband
• Maintain flow of guests while also limiting the number of guests on the loading platform
• Give directions and deliver instructions using a microphone or other communication devices
• Properly check all safety restraints to ensure they are in the correct and locking position before ride cycle begins
• Maintain constant vigilance while the ride is operating and ensure that all riders follow appropriate safety measures
• Be alert and have quick reaction time to stop a ride properly in case of an emergency
• Perform opening and closing procedures for assigned rides
• Report ride‑related issues and mechanical failures to management and maintenance promptly
• Protect guest belongings, turning in lost and found items as soon as time allows
• Ability to operate all required types of rides throughout Idlewild and SoakZone

Education & Experience

• There is no minimum education requirement.
• No previous experience is required.
• All Rides Team Members must go through the International Ride Operator Certification (iROC) course as part of the training; successful completion is required. There is no cost to the team member for the course.

Languages

Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to comply with all uniform policies.
• Must possess a safety‑oriented mindset and understand the importance of complying with all Federal, State, and local regulations regarding ride operation.
• Must demonstrate a willingness to learn and ability to follow instructions.
• Must be guest‑focused and also work well with other team members and supervisors.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, twist, kneel, bend, or squat for long periods of time.
• Ability to reach above shoulders throughout the workday.
• Ability to remain on feet for majority of the workday.
• Ability to climb or descend stairs for some coasters, rides, and attractions.
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more.
• Ability to see details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

Working Conditions

• Frequent interaction with a variety of motorized and chain‑driven rides and attractions.
• Frequent exposure to variable outdoor temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions.
• Frequent exposure to constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, vibrations, and heavily populated environments.

Team Member Benefits

Seasonal job opportunities with flexible schedule, ability to cross‑train across departments, free admission to Idlewild & SoakZone, Kennywood, and Sandcastle on days off, as well as free tickets for family & friends. Exclusive employee events occur throughout the season.

Idlewild & SoakZone Perks & Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Ability to cross‑train and learn unique skills across various departments
• Free admission to Idlewild and SoakZone, Kennywood, and Sandcastle on your days off, as well as free tickets for your family & friends!
• Exclusive employee events throughout the season