Newport Aquarium Virtual Reality Attraction Operator - Part-Time

Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation; Newport (KY); On-site; USD 15,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick PTO

Profit sharing/401K

Free entrance for you and dependents

1 GA ticket per pay period

Sharky’s Café discounts

Gift shop discounts

Discounted tickets & passes

Training & development

Job summary

Newport Aquarium is seeking a part-time Virtual Reality Attraction Operator to ensure a safe, engaging guest experience. You will communicate with guests, perform safety inspections, and maintain a clean, professional appearance while operating attraction controls according to SOPs.

The role requires a high school diploma, strong English skills, and the ability to work evenings, weekends, or holidays. Marine life knowledge is a plus, with benefits including PTO and employee perks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must read, write and speak English clearly.
• Ability to think quickly in emergencies and adapt to changes.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Knowledge of marine life is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform safety-focused daily tasks and ensure guest safety.
• Interact with guests in a friendly, professional manner.
• Maintain clean, presentable appearance and uniforms.
• Operate attraction controls following procedures.
• Complete daily safety inspections and sign-offs.

Skills

Public speaking

English literacy

Quick thinking

Flexible schedule

Marine life knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Newport Aquarium Virtual Reality Attraction Operator - Part-Time

Job Category: Attractions

Requisition Number: NEWPO010727

• Posted : August 21, 2026
• Part-Time
• On-site
• Rate : $12.50 USD per hour

Locations

Showing 1 location

Newport, KY 41071, USA

Description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Always perform all job responsibilities with safety as top priority.
• Maintain composure in the event of an emergency, immediately report any unsafe behaviors or situations.
• Maintain a clean and professional appearance, including proper uniform and grooming.
• Perform basic daily cleaning tasks to ensure attraction and attraction areas are guest ready.
• Communicate with guests and other Hosts kindly and professionally.
• Interact with guests in a way that reflects our “Creating Memories Worth Repeating” mission.
• Complete all required documentation, including daily attraction safety inspections and necessary safety sign-offs.
• Perform daily attraction safety inspections before allowing guests to ride and after closing.
• Screen riders for rider requirements at attraction, and prevent any rider who does not meet the ride requirements from riding
• Physically and/or visually check attraction restraints before starting any attraction.
• Operate attraction controls following the Standard Operating Procedures.
• Do not leave attraction unattended at any point after it is open for the day and before it is closed for the day
• Immediately communicate any technical difficulties that persist to your direct Supervisor for assistance
• Monitor the behavior of riders on attraction to ensure all are following attraction policies and procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of activities, aquatic life, and Newport Aquarium special events/promotions in order to properly notify and inform guests.
• Responsible for maintaining Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance.
• Keep up on all required safety trainings and sign-offs in order to remain compliant with the safety standards
• Must be self-motivated and work independently, as well as disciplined and reliable.
• Perform and adhere to, Herschend Enterprises’ Core Values and Newport Aquarium Guest Services Standards, Policies and Procedures, and Safety Protocols to ensure safe and efficient guest services operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Guest Services Leadership Team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must have strong public speaking skills and the ability to read, write and speak the English language (knowledge of other languages is a plus)
• Must be able to think clearly, and react quickly to changes and/or emergency situations
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Knowledge of marine life is a plus

REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background check and 5-panel drug screening
• Position is Safety Critical thus subject to increased frequency random drug screening
• Ability to move continuously for long periods of time, ascend and descend floors, bend, stoop, and reach
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 10 pounds

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• 24 Hours of Sick PTO annually
• Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
• Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’ properties
• Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
• Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
• Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
• Training and development

You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people; all while providing the BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE IN THE NATION!

And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.

Looking to pursue your education without debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master’s degrees. Most of these programs are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU

Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Enterprises, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Communication Skills

Some Knowledge

Up-Selling

Some Knowledge

Behaviors

Preferred

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.