Ride Maintenance Technician I

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an entry-level Ride Maintenance Technician I to assist with inspection, maintenance, repair, and safe operation of amusement rides and related equipment under supervision.

The role supports the zoo railroad, Skyfari, Sue's Carousel, Trams, and other attractions. Candidates should have basic mechanical aptitude, a safety mindset, and a willingness to learn and advance within the Rides Maintenance Department.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year maintenance experience preferred.
• Experience with mechanic's hand tools preferred.
• Willingness to learn new skills in ride maintenance.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Inspect rides and related systems and perform preventive maintenance.
• Repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Maintain clean, safe maintenance shops and inventory records.
• Operate rides for public operations after training and certification.
• Document maintenance records and assist with inventory.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools proficiency

Basic shop equipment

Automotive systems

Preventive maintenance

Reading manuals & instructions

Effective communication

CMMS familiarity

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Mechanic's hand tools

Basic shop equipment

CMMS software

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE 68107
• Position Type: Full Time
• Job Title: Ride Maintenance Technician I
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Classification: Full-time
• Hours: Working days will be either Thursday - Monday or Friday - Tuesday
• Pay Rate: Range starts at $18.62/hour

Summary

The Ride Maintenance Technician I is an entry-level position responsible for assisting with the inspection, maintenance, repair, and safe operation of amusement rides, transportation systems, and related mechanical equipment under the direction of the Rides Maintenance Supervisor. This position is designed for individuals with basic mechanical aptitude who are eager to develop their technical skills while learning industry best practices, ride safety standards, and preventive maintenance procedures. The Ride Maintenance Technician I supports the maintenance and operation of the Omaha Zoo Railroad, Skyfari, Sue's Carousel, Trams, and other assigned attractions. Successful employees demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, commitment to safety, and a desire to continually learn and advance within the Rides Maintenance Department. This role position serves as the entry point into the Rides Maintenance career ladder. Employees are expected to actively develop their mechanical knowledge and technical skills through hands-on experience, mentorship, departmental training, and continuing education. Individuals who demonstrate initiative, dependability, technical competency, and a commitment to safety will have opportunities to advance within the department as their knowledge, certifications, and experience increase.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to)

Maintenance and Repair

• Assist with daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections of rides, transportation systems, and support equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance activities including lubrication, cleaning, adjustments, inspections, and minor repairs.
• Perform basic automotive and mechanical maintenance including oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacement, belt inspection, battery maintenance, tire inspections, and other routine service tasks.
• Safely use mechanic's hand tools, power tools, measuring devices, and shop equipment to complete assigned work.
• Assist senior technicians with troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Assist with seasonal startup, shutdown, inspections, testing, and commissioning of rides and attractions.
• Maintain maintenance shops, tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Properly care for departmental tools and equipment and report damaged or missing equipment.

Ride Operations Support

• Assist in preparing rides and transportation systems for daily operation.
• Operate Trams and Sue's Carousel during public operations after completing departmental training and certification requirements.
• Assist with railroad operations and locomotive servicing as assigned.
• Support special events, extended operating hours, and emergency maintenance activities.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, manufacturer recommendations, and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment failures, and operational concerns to the Rides Maintenance Supervisor.
• Maintain a safe work environment by following established safety practices and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Participate in departmental safety meetings, training programs, and emergency response exercises.

Documentation

• Accurately complete preventive maintenance records, inspection reports, work orders, and equipment documentation.
• Assist with maintaining maintenance records and inventory information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with a desire to learn and develop technical skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to safely use common mechanic's hand tools and basic shop equipment.
• Basic understanding of automotive and mechanical systems.
• Ability to perform routine preventive maintenance and basic mechanical repairs.
• Ability to learn the operation, maintenance, and repair of amusement rides, transportation systems, and steam railroad equipment.
• Ability to read and follow maintenance manuals, work orders, operating procedures, and technical instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other departments.
• Ability to work independently on routine assignments while recognizing when assistance is needed.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) preferred.
• Ability to operate trams and Sue's Carousel during public operating hours within the first six (6) months of employment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year of experience in mechanical, automotive, agricultural, industrial, facilities, or equipment maintenance preferred.
• Experience using mechanic's hand tools and basic shop equipment preferred.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new skills.
• Desire to build a long-term career within the Rides Maintenance Department.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test.
• Ability to obtain OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification within the first twelve (12) months of employment.
• Ability to obtain Omaha Zoo Railroad Fireman's Certificate within the first six (6) months of employment.

Offered candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and possess a valid driver's license.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work extended and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as operational needs require.
• Walk long distances throughout the Zoo campus.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, reach overhead, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, mud, dust, humidity, and varying temperatures.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds routinely and up to 75 pounds occasionally using proper lifting techniques.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, ladders, lifts, and maintenance equipment.
• Work around moving mechanical equipment, steam systems, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and other industrial equipment while following all required safety procedures.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain nor be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as organizational needs change. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.