Rides & Attractions Operator

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks; Powell (OH); On-site; USD 18,184 - 25,898; Part time

Job summary

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks in Powell, OH is hiring for the Rides & Attractions crew. The position pays $16 per hour and focuses on safe, fun guest experiences across more than 20 rides and attractions.

Responsibilities include guest service, safety compliance, and teamwork across locations with outdoor shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Basic computer/tablet skills.
• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior.
• Able to work effectively with guests and team members of all ages and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Create an inviting and exciting atmosphere for guests at all rides and attractions.
• Provide GREAT guest service and answer questions about ride and park policies.
• Assist guests during boarding and unloading, including children and guests with disabilities.
• Maintain courteous, professional, and helpful interactions at all times.
• Prioritize guest safety while operating rides, attractions, and transportation vehicles.
• Follow all safety procedures and standard operating guidelines.
• Deliver clear, detailed safety instructions to large groups before each ride.
• Verify guests meet all admission, height, and posted safety requirements.
• Ensure safety restraints are properly secured before each ride begins.
• Confirm that the ride area is clear of guests and hazards prior to operation.
• Remain attentive and alert to respond effectively to any situation.
• Maintain cleanliness of ride and attraction areas.
• Work independently or as part of a team across various locations.
• Collaborate with animal keepers in designated areas when needed.
• Work outdoors in changing weather conditions.
• Posted schedules may shift based on weather, guest attendance, or operational needs.
• Support special evening and nighttime events.
• Train at additional ride and attraction locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Computer/tablet skills

Courteous demeanor

Guest and team interaction

Job description

Overview

Bring the Thrills to Life! Join Our Rides & Attractions Crew

Position pays $16 per hour. In the Rides & Attractions department, our team is dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and exceptional guest experience every day. We value safety, teamwork, and enthusiasm as we operate more than 20 rides and attractions throughout the Zoo. If you’re excited to deliver outstanding service at the Grand Carousel, train ride, roller coasters, shuttles, and more, then Ride Operations is the adventure you’ve been waiting for!

Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Service

• Create an inviting and exciting atmosphere for guests at all rides and attractions.
• Provide G.R.E.A.T. guest service and answer questions about ride and park policies.
• Assist guests during boarding and unloading, including children and guests with disabilities.
• Maintain courteous, professional, and helpful interactions at all times.

Safety-Focused Responsibilities

• Prioritize guest safety while operating rides, attractions, and transportation vehicles.
• Follow all safety procedures and standard operating guidelines.
• Deliver clear, detailed safety instructions to large groups before each ride.
• Verify guests meet all admission, height, and posted safety requirements.
• Ensure safety restraints are properly secured before each ride begins.
• Confirm that the ride area is clear of guests and hazards prior to operation.
• Remain attentive and alert to respond effectively to any situation.

Operational Support & Teamwork

• Maintain cleanliness of ride and attraction areas.
• Work independently or as part of a team across various locations.
• Collaborate with animal keepers in designated areas when needed.

Work Environment & Scheduling

• Work outdoors in changing weather conditions.
• Posted schedules may shift based on weather, guest attendance, or operational needs.
• Support special evening and nighttime events.
• Train at additional ride and attraction locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must successfully complete the rides certification program (provided by the Zoo).
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must maintain proper employee appearance.

Work Conditions & Availability

• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat, rain).
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Not eligible for overtime pay.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Basic computer/tablet skills.
• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior.
• Able to work effectively with guests and team members of all ages and backgrounds.

Screening & Compliance

• Subject to Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• Subject to criminal background check.
• Subject to BMV check.