Sound Operator - Polar Express Seasonal

Xanterra; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Grand Canyon Railway Train Ticket

Property Discounts

Sick Time

Job summary

Xanterra is hiring a Sound Operator for The Polar Express Train Ride, a live interactive event at Grand Canyon Railway. As part of the team, you will set up and operate audio equipment, ensuring clear sound quality throughout the experience.

This seasonal position lasts from October 15, 2026 to January 3, 2027, requiring weekend availability and offering $19.00 per hour plus tips. Employee benefits include free train tickets and discounts.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate strong communication skills in a live environment.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot audio equipment effectively.

Responsibilities

• Set up, test, and operate audio equipment for The Polar Express experience.
• Manage sound levels and troubleshoot audio issues during events.
• Ensure safety practices and maintain audience control.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Audio equipment operation

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Job description

Overview

Grand Canyon Railway and Warner Bros Productions Presents

The Polar Express Train Ride

“THE POLAR EXPRESS" and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25)”

BE A PART OF THE MAGIC!

Are you enthusiastic about Christmas, people, and holiday spirit? Well, the Grand Canyon Railway is now hiring for THE POLAR EXPRESS! The Train Ride at Grand Canyon Railway's Historic Williams Depot is a LIVE, interactive event based on the film by Warner Bros, where we bring the movie to life!

Job Summary:

The Sound Operator is responsible for setting up, testing, and operating audio equipment to ensure clear, consistent sound quality throughout The Polar Express experience. This role manages sound levels, cues music and sound effects, troubleshoots audio issues as needed, and supports the seamless execution of onboard entertainment and production elements during the train ride and throughout The Polar Express event.

The Details:

Position Type: Seasonal

Seasonal Dates: 10/15/2026 to 1/03/2027

Wage: $19.00 an hour + tips!

Schedule: Must be available on

• weekends ( Saturday & Sunday)
• Three addition days between Monday - Friday.

Employee Benefits & Perks:

• Free Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets!
• Free Employee Run Train Tickets!
• Property Discounts and More!
• MEC (Minimal Essential Coverage)
• Sick Time

FREE Shuttle Service:

• Limited Capacity: 7 People per ride.
  • Employee Shuttle from Flagstaff to Williams and back after shift!

Responsibilities

• Fully understand and support Xanterra’s Mission Statement, Cultural Pillars, Community Commitment and Core Values.
• Interact appropriately and patiently with children and adults of all ages, handling children and adults on a one-on-one basis or in large quantities, while maintaining audience control.
• Understand safety practices, including maintaining appropriate physical boundaries and responding to guest emergencies.
• Test speakers, audio quality, and mixing consoles before each show aboard the train.
• Operatesound boards and playback software to trigger music, dialogue, and sound effects in real time.
• Watch and listen to audio feeds constantly to balance volume levels and prevent distortion.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical or signal issues in a timely manner to minimize impact to the guest experience.
• Effectively communicate with Event & Production Supervisors, using the provided radio and earpiece.
• Prepare train cars for daily train ride to department standards.
• Practice railroad and train safety always while moving about the train, boarding and deboarding, serving and directing passengers.
• Clean up biohazards as necessary.
• Handles stressful situations in a public setting and resolves guest-related issues in a professional and timely manner, offering additional assistance to guests in need.
• Works as a team player, establishes and maintains an effective professional working relationship with co-workers, directors, and other departments, working together in a positive work environment.
• Maintains schedule flexibility, working scheduled shifts to include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Shifts are 6+/- hours per day.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to demonstrate Strong communication skills with the ability to excel in a live, fast-paced, guest-focused environment while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
• Must be able to operate and troubleshoot audio equipment effectively.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with audio equipment, sound systems, or live events preferred.
• Previous experience with Go button is preferred.

Basic Competencies:

• Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications).
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills).
• Adaptability: Ability to receive and apply coaching, adjust to changing production needs, and remain calm in a fast-paced live event environment.
• Interpersonal Skills (abilities to communicate, collaborate, and build effective relationships with others through empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence).

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

• Constantly listening, hearing, seeing, speaking, standing, sitting, handling and lifting/carrying items up to 20lbs.
• Frequently walking, reaching outward, squatting/kneeling, bending and pushing/pulling items up to 25lbs.
• Occasionally sitting, reaching above shoulder, climbing, crawling, lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling items weighing up to 100lbs.
• Will be required to stand and walk for long periods of time on cement floors and to occasionally walk on uneven surfaces and onboard moving train.

Uniform Requirements:

A long- or short-sleeve solid black shirt must be worn at all times. Employees are responsible for providing solid black slacks, slip-resistant footwear, and any necessary outerwear for cold weather conditions. Slacks must be solid black and may not be denim, leggings, or athletic wear. Footwear must be solid black in color, clean, well-maintained, and provide appropriate support for extended periods of standing and walking. Shoes must have either a defined one-inch heel or a slip-resistant sole. All employee-provided clothing and footwear must be free of visible logos, graphics, or branding.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.