Waterpark Operations Manager

Landry's, Inc.; Texas; On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extensive training program

Career development opportunities

Employee discounts on dining, retail,,

Health benefit plans

Dental, vision, and life options

Paid time off

Discretionary annual bonus potential

Job summary

Landry’s, Inc. is seeking a dynamic Waterpark Operations Manager for Boardwalk Bay at Kemah Boardwalk, opening in early 2027. You will lead park-wide operations, build high-performing teams, and oversee safety, guest services, and attractions to deliver unforgettable experiences.

Expect hands-on leadership, strategic planning, and strong collaboration with senior leaders. Responsibilities include opening readiness, staffing, inspections, and resource optimization, with a focus on hospitality

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a college degree is preferred.
• Progressive operations leadership experience in waterparks, attractions, or similar environments.
• Management of multiple departments, seasonal staffing, and safety/compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead park-wide operations and oversee preparations for opening.
• Manage daily operations across Aquatics, Guest Services, Admissions, Food & Beverage, Safety.
• Lead opening, operating, and closing procedures with staffing and inspections.
• Monitor attendance, weather, guest flow, and resource needs to optimize performance.
• Serve as operational leader in the Waterpark Director’s absence and ensure safety.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Organizational skills

Scheduling

Guest service standards

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in Hospitality/Business/Recreation/Parks Management

Job description

Overview

Waterpark Operations Manager

Boardwalk Bay | Kemah Boardwalk | Opening Early 2027

Arrr, your next career adventure awaits! Landry’s is seeking a dynamic, hands-on Waterpark Operations Manager to help lead the upcoming opening of Boardwalk Bay, Kemah Boardwalk’s new pirate- and shipwreck-themed waterpark, opening in early 2027!

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in bringing a brand-new waterpark to life. From preparing for opening day and building high-performing teams to establishing a strong culture of safety and delivering unforgettable guest experiences, you’ll help shape the operations and atmosphere of this exciting new destination from the very beginning.

Working closely with Senior Waterpark Leaders, you’ll oversee park-wide operations, develop team members, drive operational performance, and help create an immersive adventure where exceptional hospitality and safety go hand in hand. If you’re ready to take the helm, lead with confidence, and make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity to be part of something new.

Benefits

• Extensive and well-rounded training program
• Continued career development and growth opportunities
• Generous employee discounts on dining, retail, amusements, and hotels
• Multiple health benefit plans to suit your needs
• Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability, flexible spending accounts and 401 (k)
• Paid time off
• Annual discretionary bonus potential

Responsibilities

Lead Park-Wide Operations

• Help prepare for the opening of Boardwalk Bay by coordinating operational planning, staffing, training, inspections, and attraction readiness.
• Oversee daily operations across Aquatics, Guest Services, Admissions, Food & Beverage, Safety, and other support departments.
• Lead daily opening, operating, and closing procedures, ensuring staffing, inspections, attractions, cleanliness, and guest amenities are ready for operation.
• Monitor attendance, weather, guest flow, attraction availability, and operating conditions to make informed decisions and adjust resources as needed.
• Serve as the operational leader in the Waterpark Director’s absence, providing direction, accountability, and support across departments.

Champion Safety and Compliance

• Establish and maintain a proactive safety culture through training, inspections, emergency drills, and consistent enforcement of established procedures.
• Oversee aquatic safety practices, lifeguard coverage, surveillance, rotations, breaks, and rescue readiness in accordance with the company’s approved aquatic safety program.
• Coordinate responses to medical incidents, severe weather, operational disruptions, and other emergencies, ensuring appropriate documentation and communication.
• Make timely decisions to suspend operations when unsafe conditions arise and coordinate reopening after required corrective actions and clearances.

Build and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline employees to support a successful opening and long-term operational excellence.
• Manage staffing plans, scheduling, labor deployment, performance evaluations, and workforce accountability.
• Strengthen leadership capabilities through ongoing coaching, mentoring, and development.
• Lead preseason hiring, training, inspections, and operational readiness while adapting to seasonal staffing demands.

Deliver Exceptional Guest Experiences

• Set the standard for exceptional hospitality, professionalism, cleanliness, and consistent guest service throughout the park.
• Help bring Boardwalk Bay’s pirate and shipwreck theme to life through an engaging, welcoming, and memorable guest experience.
• Resolve escalated guest concerns with sound judgment and effective service recovery.
• Identify opportunities to improve guest satisfaction, attraction flow, operating procedures, and overall park performance.
• Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence and empower teams to create memorable adventures for guests of all ages.

Drive Financial and Operational Performance

• Assist with operating budgets and monitor labor costs, overtime, expenses, and resource utilization.
• Support labor forecasting, payroll administration, inventory controls, and revenue optimization initiatives.
• Evaluate performance metrics and operational reports to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and profitability.
• Partner with Maintenance, Water Quality, and other support teams to maintain attraction readiness, facilities, pools, and park infrastructure.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, seasonal startup and shutdown, inspections, vendor relationships, and facility improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a college degree in Hospitality, Business, Recreation, Parks Management, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressive operations leadership experience in waterparks, amusement parks, attractions, hospitality, resorts, or similar high-volume guest environments.
• At least 2–3 years of direct management experience, including responsibility for multiple departments, supervisors, or operating teams.
• Experience managing seasonal workforces, supervising lifeguards, developing employees, and coordinating emergency response.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic safety, attraction operations, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and guest service standards.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including labor management, expense control, and operational planning.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and use scheduling and business software.
• Experience opening a new waterpark or aquatic facility is preferred.

Required Certifications

• Current lifeguard certification, including CPR, First Aid, and AED, through the company’s approved certification program, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. Required certifications must be obtained before independently performing duties that require them and maintained throughout employment.
• Current Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
• Lifeguard instructor certification is preferred.

Work Environment and Schedule

• This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a visible presence throughout the park. Candidates must be able to walk and inspect the property, stand or walk for extended periods, navigate stairs and uneven or slippery surfaces, and work outdoors in heat, humidity, sun, and wet conditions. The role also requires the ability to meet applicable certification and emergency-response requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A flexible schedule is essential, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, preseason preparation, and emergency response. Seasonal operating demands and peak attendance periods may require extended hours.
• All responsibilities must be performed in accordance with applicable regulations, company policies and procedures, and Landry’s Code of Conduct.

Ready to Take the Helm?

Be part of the crew bringing Boardwalk Bay to life! Join us as we prepare to open Kemah Boardwalk’s exciting new pirate- and shipwreck-themed waterpark in early 2027.

If you’re passionate about building teams, championing safety, leading complex operations, and creating extraordinary guest experiences, we want to hear from you.

EOE

Pay Range

USD $55,000.00 - USD $65,000.00 /Yr.