Attraction operator

Attraction operators control rides and monitor the attraction. They provide first aid assistance and materials as needed, and immediately report to the area supervisor. They conduct opening and closing procedures in assigned areas. They may also be responsible for interacting with passengers to ensure they have a positive experience while riding in their vehicle.

The duties of an attraction operator include, but are not limited to:

• Monitoring the condition of equipment and reporting any issues to maintenance staff
• Operating ride controls such as start buttons, end buttons, speed controls, and emergency stop buttons
• Communicating with guests, staff, security personnel, and supervisors regarding safety protocols or any issues with the ride
• Supervising children who are riding the attraction, making sure they are safe and following the rules of the ride
• Operating the attraction equipment, including loading and unloading passengers, operating the ride, monitoring safety equipment, and communicating with guests
• Observing operation of the ride to ensure that it is running properly and safely, reporting problems to supervisors if needed
• Making announcements to passengers or providing instructions verbally or via a PA system about how to use the ride safely or what to expect during their visit
• Responding to guest questions about the ride or park rules and policies
• Operating amusement park rides such as roller coasters, water slides, ferris wheels, bumper cars, and carousels

Attraction operators typically work in amusement parks, carnivals, or fairgrounds. They may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, and may be exposed to loud noises.

Attraction operators typically work part-time hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some attraction operators may be required to work overtime, especially during the peak summer season.

Attraction operators must be able to stand for long periods of time and must be able to lift and move heavy objects.

The following job titles also refer to attraction operator:

attraction supervisor
attraction & ride operator
attraction and ride operator
ride supervisor
ride leader
ride & attraction operator
ride operator
senior ride attendant
fairground attraction operator
ride and attraction operator

Attraction operators typically need only a high school diploma or vocational certificate. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a course in amusement park operations or another related field. On-the-job training is generally provided by employers.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Attraction operator is a Skill level 1 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to attraction operator.

amusement and recreation attendant
advertising installer
aircraft groomer
airport baggage handler

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of attraction operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of attraction operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

amusement park cleaner
ride technician
crowd controller
spa attendant
park guide

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of attraction operator.

• Amusement park emergency procedures: Stay informed about shutdown and emergency evacuation procedures for amusement parks.

These skills are necessary for the role of attraction operator.

• Communicate with park visitors: Communicate with amusement park visitors whilst their ride is inoperative.
• Check ride safety restraints: Control the ride safety restraints to see if everything works in a normal, safe manner.
• Operate ride panel: Run the ride operating the mechanic control panel.
• Monitor amusement park safety: Follow up activities to ensure permanent safety and decent behaviour of park visitors; remove unruly visitors if needed.
• Ensure health and safety of staff: Promote and maintain a culture of health, safety and security among the staff by maintaining policies and procedures for the protection of vulnerable participants and when necessary, dealing with suspicions of possible abuse.
• Ensure health and safety of visitors: Take the necessary precautions to ensure the physical safety of an audience or people visiting an activity. Prepare actions in case of emergency. Administer first aid and direct emergency evacuations.
• Check ride communications: Check and make sure that all the communication functions of an assigned ride operate properly.
• Clean ride units: Eliminate dirt, rubbish or impurities in ride units in an amusement park.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of attraction operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Announce amusement park attractions: Announce and promote amusement park attractions, games and entertainment to potential visitors.
• Maintain amusement park equipment: Maintain exhaustive inventories of equipment in venues and amusement parks.
• Assist amusement park visitors: Assist visitors entering or exiting rides, boats, or ski lifts.
• Direct amusement park clients: Guide visitors to rides, seats, and attractions.
• Maintain amusement park attractions: Maintain, control and repair rides and attractions, both mechanically and electronically.
• Clean amusement park facilities: Eliminate dirt, rubbish or impurities in park facilities such as booths, sporting equipment, vehicles and rides.

9629 – Elementary workers not elsewhere classified

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References

1. ESCO
2. Ride Operator Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – ClimbtheLadder
3. Featured image: By Simon Law from Montréal, QC, Canada – Ride operators, CC BY-SA 2.0