Ride Operator - Part-time 

Responsible for the daily activities relating to operation of zoo rides. Rides operate 7 days a week, weekends and evenings may be required. Operator is to learn minor maintenance that is required in the inspection of rides before operating. Position has significant emphasis on customer service. Support onsite events in the staging and monitoring of activities. Support the operations team in basic duties, when needed. Majority of work is outdoors.

Primary Job Functions 

Customer Service

• Provide customer service to the zoo defined customers – collections, conservation, contractors, co-workers, donors, students, professional colleagues, vendors, visitors & volunteers.
• Train and assist volunteers and interns.
• Ensure public is safe while at zoo.
• Attend meetings to stay informed of procedures, policies, and initiatives and to resolve customer concerns
• Form and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, customers, and team participants.
• Maintain a pleasant demeanor and positive attitude while working under any conditions. 

Rides 

• Daily cleaning, setup, and preparation of all ride locations.
• Ensure all supplies are in place for smooth and timely guest interactions.
• Maintain knowledge of conservation and messaging for rides.
• Operate ride equipment safely and provide informative guest experiences.
• Conduct daily inspection checklists. 
• Maintain ride equipment through daily inspection and small maintenance tasks such as: adjusting brake shoes, plugging and unplugging cables between cars, cleaning the rides of debris (trash, sticks, food, etc). 

Area Support 

• Setup, stage, and clean all event rental areas before and after group event 
• Move and store equipment such as tables, chairs, and other event-related items.
• On non-event days, assist with upkeep, cleaning, and storage of all event supplies.
• Ensure area requirements are met and adapt to customer requests during events.
• Support operations team with custodial, maintenance, and horticulture areas, as needed.
• Assist with track maintenance such as weeding, trash pickup, and rock maintenance as needed. 

Secondary Job Functions 

• Completes required training and safely operates all zoo required equipment for completion of job duties.
• Use time efficiently to complete assigned tasks. 
• Actively seeks ways to streamline processes and stays open to new ideas and approaches.
• Represent the Zoo and/or Sedgwick County at various offsite events such as regional, national, and international conferences, meetings, community events, outreach programs, etc.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 18 years in age.
• Valid US driver’s license without restrictions.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with attraction ride operation.
• High School diploma or equivalent.

Working Environment/Conditions

The employee is subject to activities that occur in both inside and outside environmental conditions. The employee is subject to any potential hazards of working in a zoo. The employee is subject to potential hazards of working with and near dangerous animals and may be exposed to zoonotic diseases. Work involves exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, loud noise, fumes, odors, dust, and varying weather conditions. Employee must be able to work a schedule that involves working weekends, holidays, or after regular work shifts. Work may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hearing protection, gloves, or safety glasses.

Physical requirements

Physical ability to lift objects up to 50 lbs. Repetitive bending and reaching as needed daily. Ability to sit, stand, climb, or walk for extended periods within indoor and outdoor environments. The employee is required to have visual acuity to perform activities such as operating machines and ride equipment. Must have sufficient manual dexterity to handle tools and equipment used in ride maintenance and repairs. Must be able to climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and work at varying heights as needed. Hearing ability sufficient to detect mechanical irregularities and respond to safety cues in a noisy environment.

Direct reports

N/A