Ride Operator

Job Description Job Description Ride Operator, FT Job Summary Responsible for the safe daily operation and preventative maintenance of the Zoo’s train and boat rides. This position emphasizes hands-on operation, guest interaction, and equipment upkeep. Position requires significant outdoor work, strong mechanical aptitude, and excellent customer service skills. Weekends and some evenings may be required. 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 as needed. Ensure public is safe while at zoo. Attend meetings to stay informed of procedures, policies, and initiatives and to resolve customer concerns. Foster 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 Operation and Maintenance 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 inspections and cleaning of rides and related equipment. Perform preventative maintenance, including lubrications, minor repairs, and adjustments to extend ride life and ensure safety. Maintain maintenance logs and communicate with Facilities for advanced repairs. Assist Lead and Supervisor with in-depth maintenance as needed, including brake inspections, audio diagnostics, and other technical tasks as directed. Bring operational, safety, or maintenance concerns to the Lead or Supervisor promptly. Area Support Setup, stage, and clean all event rental areas before and after group event activities. 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. Serve as Point of Contact (PoC) if management (Supervisor or Lead) is unavailable. Cover areas for extended periods with minimal supervision. Operate the Bobcat when trained and authorized. Be on-call for special events as assigned. Secondary Job Functions Perform all part-time operational responsibilities as needed. Complete required training and safely operates all zoo required equipment for completion of job duties. Use time efficiently to complete assigned tasks. Actively seek ways to streamline processes and stay 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. 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 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 ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Location: Wichita, Kansas, US

Posted Date: 11/13/2025