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Coaster Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Activities include Climbing Wall, Ropes Course, Zip Lines, Summer Tubing, Woolly's Mountain Coaster, bungee, Archery, and more! Requirements: * Experience using climbing equipment and rope rescue ...

In addition to the Pacific Wheel, the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Park's signature rides include The West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa ...

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Coaster information

What is a coaster?

Coasters, in the context of jobs, typically refer to individuals who operate or maintain amusement park roller coasters and related rides. Their responsibilities can include ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the ride, conducting routine maintenance checks, helping guests safely board and exit the ride, and responding to any emergencies. Coasters must have a keen attention to detail, follow strict safety protocols, and often work as part of a team to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for park visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a roller coaster operator?

To thrive as a Roller Coaster Operator, you need attention to detail, safety awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring basic mechanical knowledge. Familiarity with ride control panels, safety inspection checklists, and two-way radios is typically necessary. Strong communication, calmness under pressure, and excellent customer service skills help operators manage guests and respond to emergencies. These abilities ensure the safe and enjoyable operation of rides, minimizing risks and enhancing the guest experience.

What are some common challenges faced by coaster operators and how can they be managed?

Coaster operators often face challenges such as maintaining a high level of attention to safety protocols, managing guest interactions during busy periods, and responding quickly to unexpected ride malfunctions or weather changes. Effective communication with team members and clear procedures help address these challenges. Operators are typically trained to follow strict checklists, remain calm under pressure, and work closely with maintenance and supervisory staff to ensure smooth and safe ride experiences for all guests.

What is the difference between Coaster vs Ride Operator?

AspectCoasterRide Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; safety trainingHigh school diploma; safety and operational training
Work EnvironmentAmusement parks, theme parksAmusement parks, fairs, carnivals
Job RoleDesign, maintain, and oversee roller coaster operationsOperate rides, ensure safety, assist guests
Common UsageSpecialized in roller coaster managementGeneral ride operation including coasters

While both roles are found in amusement parks, a Coaster typically refers to someone involved in the design or maintenance of roller coasters, whereas a Ride Operator focuses on operating rides, including coasters, and ensuring guest safety. The roles overlap in safety training and work environment but differ in responsibilities and specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Coaster jobs in California?

The most popular types of Coaster jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Coaster jobs in California?

For Coaster jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Coaster job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution.

$79K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description DEFINITION Under the direction of the COASTER Maintenance Manager this position performs a variety of maintenance tasks on COASTER revenue vehicles, which incorporate duties of machinist, electrician, and passenger rail inspection & repair. This position will be responsible for the overhaul of the COASTER passenger car fleet which involves the removal, teardown, repair, and installation of interior and exterior components. This position works with mechanical, electrical, electronic and HVAC systems on rolling stock equipment and components in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) standards and guidelines.

Additional responsibilities will include the inspection, testing and maintenance of wheels sets and brakes, repairing suspension and pneumatic systems on rolling stock equipment and components. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Union. Distinguishing Characteristics This position is distinguished by its responsibility for a wide range of mechanical duties in support of the maintenance of COASTER locomotives and bi-level coach and cab cars.

This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines. Supervision Received and Exercised This position reports to the COASTER Maintenance Manager. S/he has no direct supervisory responsibility.

Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted. Working Conditions Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting, including the COASTER Operations & Maintenance Facility, onboard the COASTER trains, at rail stations, and anywhere along the COASTER railroad right of way. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD.

Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required. Examples of Duties Essential Functions Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Fulfills the District's mission to provide of safe, reliable, and user-friendly public transit services for the COASTER rail mode. Emphasis is on providing high-quality, customer-friendly services, that reflect unified operations throughout the District.

Performs repair and replacement of rail equipment components in accordance with applicable federal, state, local regulations and District requirements. Removes interior components, recondition and reinstall new upgraded components to provide for a superior passenger experience. Dismantles, assembles and replaces new or modified mechanical components or assemblies for products such as HVAC, brakes, pneumatic system, truck and car body equipment and sub-systems.

May perform grinding, buffing, welding and burning. Tests finished products to ensure they operate as intended and meet FRA regulations and District requirements. Proposes improvement to equipment, practices and maintenance programs to support the District's mission and vision for public transit services.

Complete applicable reports and any other required documentation as needed based on the specific nature of any incident or issue that occurs while on duty. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education/Experience High School diploma or GED required.

Technical school or apprenticeship program in related field is a plus. Minimum 2 years prior experience working with mechanical equipment required. Experience with maintenance of railroad equipment is a plus.

Experience working with mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems required. Experience in rebuilding, repair, and replacement of components required. Experience in both A/C and D/C electrical systems is preferred.

Welding, grinding and metal cutting experience is a plus. A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered. Certificates/Licenses Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than six (6) points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUIs in the prior seven (7) years.

Must be able to pass and maintain DOT physical exam requirements. Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties. Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.

Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties. Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics. General Requirements Knowledge and skills in the use of mechanical and electrical tools and equipment Able to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.

Must have strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to successfully interact with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through excellent communication, teambuilding, and customer service skills. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, and analyze facts and data. Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties.

Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities. Physical Requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on a daily basis and up to 50 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.

The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand. Machines / Tools / Equipment Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone. Ability to operate a 2-way radio. Supplemental Information Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers

A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.

You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage.

The hourly rate of pay for this position is $38.17 per the Carpenters' Union. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.