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Part Time Gondola Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Gondola Operator information

See salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do part time gondola operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time gondola operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time gondola operator?

Part time gondola operators are employees who operate and oversee the safe functioning of gondolas—cable cars or ski lifts—on a part-time schedule. Their duties typically include assisting passengers, performing safety checks, and operating the machinery that controls the gondola. They often work in ski resorts, amusement parks, or tourist attractions, ensuring that guests have a safe and pleasant ride. Part time operators may work weekends, holidays, or during peak seasons depending on demand.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time gondola operator?

To thrive as a Part Time Gondola Operator, you need a basic understanding of mechanical operations, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lift control systems, communication radios, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient transport of passengers while providing a positive guest experience.

What are some common challenges faced by part time gondola operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Part-time gondola operators often encounter challenges such as managing varying weather conditions, assisting diverse groups of guests, and ensuring safety protocols are consistently followed. Adapting quickly to changes in weather and maintaining clear communication with both guests and team members are essential. Operators can manage these challenges by staying updated on safety procedures, participating in regular training sessions, and collaborating closely with supervisors and maintenance staff to address technical or customer-related issues promptly.

What is the difference between Part Time Gondola Operator vs Part Time Ski Lift Operator?

AspectPart Time Gondola OperatorPart Time Ski Lift Operator
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lift Operator CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lift Operator Certification
Work EnvironmentMountain gondolas, outdoor, variable weatherMountain ski lifts, outdoor, winter conditions
Employer & Industry UsageResorts, ski areas, mountain transportationResorts, ski areas, mountain transportation

Both roles involve operating mountain transportation equipment, require similar certifications, and work in outdoor mountain environments. The main difference lies in the specific equipment operated: gondola operators manage large enclosed cabins, while ski lift operators handle open chairlifts or surface lifts. Both positions are essential for guest safety and mountain access at ski resorts.

How much do part time gondola operators make?

Part-time gondola operators typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on location, experience, and employer. They often work during peak seasons and may need certification or training to operate the gondola safely.
More about Part Time Gondola Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Gondola Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Gondola Operator jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Gondola Operator jobs?

For Part Time Gondola Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Part Time Gondola Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Glowfari Guest Services Representative (Part-time, Seasonal)

Oakland, CA • On-site

Oakland Zoo
Museums and Historical Sites • 51 - 200 employees

$20.97/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Part-time, Temporary
Description
Note: This is a part-time seasonal position that is expected to start on 10/01/2026 end on 02/19/2027, with potential to extend in a regular or temporary capacity depending on the needs of the organization. We are looking to hire 20 - 25 people for this position.
Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $20.97 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with the Zoo's compensation philosophy.
Guest Services Representatives play a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who visits the zoo. They will be asked to play many roles throughout the zoo, including greeting guests, managing ingress/egress, staffing various guest services locations, assisting people in boarding the gondola, and safely operating amusement rides. These staff will interact with numerous other departments and are expected to maintain their service level across those interactions as well. These essential members of our team help connect folks to amazing experiences at the Zoo.
Essential Job Duties
  • Demonstrates superior customer service with customers, both internal (i.e., co-workers) and external (vendors, visitors, customers, etc.)
  • Greets guests and safely welcomes them on and off all rides/attractions
  • Greets guests and assists in guest flow in and out of the park and throughout the zoo
  • Learns and maintains an understanding of zoo protocols and policies to ensure proper guest engagement
  • Responds appropriately to emergency situations
  • Maintains a clean and orderly work area
  • Arrives in uniform, on time, and ready to work each day
  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Who You Are:
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Able to engage with guests and coworkers with positive, efficient interactions.
  • Able to follow policies and procedures as taught, show attentiveness to work, and be safety conscious.
  • Able to learn to operate various rides and detect possible problems with ride operation.
  • Able to read, write, and count accurately.
  • Able to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
  • Work in outdoor environments in various weather conditions, including inclement outdoor weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind and rain.

Physical Considerations - The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for long periods of time (up to 8 hour shifts or more).
  • Ability to navigate Zoo grounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.
  • Communication - communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
  • Collaboration - builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility
  • Dependability - demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
  • Flexibility - nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
  • Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
  • Passion - wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo's mission and PRIDE values at all times
  • Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife
  • Sustainability - oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department

Salary Description
$20.97/hour