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Ride Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

Autonomous vehicle Operator with CDL

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving ... Complete timely and detailed ride reports for our operations and engineering teams * Must be able ...

TSMG

Autonomous vehicle Operator with CDL

Nashville, TN

$17 - $22.25/hr

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving ... Complete timely and detailed ride reports for our operations and engineering teams * Must be able ...

Pollan Paving LLC

Thermoplastic Machine Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Operate thermoplastic striping equipment, including ride-on machines and melting systems, to apply ... Hands-on experience operating thermoplastic striping equipment and related machinery * Knowledge of ...

Sky Fly: Soar America

Show Attendant

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

$16/hr

... begin ride and/or preshow(s) cycles. • Always follows Standard Operating Procedures. • Explains safety and evacuation procedures to guests when necessary. • Conducts evacuations in a safe ...

TA Staffing

Electric Pallet Jack Operator

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Must have Ride On Electric Pallet Jack. Why You'll Love Working Here Step into a hands-on role with a brand you know picking and pulling them out the door and getting them to stores near you. Work ...

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Ride Operator information

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$7

$12

$15

How much do ride operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for ride operator in Tennessee is $12.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.24 and $13.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a ride operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ride Operator, you need attention to safety, situational awareness, and basic mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ride control panels, safety procedures, and occasionally CPR or first aid certification is typically required. Strong communication, customer service skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help Ride Operators stand out. These skills ensure guest safety, efficient ride operation, and a positive experience for park visitors.

Is it hard to become a ride operator?

Becoming a ride operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training to learn safety procedures and equipment operation. The job often involves physical activity and working in a fast-paced environment, but it generally does not require extensive prior experience or specialized certifications.

What is a ride operator?

Ride operators are amusement park or fair employees responsible for safely operating rides and attractions. Their duties include checking safety restraints, giving instructions to guests, monitoring ride operation, and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. Ride operators also assist guests with boarding and exiting rides and may be responsible for basic troubleshooting or reporting mechanical issues. Their primary goal is to provide a fun and safe experience for all visitors.

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

Ride Operators often face challenges such as handling large crowds, ensuring passenger safety, and responding quickly to unexpected situations like ride malfunctions or guest concerns. Effective management involves staying attentive at all times, following strict safety protocols, and maintaining clear communication with both guests and fellow team members. Regular training sessions and support from supervisors help operators stay prepared and confident in addressing these challenges, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What does a ride operator do?

As a ride operator, your job is to operate rides at an amusement park, ensure the safety of guests, and assist with special events or initiatives. As a ride operator, you typically clean rides before, during, and after the day's activities, provide verbal instructions to guests, move between rides as needed, and remain focused on the job despite constant noise and other distractions. This job is sometimes seasonal, but many amusement parks are open year-round and have permanent ride operators on staff. Shifts for seasonal parks are often variable and may change from week to week to account for different amounts of guest traffic. Ride operators frequently walk, crouch, crawl, jog, lift heavy objects, and use aural and visual acuity to observe equipment and guests.

What is the difference between Ride Operator vs Amusement Park Attendant?

AspectRide OperatorAmusement Park Attendant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety and customer service training
Work EnvironmentOperate rides, ensure safety, monitor guestsAssist guests, manage queues, provide information
Employer & Industry UsageAmusement parks, theme parksAmusement parks, fairs, carnivals

Ride Operators and Amusement Park Attendants both work in amusement settings, focusing on guest safety and experience. Ride Operators primarily operate rides and ensure safety protocols, while Amusement Park Attendants assist guests, manage queues, and provide customer service. Both roles require safety training and are essential for a smooth park operation.

How much do you get paid to be a ride operator?

Ride operators typically earn minimum wage or slightly above, with pay rates ranging from around $10 to $15 per hour depending on location and experience. Some amusement parks may offer additional benefits or overtime pay for longer shifts.
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Cities in Tennessee with the most Ride Operator job openings:

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Ride Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ride Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,477 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Attractions Team Member B - Dollywood Theme Park - Part Time Seasonal

Dollywood

Pigeon Forge, TN • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Dollywood rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 58 rated theme parks

Job description

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking an Attractions Team Member B who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together while caring deeply about our brand.
We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. The ideal Attractions Team Member B will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.
The Attractions Team Member B is responsible for all aspects of assigned attractions, to include safety, friendliness, cleanliness, and line speed within assigned areas.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to display and live out Lead with Love qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable.
Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Operate ride controls/control panels in all weather conditions
  • Communicate and enforce safety rules
  • Steady guests while entering/exiting ride vehicles during evacuations
  • Inspect harness and other safety equipment prior to use
  • React calmly and quickly in stressful/emergency situations
  • Physically assist guests throughout the ride/attraction as required
  • Observe guest actions during ride operations to prevent safety hazards
  • Ensure guests are not adjusting safety equipment and observe actions to prevent safety hazards while on ride/attraction
  • Complete required safety paperwork daily
  • Initiate friendly interactions with guests
  • Clean ride/attraction daily as needed
  • Work varying hours and at different areas when needed
  • Complete ride/attraction safety ride-around/walk throughs if/when required
  • Learn and enforce all centralized measuring guidelines
  • Follow all safety standards to include reporting any violation of standards

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time
Education and Experience Required
  • Minimum of 14 years of age is required when/as:
    • Grouper/Greeter positions at the following rides: Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, FireChaser Express, Dragonflier
  • Minimum of 16 years of age is required when/as:
    • Ride Operators at rides designated as Moderate Thrill Attractions (as defined by IAAPA standards)
    • Grouper/Greeter positions at the following rides: Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, FireChaser Express, Dragonflier
  • Minimum of 18 years of age is required when/as:
    • Ride Operators at rides designated as High Thrill Attractions (as defined by IAAPA standards)
    • Any activity with use of a motor vehicle to include trams and shuttles
    • Drive vehicles operated exclusively on rails
    • Work on or ascend lift hills whether in training, normal operations, or evacuations
  • Basic computer skills
  • Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check and drug screen
  • Ability to safely operate company vehicles according to company policy. Must have valid driver's license, proof of auto liability insurance and acceptable motor vehicle driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
  • Must reflect Dollywood's image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in work
  • Must be self-motivated and disciplined
  • Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
  • Must be committed to continuous improvement
  • Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
  • Must promote and support a "team" work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
  • Must be productive in a fast-paced environment
  • Must maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
  • Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
  • Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
  • Able to perform duties consistent with creating a safe and secure environment for hosts and guests
  • Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
  • Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy
  • Must be able to effectively communicate with fellow Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
  • Able to wear full body safety harness and climb up to a 200ft. lift in order to perform inspections, conduct ride evaluations, and host training
  • Able to climb evacuation steps and maintain good balance
  • Able to ride all rides/attractions which require a physical ride through inspection
  • Able to wear all PPE as required
  • Able to tolerate all chemicals/detergents utilized in the area
  • Able to be subjected to periodic random drug screening as outlined by company policy
  • Able to remain attentive and alert at all times
  • Able to memorize written safety standards and/or scripts
  • Able to speak clearly to include the use of P/A systems and two-way radios
  • Able to work outdoors in a variety of different weather elements with exposure to bees, insects, and wildlife

Physical and Cognitive Requirements
  • Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs. utilizing company's safety guidelines for safe lifting
  • Mobility: Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours. Employees may also be required to travel to various areas on property which may include changes in terrain, stairs and uneven surfaces
  • Repetitive Movements: This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands, arms or other body parts as part of typical job functions
  • Environmental Conditions: This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat. Employees may be required to work indoors and outdoors
  • Cognitive and Sensory Requirements: This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process and retain information, have attention to detail and communicate effectively using approved methods
  • Able to meet the physical demands of the job
  • Able to have manual dexterity necessary to complete all job duties
  • Able to sit and/or stand for long/short periods

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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