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Theme Park Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chef Park Operations

Universal City, CA

$69K - $95K/yr

Support the culinary team within the Theme Park and Catering, as assigned Performance Standards ... Provide operational analysis to the Executive Sous Chef and food service managers. * Ensure the ...

Chef Park Operations

Universal City, CA

$69K - $95K/yr

Support the culinary team within the Theme Park and Catering, as assigned   Performance Standards ... Provide operational analysis to the Executive Sous Chef and food service managers. * Ensure the ...

Chef Park Operations

Los Angeles, CA

$71K - $98K/yr

Support the culinary team within the Theme Park and Catering, as assigned   Performance Standards ... Provide operational analysis to the Executive Sous Chef and food service managers. * Ensure the ...

* Updates notes: looking for recent Theme Park/ Waterpark experience * Will be responsible for ... Work closely with Construction, Operations, and Architecture & Design teams to ensure that design ...

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Theme Park Operations information

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How much do theme park operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for theme park operations in the United States is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are theme park operations?

Theme park operations involve managing the daily functions of a theme park, including ride maintenance, guest services, safety protocols, and staff coordination. Employees in this field ensure the park runs smoothly, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, often requiring teamwork, communication skills, and adherence to safety standards.

What is the difference between Theme Park Operations vs Ride Operator?

AspectTheme Park OperationsRide Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training provided on-siteHigh school diploma or equivalent; specific ride safety training
Work EnvironmentVarious roles including guest services, safety, maintenance, and operations across the parkFocused on operating specific rides and ensuring safety during ride cycles
Employer & Industry UsageTheme parks, amusement parks, entertainment venuesTheme parks, amusement parks, water parks
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in park management and guest experienceCompared for specific ride safety and operation duties

Theme Park Operations encompasses a broad range of roles involved in managing and supporting the overall functioning of a theme park, including guest services, safety, and maintenance. Ride Operators focus specifically on operating rides safely and efficiently. While both roles require safety training and work in the amusement industry, Theme Park Operations offers a wider scope of responsibilities beyond ride operation.

What are some common challenges faced in a theme park operations role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Theme park operations professionals often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds, ensuring guest safety, and maintaining high service standards during peak times. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are key to handling these situations. Proactively coordinating with other departments, staying organized, and using established protocols help ensure smooth operations. Regular training and a positive attitude also contribute to successfully navigating daily challenges and delivering a great guest experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in theme park operations?

To excel in Theme Park Operations, you need strong organizational skills, customer service expertise, and often a background in hospitality or business management. Familiarity with ticketing software, scheduling systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications in first aid or crowd management can be beneficial. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in managing guest experiences and team dynamics. These skills are vital for ensuring efficient park operations, guest satisfaction, and a safe, enjoyable environment for all visitors.
More about Theme Park Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Theme Park Operations jobs? Cities with the most Theme Park Operations job openings:
What states have the most Theme Park Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Theme Park Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Theme Park Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,222 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

COTALAND Park Operations Supervisor

Circuit of The Americas

Del Valle, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country, with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR, and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit, while Live Nation produces more than 30 headline concerts each year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is an amusement park featuring more than 30 attractions and experiences, including first-of-their-kind roller coasters.
The Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision of an assigned operational area within Ride Operations, Park Services, or Guest Relations (Admissions, Front Gate, Ticketing, and Guest Services). This position provides direct leadership to Team Leads and Crew Members while ensuring safe, efficient, and guest-focused operations throughout each operating day. You would be assigned to a specific area in Operations during the construction phase.
Supervisors serve as the primary frontline leader, ensuring operating procedures, safety standards, cleanliness expectations, and guest service standards are consistently achieved. This position develops Team Leads through coaching, mentoring, and accountability while maintaining a visible presence throughout the assigned operational area.
Successful candidates will possess previous leadership experience in an amusement park, theme park, water park, or similar attractions environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced, guest-focused operation.
Requirements
  • Supervise the daily operation of an assigned Ride Operations, Park Services, or Guest Relations area.
  • Lead, coach, and develop Team Leads and Crew Members while fostering a positive and accountable work environment.
  • Conduct daily shift meetings, assign work locations, and communicate operational priorities and safety expectations.
  • Ensure all Crew Members follow operating procedures, ride operating manuals, company policies, and safety standards.
  • Monitor ride operations, dispatch efficiency, queue management, guest flow, cleanliness, and overall operational performance.
  • Conduct routine operational inspections to ensure attractions, queue lines, work areas, and guest-facing spaces meet established standards.
  • Respond to guest concerns and resolve service recovery opportunities professionally while supporting Team Leads in handling routine issues.
  • Coordinate with Maintenance regarding ride downtime, operational concerns, and attraction readiness.
  • Assist with ride evacuations, weather responses, emergency situations, guest incidents, and park operational disruptions following established procedures.
  • Complete operational reports, incident documentation, ride downtime reports, and daily shift communication.
  • Assist with scheduling adjustments, break rotations, staffing deployment, and labor management throughout the operating day.
  • Support onboarding, training, certification, and ongoing development of Crew Members and Team Leads.
  • Conduct performance coaching and provide feedback while recognizing strong performance and addressing opportunities for improvement.
  • Perform operational audits to ensure compliance with safety procedures, guest service standards, and department expectations.
  • Partner with other park departments to ensure seamless guest experiences and efficient park operations.
  • Maintain a visible leadership presence throughout the assigned operational area and lead by example.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Working knowledge of amusement park, theme park, or water park operations.
  • Understanding of Ride Operations, Guest Relations, Admissions, Ticketing, or Park Services.
  • Knowledge of ride safety procedures, emergency response protocols, OSHA regulations, and operational safety practices.
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
  • Ability to make sound operational decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent guest service and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Strong communication and organizational abilities.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including Texas summer heat.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.

Required Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum two (2) years of leadership experience in an amusement park, theme park, water park, or similar attractions environment.
  • Previous experience leading or supervising Crew Members in Ride Operations, Park Services, Guest Relations, Admissions, Ticketing, or a related operational department.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.
  • Strong understanding of guest service, operational safety, and daily park operations.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak operating periods.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods (up to 10 hours).
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous supervisory experience within an amusement park or water park.
  • Experience training and developing frontline employees and Team Leads.
  • Experience with workforce management software and scheduling systems.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Work Schedule and Conditions
This position is based on-site at COTALAND Theme Park at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, and requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and seasonal peak operating periods.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.