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Theme Park Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AUES

Event Security - Theme Park

Frisco, TX · On-site

$18/hr

We offer job opportunities in event staff, security, and operations. Join our welcoming ... Customer Service Representatives Needed - Theme Park Gate Screening & Guest Entry * Provide ...

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How much do theme park operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.
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What states have the most Theme Park Operations jobs?

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Theme Park Operations jobs near you
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 Operations Manager

Circuit of The Americas

Del Valle, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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 and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is an amusement park with over 30 attractions and experiences, including first-of-their-kind roller coasters.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Park Operations Division within their assigned operational area, including Ride Operations, Park Services, and Guest Relations (Admissions, Front Gate, Ticketing, and Guest Services). This position is responsible for delivering a safe, clean, efficient, and guest-focused operation while ensuring compliance with all operating procedures, safety standards, and company policies.
Requirements
The Operations Manager provides leadership for Supervisors, Team Leads, and frontline Team Members, overseeing daily operations, staffing, training, labor management, and operational readiness. This role requires previous leadership experience in an amusement park, theme park, water park, or similar attractions environment and a strong understanding of ride operations, guest flow, safety, and high-volume park operations.
This position is expected to maintain a visible presence throughout the park, leading from the field, coaching leaders, supporting frontline operations, and responding to guest concerns and operational challenges throughout each operating day.
Essential Functions
  • Lead the daily operation of Ride Operations, Park Services, and Guest Relations within the assigned operational area.
  • Ensure compliance with all ride operating procedures, ASTM standards, OSHA regulations, manufacturer requirements, and company safety policies.
  • Establish operational direction, service standards, and departmental priorities while ensuring consistency across all shifts.
  • Directly supervise, coach, and develop Assistant Managers, Supervisors, Team Leads, and frontline Team Members.
  • Monitor ride capacity, dispatch efficiency, queue management, guest flow, cleanliness, and operational performance throughout the park.
  • Partner with Maintenance to minimize ride downtime and ensure attractions are returned to operation safely and efficiently.
  • Respond to ride interruptions, guest incidents, weather events, evacuations, and other operational emergencies while ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up.
  • Develop staffing plans and deployment strategies to support attendance levels, seasonal fluctuations, and special events.
  • Own departmental labor budgets, operational expenses, and financial performance for assigned operational areas.
  • Approve hiring recommendations, performance management actions, and termination recommendations in partnership with Human Resources.
  • Develop and maintain department operating procedures, training programs, and service standards while ensuring consistent execution.
  • Conduct routine operational audits to ensure compliance with safety standards, ride operations, guest service expectations, and park cleanliness.
  • Partner with Safety, Maintenance, Human Resources, Security, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Retail, and other departments to ensure seamless park operations.
  • Participate in park-wide operational planning, seasonal readiness, capital improvement projects, and special event execution.
  • Resolve escalated guest concerns and operational issues involving significant guest impact, liability, or operational disruption.
  • Foster a culture focused on Safety, Hospitality, Efficiency, Accountability, and Teamwork.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of amusement parks, theme parks, or water park operations.
  • Strong understanding of ride operations, admissions, guest services, park services, and guest flow management.
  • Knowledge of ASTM ride safety standards, OSHA regulations, operational risk management, and emergency response procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through other leaders while building accountability and developing high-performing teams.
  • Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, labor forecasting, payroll management, and operational reporting.
  • Ability to analyze operational performance and make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
  • Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to think strategically while remaining actively engaged in daily operations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
  • Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including Texas summer heat.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in an amusement park, theme park, water park, family entertainment center, or similar attractions environment.
  • Minimum two (2) years of management experience leading multiple operational departments or functional areas.
  • Demonstrated experience managing Ride Operations, Park Services, Guest Relations, Admissions, or similar operational functions.
  • Experience leading large seasonal workforces in a high-volume guest environment.
  • Strong understanding of operational safety, guest experience, labor management, and frontline leadership.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak operating periods.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Recreation Management, or a related field.
  • Previous leadership experience overseeing Ride Operations, Park Services, Admissions, Ticketing, or Guest Services within an amusement park or water park.
  • Experience opening a new park, attraction, or major expansion.
  • Experience developing operational SOPs, training programs, and emergency response procedures.
  • Experience with workforce management software, scheduling systems, and operational analytics.
  • 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, rehearsals, installs, park openings, 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.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.

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