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Theme Park Ride Tester Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

ANAKEESTA

Ride Operator

Gatlinburg, TN

Our award-winning theme park creates unique outdoor experiences at the top of the Smoky Mountains ... This exhilarating ride offers a thrill at every turn before enjoying a scenic uphill ride to the ...

SkyLand Ranch

Ride Maintenance

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

... systems. - Testing, verification and/or calibration of ride systems. - Respond to downtime, repair, and ride recovery issues to keep the park operating smoothly. - Troubleshoot systems using ...

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All JobsTheme Park Ride Tester JobsTheme Park Ride Tester Jobs in Tennessee

Theme Park Ride Tester information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$26

$55

How much do theme park ride tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for theme park ride tester in Tennessee is $26.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.80 and $36.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Theme Park Ride Tester job?

A Theme Park Ride Tester is responsible for evaluating theme park attractions for safety, comfort, and overall experience. They go on rides multiple times to assess factors like smoothness, speed, and potential risks. Their feedback helps engineers and park operators make necessary adjustments before opening to the public. This role requires attention to detail, a strong stomach for thrilling rides, and sometimes technical knowledge to report on ride mechanics. While it sounds fun, it also involves responsibility for ensuring guest safety and satisfaction.

How much do amusement park testers make?

Amusement park ride testers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $40,000. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and whether the role is full-time or part-time, and testers often need to have good attention to safety and ride mechanics knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Theme Park Ride Tester position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theme Park Ride Tester, you typically need a background in mechanical or safety engineering, physical fitness, and a keen attention to detail. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, safety inspection systems, and often certifications in ride safety or amusement device operation are beneficial. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem solving are key soft skills for excelling in this position. These skills ensure rides are not only fun but also meet strict safety standards, protecting both guests and park reputation.

Is a waterslide tester a real job?

A waterslide tester is a real job that involves evaluating the safety, design, and fun factor of water slides at amusement parks or water parks. The role typically requires knowledge of safety standards, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications in lifeguarding or safety procedures. It is a specialized position within the theme park industry focused on ensuring ride quality and safety before public use.

How much do amusement ride inspectors make?

Amusement ride inspectors, who evaluate the safety and compliance of rides, typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and location. They often require knowledge of safety standards and may need certifications such as OSHA or state-specific licenses.

How to be a theme park ride tester?

To become a theme park ride tester, candidates typically need to have a passion for rides, good communication skills, and sometimes prior experience in customer service or entertainment. Some companies may require a background check or specific age requirements, and testers often evaluate ride safety, comfort, and overall experience during scheduled shifts. Building relevant experience and demonstrating enthusiasm can improve chances of being selected for this role.

What does a typical day look like for a Theme Park Ride Tester?

A typical day for a Theme Park Ride Tester involves conducting multiple ride-throughs on various attractions to assess their safety, functionality, and guest experience. You’ll collaborate closely with maintenance crews, engineers, and safety managers to identify and document any issues or irregularities. Depending on the park’s schedule, early mornings or late evenings might be required to test rides outside of guest hours. The role also includes preparing detailed reports and sometimes simulating different guest scenarios to ensure inclusivity and reliability. Working as part of a dedicated safety and operations team, you play a pivotal role in delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for park visitors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Theme Park Ride Tester jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Theme Park Ride Tester jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Theme Park Ride Tester jobs in Tennessee? For Theme Park Ride Tester jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Theme Park Ride Tester jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Theme Park Ride Tester jobs in Tennessee are:
Theme Park Ride Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theme Park Ride Tester job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,907 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Ride Maintenance Electrical Technician - Dollywood Theme Park - Full Time Year Round

Ride Maintenance Electrical Technician - Dollywood Theme Park - Full Time Year Round

Dollywood

Pigeon Forge, TN • On-site

$24.75 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 hours ago

Dollywood rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 58 rated theme parks

Job description

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking a Ride Maintenance Electrical Technician 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 Ride Maintenance Electrical Technician will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.
The Ride Maintenance Electrical Technician is responsible for installing, inspecting, and performing repairs of park ride electrical components at all Dollywood Company Properties. This position also assists Ride Maintenance Technicians as required. All of this will be done in a manner consistent with the mission, values and operating philosophies and standards of the Dollywood Company.
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
  • Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, rebuilds and inspects ride electrical systems and components for proper operation according to Dollywood Company standards
  • Assists in troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems
  • Inspects and evaluates rides for proper function, detects and investigates any malfunctions or irregularities and notifies supervisors of any safety concerns. Troubleshoots, diagnoses and repairs malfunctions using electrical schematic charts, computers, programmable logic controllers, test equipment and meters
  • Responsible for completing required documentation on check-outs, preventive maintenance, updates/changes, etc
  • Receives and reviews various records and reports including ride manuals and updates, ride electrical programs and diagrams, technical manuals, computer manuals, operating schedules, check-out sheets, work orders, vehicle maintenance check sheets, operational downtime sheets, material safety data sheets, etc
  • Ensures rides are maintained according to manufacturers, Dollywood Company guidelines to ensure the safety of ride operation and guests
  • Responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance for individual or groups of attractions rides and other equipment typically utilized in theme park attractions including but not limited to: troubleshooting and repair of mechanical systems, animation and special effects.
  • Responds to downtime, repair and ride recovery issues
  • Diagnoses system failures and provide immediate and long-term correction action. Research defective mechanically controlled items/parts and instructional information to complete the repair process when needed. Systems may include relay logic, PLC logic or a combination of both. Mostly Rockwell, but some Pilz, Siemens and others
  • Troubleshoots by referring to technical manuals and technical library while utilizing a systematic approach
  • Ability to troubleshoot and work with 480V 3 phase motor control systems, including autotransformers, AC frequency, DC and soft starts
  • Inputs in logbooks: completion of inspections, corrective action and/or repairs made, and lists applicable parts used
  • Supports Ride Maintenance Technicians I and II on modifications to ride vehicles or show equipment
  • Learns and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established Dollywood Company policies, procedures, training and team member involvement activities
  • Consistently practices safe work habits including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, safe lifting practices and reporting of unsafe situations
  • Keeps all records up to date and current in an accessible, organized fashion. (i.e. logbooks, inspection forms, etc.)
  • Ensures that the ride is clean and visually in compliance with manufacturer's specifications, guest and Dollywood expectations
  • Cleans maintenance shop, including but not limited to stations, equipment, and tools

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time
Education and Experience Required
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required
  • Associate's degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school is preferred but not required
  • Five (5) or more years combined educational and work experience in troubleshooting and repair of complex electro-mechanical systems as well as hydraulic and pneumatic systems required
  • Working knowledge of the proper utilization and care of hand and power tools and maintenance equipment
  • Experience with logic systems including relay and Programmable logic control
  • Experience with drives, including AC frequency and DC drives
  • 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
  • Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of background screening which includes criminal history and motor vehicle record check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
  • 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 have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
  • 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
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
  • Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver projects ahead of schedule, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals
  • 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
  • Must reflect Dollywood's image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in work
  • Must be committed to continuous improvement
  • Must promote and support a "team" work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
  • Ability to analyze and remember information
  • Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret spreadsheets. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form, and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists
  • Ability to use hydraulic/pneumatic schematics, electrical and mechanical schematic/blueprints during routine maintenance/troubleshooting
  • Ability to understand machine prints with dimensions and tolerances as well as read and understand mechanical assembles and associated terminology
  • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from guests, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
  • Ability to perform these operations using units of the Metric system in weight measurement, volume, and distance
  • Ability to endure approved exposure levels to various chemicals found in cleaning solvents, adhesives, paints, and lubricants
  • Must possess the mental and physical capacities necessary to perform the primary job duties, including climbing and working at heights up to and in excess of 150ft., crawling and working in confined spaces
  • While performing the duties of this job, the individual may be regularly expected to work near moving mechanical parts or energized power sources
  • Ability to use hand tools and power tools such as electric drill, drill press, side grinder, porta-band, reciprocating saw, electric hoist, chain saw, band saw, jig saw, torque wrench, and impact wrench
  • Must possess strong safety sensitivity and ability to work with many different types of mechanical devices
  • Consistent attendance is a job requirement

Physical Requirements | Environmental Conditions
  • Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 100lbs 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
  • 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
  • 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 communication methods.
  • Able to meet the physical demands of the job
  • Tasks involve the regular and at times sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work. This typically involves some combination of balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Tasks may also involve the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderately heavy weight (up to 50 lbs.) and occasionally heavier weight (up to 100 lbs.)

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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