1

Theme Park Ride Tester Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

You will support system setup, connection checks, testing, and troubleshooting under the direction of our AV Engineers. This includes helping identify wiring issues, equipment concerns, installation ...

Our award-winning theme park is seeking a Lift Maintenance Mechanic that will be responsible for ... Ensure that ride stations, motor rooms, tools, equipment, and shop areas are kept clean and in ...

Showing results 41-53

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 Aug 17, 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?

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.

What does a theme park ride tester do?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the theme park ride tester position?

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.

How much do theme park ride testers make?

Theme park ride testers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on experience and location. Some positions may offer additional benefits or perks, and the role often requires safety awareness and attention to detail.

How to be a theme park ride tester?

To become a theme park ride tester, you typically need to have a keen interest in rides and safety, good communication skills, and sometimes relevant experience in testing or quality assurance. Some companies may require you to be available for scheduled testing sessions and to follow safety protocols. Certifications in safety or quality control can be beneficial, and being detail-oriented is important for providing useful feedback.

Is being a theme park ride tester a real job?

Yes, being a theme park ride tester is a real job where individuals evaluate ride safety, comfort, and experience before public opening. These testers often work for amusement parks or ride manufacturers and may need to follow safety protocols and have good observation skills.

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:

Infographic showing various Theme Park Ride Tester job openings in Tennessee as of August 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.

Train Fireman I - Dollywood Theme Park - Full Time Year Round

Herschend Family Entertainment

Pigeon Forge, TN • On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking a Train Fireman I 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 Train Fireman I will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.
The Train Fireman I exists to provide all Dollywood Company Properties with Maintenance support, specifically monitoring both the maintenance and the operations of the steam locomotive. 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
  • Assist Train Fireman II, III or Engineer with operation, maintenance and repair of all railroad equipment including the train, track, bed system and facilities
  • Perform duties in a safe manner in compliance with manufacturer's specifications, Dollywood Company policies & procedures, applicable regulations, and industry standards
  • Assist with conducting scheduled maintenance and regulatory inspections
  • Maintain records of work completed
  • Must work independently as well as in a team setting
  • Assist others as requested
  • Operate and manage the oil-fired system to maintain consistent steam pressure required for scheduled train operations
  • Monitor and regulate boiler water levels, steam pressure, and associated gauges to always ensure safe and compliant operations at all times
  • Operate injectors and related systems to maintain proper boiler water supply during all phases of operations
  • Assist with daily locomotive preparation, including greasing, filling lubricator, and fire up, using Dollywood's fire-up procedure
  • Support in-service locomotive operation by anticipating the needs of the Engineer by adjusting firing valve for grades and train handling
  • Perform routine inspections of firebox, burner system, valves, and related components; report deficiencies to engineer and assist with corrective actions
  • Assist train shop personal with preventative maintenance activities, including boiler washouts, inspections, and mechanical servicing
  • Adhere to all Dollywood safety policies, standard operating procedures, and applicable state amusement ride regulations
  • Maintain effective communication with the engineer, conductors, and maintenance personnel to ensure coordinated operations
  • Execute proper locomotive shutdown and securing procedures
  • Maintain a high level of situational awareness to ensure the safety of guests, host, and equipment at all times

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 old
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • At least 6 months' work experience that demonstrates successful execution of similar duties and responsibilities in a commercial/industrial environment
  • 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
  • Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy
  • Must be able to work independently
  • Able to use hand tools, power tools and equipment such as air compressor, skill saw, electric drill, impact wrench, hand wrenches, shovel, etc.

Physical Requirements | Environmental Conditions
  • 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
  • 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
  • Able to balance, stoop, kneel, crawl, and crouch, and work in confines spaces
  • Able to lift, carry, push and/or pull objects and materials of moderately heavy weight (up to 50 pounds) and occasionally heavier weight (up to 100 pounds with assistance)
  • Able to work at heights up to and in excess of 150ft
  • Able to endure approved exposure levels to various chemicals found in cleaning solvents, adhesives, paints, and lubricants

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.