How to Be Amusement Park Ride Operator/Rider - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 15, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The thrill and excitement of amusement park rides has been a popular source of entertainment for generations. As an operator or rider of amusement park rides, it is important to understand the potential risks that come along with the thrills. For operators, the safety of riders should be their number one priority and they must be aware of the regulations and protocols that are in place to ensure the safety of all riders.

For riders, following the instructions of the operator and paying attention to the safety warnings are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Both operators and riders should also be mindful of the weight limits, age restrictions, and physical limitations of each ride to ensure they are adequately prepared for the ride. By being aware of the potential risks and adhering to the rules, operators and riders can have a safe and fun time at the amusement park.

Steps How to Become

Research the requirements for becoming an Amusement Park Ride Operator/Rider. Depending on the park, you may need to be 18 or 21 years old and/or have a valid drivers license. Additionally, you will likely need to pass a background check.
Check the job listings at your local amusement park. Many parks have a website with available jobs listed. You can also contact the park directly to inquire about job openings.
Apply for a position. Submit your application and any other required materials, such as a resume, cover letter, and references.
Participate in an interview with the parks hiring manager. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your experience and knowledge of amusement park rides and safety procedures.
Complete any necessary training programs or courses. This may include safety certifications and first aid training.
Follow all safety protocols when operating or riding amusement park rides. This includes using appropriate safety equipment and adhering to all rules and regulations.
Remain aware of your surroundings and ensure that the ride is running properly at all times.
Provide exceptional customer service to park guests. This includes assisting with loading and unloading passengers, answering questions, and ensuring that the ride is safe and enjoyable for all guests.

Amusement park rides require reliable and capable operators and riders to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all those involved. For operators, this means understanding the ride and knowing how to properly maintain it. They must also be attentive and aware of their surroundings and the passengers they are responsible for.

Riders must also be responsible and pay attention to safety instructions. they should be aware of any height requirements or health concerns that could disqualify them from riding a particular ride. By adhering to these rules and regulations, operators and riders can help create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

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Job Description

Amusement Park Ride Operator: Responsible for operating and controlling amusement park rides, ensuring safety regulations are followed, and providing customer service to park guests.
Amusement Park Ride Maintenance Technician: Responsible for performing routine maintenance and repair tasks to ensure the safe operation of amusement park rides.
Amusement Park Ride Designer: Responsible for designing and creating new amusement park rides to attract customers and increase revenue.
Amusement Park Ride Inspector: Responsible for inspecting amusement park rides on a regular basis to ensure safety and operational standards are met.
Amusement Park Ride Manager: Responsible for supervising and managing the operations of amusement park rides, training ride operators, and ensuring guest safety.
Amusement Park Ride Rider: Responsible for following all safety instructions while riding an amusement park ride, maintaining a safe distance from other riders, and refraining from any dangerous behavior.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to follow instructions and maintain safety regulations.
Strong customer service skills.
Ability to stay calm and focused in a potentially chaotic environment.
Knowledge of ride operations, including loading, unloading, and inspection procedures.
Ability to maintain order and ensure the safety of riders at all times.
Ability to troubleshoot and solve mechanical problems quickly and efficiently.
Ability to provide basic first aid, if necessary.
Ability to assess potential risks and take appropriate action.
Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, such as ride equipment and supplies.
Ability to work in a team environment and provide support to coworkers.

Having the right skills as an amusement park ride operator and rider is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Good communication and problem-solving skills are essential for operators in order to ensure that the ride is safely operated and that all riders understand the instructions and safety requirements. Attention to detail is also necessary to monitor the performance of the ride and to identify any potential problems before they occur.

Riders must have good balance, strength, and coordination, as well as the ability to understand and follow instructions. Knowing how to react quickly and calmly in an emergency is also important for both operators and riders. All of these skills are necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience at an amusement park.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have operating amusement park rides?
What safety protocols do you follow when operating an amusement park ride?
How do you ensure the safety of riders when operating an amusement park ride?
What methods do you use to check that an amusement park ride is functioning correctly?
How do you handle dissatisfied customers?
How do you communicate with other ride operators and staff members?
What do you do in the event of an emergency or malfunctioning amusement park ride?
Are you familiar with any state or federal regulations related to amusement park rides?
How would you handle a situation where a rider refuses to follow safety instructions?
How would you handle a situation where a rider is visibly intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Common Tools in Industry

Safety Harness. A safety device used to secure the rider in a ride. (e. g. Roller Coaster Harness)
Emergency Stop Button. A button used to immediately stop the ride in case of emergencies. (e. g. Panic Button)
Ride Computer System. A computer system used to control and monitor the ride's speed, operation, and safety. (e. g. Control Panel)
Ride Ticket Scanner. A device used to scan ride tickets and track riders. (e. g. Barcode Scanner)
Radio System. A communication device used to coordinate operations between operators and riders. (e. g. Walkie-Talkie)
Load and Unload Platforms. Platforms used to help riders get on and off rides safely and efficiently. (e. g. Loading Dock)
First Aid Kit. A medical kit containing basic medical supplies for emergency use. (e. g. Band-Aids, Antiseptic Spray)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
International Association of Track and Amusement Parks (IATP)
National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
National Safety Council (NSC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Roller Coaster Clubs of Great Britain (RCCGB)
European Coaster Club (ECC)
International Association of Roller Coaster Enthusiasts (IARCE)

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Common Important Terms

Ride Operator. A person who is responsible for the safe operation of amusement park rides. This includes inspecting the ride before and after each use, checking safety restraints, and training riders on safety procedures.
Ride Rider. A person who rides an amusement park ride. They are responsible for following all safety rules and regulations.
Load and Unload Area. The area where riders enter and exit the ride.
Capacity Limit. The maximum number of riders that a ride can accommodate at one time.
Maintenance Logs. Records of inspections and maintenance of amusement park rides, which must be kept up to date for safety reasons.
Safety Restraints. Devices that must be used to ensure the safety of riders while on a ride, such as seatbelts, lap bars, and shoulder harnesses.
Emergency Stop Button. A button located near the operator station that can be used to immediately stop the ride in case of an emergency.
Protective Gear. Gear worn by ride operators to protect themselves from hazards such as flying debris and moving parts.
Ride Design. The design of an amusement park ride, including the layout, type of machinery and materials used, and safety features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of training do ride operators need?

Ride operators typically need to complete safety and operational training courses specific to the ride they are operating, as well as any other general safety and customer service courses required by the amusement park.

What is the minimum age requirement for riders?

The minimum age requirement for riders varies by amusement park, but is typically between 3 and 10 years old.

What is the maximum rider height for a roller coaster?

The maximum rider height for a roller coaster is typically between 4 and 6 feet tall.

How often should amusement park rides be inspected?

Amusement park rides should be inspected at least once per day and after any incidents involving the ride or its riders.

What safety measures should riders take before getting on a ride?

Riders should always read any safety warnings posted near the ride, properly use any safety restraints, and refrain from any behavior which could compromise their own or others' safety while on the ride.