Amusement parks typically employ a large number of people, both visible and invisible to the general public. Ride operators, ticket sales staff, and restaurant or food concession workers are some of the most visible amusement park jobs. Check-in staff, concierge services, and housekeepers are common in parks with hotels, and lifeguards are common in parks with water features. Behind the scenes at amusement parks, a variety of jobs are available. Ride engineers, for example, plan the mechanics of each amusement long before it is built, and business planners, accountants, and lawyers all work to ensure that the park is profitable and adheres to all national and local regulations.
Most amusement park jobs fall into one of three categories: those that interact directly with the public, those that serve the public on a more ad hoc basis, and those that deal with park operations internally. As you progress through the ranks, your job will become more prestigious. A job that requires you to dress up as a themed character or sell popcorn at a concession stand, for example, is typically considered a minimum wage, low-tier opportunity. Working as a security guard or customer service representative necessitates additional training. Working for an amusement park as a corporation — that is, in an office, doing a desk job, and working more regular hours — is usually the most prestigious of all.
The first category includes some of the most popular amusement park jobs. Many of these jobs are temporary or seasonal in nature. They’re popular among high school and university students who need reliable breaks, more flexible schedules, and work that doesn’t require much skill.
Almost any talent or interest can usually find a home on the lower rungs. Parades are held at some theme parks, and they require dancers, singers, and costumed characters. At amusement parks, ride operators must control start and stop times as well as the number — and, in some cases, the age — of riders. Concessions and ticket sales personnel must be able to handle petty cash and quickly calculate sums on the fly.
The majority of the time, amusement park management will rotate new hires through a variety of entry-level positions before allowing them to choose a final position. As a result, the worker gets a sense of the larger operation and can more confidently identify personal interests. Employees who rotate are also better prepared to answer questions from visitors about the park’s services, schedules, and layout.
Security guards, lifeguards, and chefs are just a few examples of intermediate-level amusement park jobs. These workers are on-site but only interact with visitors when necessary. These positions usually necessitate more specialized training.
Working at an amusement park does not always entail being physically present in the park. A lot of work must be done on the back end of a park in order for it to function. To keep operations profitable, parks typically hire entire teams of businesspeople. Engineers and experts in digital design are also important components. These individuals work on the inside to develop concepts and blueprints for future rides and attractions.
Depending on the park, there may be more people working behind the scenes than are ever visible to the public. Both groups of employees, on the other hand, rely on each other’s success. Without the others, no one group would succeed.