Full-Time

Ride Operator

Updated on 7/21/2026

United Parks & Resorts

United Parks & Resorts

1,001-5,000 employees

Zoological parks offering welfare and conservation.

No salary listed

Orlando, FL, USA

In Person

On-site at SeaWorld Orlando; placement may vary across Park Operations.

Category
Operations & Logistics (1)

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Requirements
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Strong English language communication skills
  • Exceptional interpersonal abilities
  • A commitment to great customer service
  • Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
  • Must pass ride certification tests with 100% accuracy
  • Successfully pass company provided and paid American Red Cross certification trainings to include First Aid, CPR, and AED
  • Attend in-service meetings and early/late trainings
  • Maintain cleanliness and appearance of the ride and its surrounding area to include sweeping, emptying trash, using chemicals, hosing ride vehicles, and other tasks as assigned
  • Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include rain and extreme heat
  • Must be able to wear a life vest and work on a dock (for Paddle Boats)
  • Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and cold/heat temperature extremes
  • Must be able to work in enclosed areas (for Sky Tower)
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
  • Perform the following physical activities: extensive walking, kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, stand for long periods, stoop to low levels, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
  • You must be comfortable with heights up to 200 feet (350 feet for Sky Tower)
  • Able to wear a full body safety harness and climb up to 200 feet to perform ride escorts and complete training
  • Able to climb evacuation steps and maintain good balance
  • Able to ride all rides and attractions which require a physical ride through guest experience inspection to include water rides
  • Work a flexible schedule and hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be flexible to work all locations within Park Operations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities
Responsibilities
  • Screen riders for ride admission requirements, verbally provide instruction, and provide direction to those who may not be able to ride
  • Assist in loading and unloading guests from ride
  • Physically check ride restraints prior to starting the ride, verifying all riders are safety secured
  • Visually check rides and riders for safety prior to starting the ride
  • Follow all park policies and procedures, including those related to safety and emergency situations
  • Complete required daily safety paperwork
  • Monitor the ride, always keeping eyes on the ride, and being ready to respond
  • Avoid distractions and do not carry cell phones, headphones, or other entertainment devices while operating rides
  • Always remain attentive and alert
  • Quickly respond to coworkers, leadership, and guest concerns or questions
  • Verbally communicate and enforce safety rules
  • Work well with other ambassadors to avoid problems and resolve conflicts
  • Able to speak clearly to include the use of Public Address systems and two-way radios
  • Comfortable speaking to large crowds with or without Public Address systems
  • Visually observe guest actions during ride operation to prevent safety hazards
  • Promote and support a “team” work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
  • Maintain a professional appearance and ensure guests feel safe
  • Initiate conversations with guests to include safety instructions, recover poor experiences, and deliver excellent guest service
  • React calmly and quickly in stressful/emergency situations
  • Physically assist Guests throughout the ride/attraction as required
  • Must tolerate a fast-paced, dynamic, and hectic environment and remain productive
  • Support excellent guest service by moving efficiently to keep lines moving quickly while also maintaining the highest standard of safety
  • Flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
  • Report unsafe situations and ask any questions immediately
  • Provide exceptional, professional guest service in a team environment.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests.
  • Perform other duties as assigned
United Parks & Resorts

United Parks & Resorts

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United Parks & Resorts is a zoological organization that blends entertainment with wildlife care and conservation. It operates zoological collections and offers experiences, merchandise, and educational resources for families and travelers, with ticket sales serving as a primary revenue stream. A portion of proceeds supports animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation programs worldwide, including efforts to return rescued marine and terrestrial animals to their natural habitats. The company emphasizes animal welfare, training, husbandry, and veterinary care as core capabilities, and pursues sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. It also tackles ocean plastics and wildlife threats through partnerships with conservation groups. The overall goal is to provide engaging experiences while actively protecting wildlife and ecosystems for the long term.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Orlando, Florida

Founded

2009

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • New attractions Phoenix Rising and Loch Ness Monster drive incremental visitation and engagement.
  • Strong consumer confidence reflected in 4.1% deferred revenue growth supports future pricing power.
  • Strategic brand partnerships expand ancillary revenue beyond traditional theme park offerings.

What critics are saying

  • DOJ lawsuit filed March 2026 alleges disability discrimination; demands policy changes and penalties.
  • Florida weather dependency cost 140,000 guests in Q1 2026; recurring seasonal revenue risk.
  • Universal Epic Universe opened 2025, directly cannibalizing Orlando-area discretionary travel spending.

What makes United Parks & Resorts unique

  • Record in-park per capita spending of $40.62 in Q1 2026 demonstrates strong monetization capabilities.
  • Paid pass sales up 10% and deferred revenue of $203.8M signal robust advance bookings.
  • Celebrity culinary partnerships like TOMA by Sofia Vergara create differentiated revenue streams.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-33%

1 year growth

-33%

2 year growth

-33%
PR Newswire
May 12th, 2025
United Parks Resorts Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

ORLANDO, Fla., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Parks Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company, today reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025. First Quarter 2025 Highlights Attendance was 3.4 million guests, a decrease of approximately 59,000 guests or 1.7% from the first quarter of 2024. Total revenue was $286.9 million, a decrease of $10.5 million or 3.5% from the first quarter of 2024

PR Newswire
Feb 26th, 2025
United Parks Resorts Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter And Fiscal 2024 Results

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Parks Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024. Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights Attendance was 4.9 million guests, a decrease of approximately 79,000 guests from the fourth quarter of 2023. Total revenue was $384.4 million, a decrease of $4.6 million or 1.2% from the fourth quarter of 2023

PR Newswire
Dec 10th, 2024
Sam Nazarian'S C3 Announces New National Collaboration With United Parks & Resorts

Guests can get a first taste as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Teams Up with Innovative Latinx Culinary Brand TOMA by Sofia and Manolo Vergara. TOMA is the first of C3's culinary brands to launch as part of the new relationship with United Parks Resorts. MIAMI, Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam Nazarian's C3, a CPG and culinary brands company connecting new audiences through food brands in exclusive arrangements, is excited to announce that it's teaming up with United Parks Resorts, a global theme park and entertainment company that owns or licenses a diverse portfolio of award-winning park brands and experiences. Guests got a first taste at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Howl-O-Scream with the launch of TOMA, the innovative culinary brand by Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, that offers modern takes on classic Latin American cuisine. TOMA was so popular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay that there is another iteration for guests to enjoy during Christmas Town, happening now through January 5

PR Newswire
Nov 7th, 2024
United Parks Resorts Inc. Reports Third Quarter And First Nine Months 2024 Results

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United Parks Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company, today reported its financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal year 2024. Third Quarter 2024 Highlights Attendance was 7.0 million guests, a decrease of approximately 0.1 million guests or 1.4% from the third quarter of 2023. Total revenue was $545.9 million, a decrease of $2.3 million or 0.4% from the third quarter of 2023

PR Newswire
Aug 7th, 2024
United Parks Resorts Inc. Reports Second Quarter And First Six Months 2024 Results

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company, today reported its financial results for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2024.Second Quarter 2024 HighlightsAttendance was 6.2 million guests, an increase of approximately 0.05 million guests or 0.8% from the second quarter of 2023.Total revenue was $497.6 million , an increase of $1.6 million or 0.3% from the second quarter of 2023., an increase of or 0.3% from the second quarter of 2023. Net income was $91.1 million , an increase of $4.1 million or 4.7% from the second quarter of 2023., an increase of or 4.7% from the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA [1] was $218.2 million , a decrease of $6.1 million or 2.7% from the second quarter of 2023.was , a decrease of or 2.7% from the second quarter of 2023. Total revenue per capita[2] decreased 0.4% to $80.44 from the second quarter of 2023