Seasonal Rides & Attractions Section Leader

Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

Help shape unforgettable guest experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club by leading safe, smooth, and exceptional operation of our rides and attractions. This role blends team leadership, safety oversight, guest service, and hands‑on operational engagement—perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment where every day makes an impact.

Supervise the daily operation of the Rides and Attractions division, ensuring the highest standards of safety, service, and cleanliness. This leadership position is directly involved with administrative, training, team member supervision and zoo operations on a daily basis.

• Ensure operators maintain the highest level of guest and team member safety while in compliance with all departmental and state laws.
• Perform and complete daily pre-opening and post-closing checklists.
• Assist with Ride safety inspections and audits.
• Complete incident reports in accordance with company policy.
• Create and implement operational changes when necessary and when approved.
• Ensure operational supplies are adequate.

• Assist with hiring including interviews, onboarding, orientations.
• Assist with the rides training program to ensure all team members are properly certified and trained to work within the department guidelines.
• Facilitate In-service training sessions and drills as needed.
• Maintain high levels of staff morale throughout the entire season.
• Collaborate on creating and delivering staff appreciation strategies.
• Serve as Rides In Charge within a rotation to ensure a supervisor is always present during operations.

• Utilize daily and weekly reporting tools to accurately account for ride operations within the scope of zoo operations.
• Assist with payroll and approve timecards, if needed in the absence of management.
• Maintain regular & prompt attendance.
• Completes park walks daily and evaluate the cleanliness of department locations.
• Assist and resolve guest concerns and questions.
• Facilitate daily communications through base operations during peak season operations.
• Fill role of Ride Operator as needed.
• Attend weekly department management led meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by Operations management.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass all applicable certification tests.
• Able to successfully pass revenue and point of sale training program.
• Prior leadership/supervisor experience is preferred.
• Relevant operational leadership experience in a guest facing, safety focused, or high volume environment is required. This may include amusement or water park operations, recreation facilities, camps, hospitality, family entertainment centers, or other roles involving team supervision, equipment procedures, or large scale guest service.
• Possess or be willing to obtain a valid driver’s license.

• Able to perform heavy physical work for extended periods of time.
• Able to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, rain).
• Able to work flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• This position is not eligible for overtime pay.

• Able to balance multiple assignments successfully.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with a diverse range of guests and team members, fostering an inclusive environment that respects individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Able to maintain appropriate employee appearance (see uniform guidelines at each time clock and the employee handbook).

• Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy.
• Subject to Criminal Background check.
• Subject to BMV check.