Overview
Amusement and recreation attendants are responsible for the use of rides or other recreational equipment at various amusement and recreation facilities. These include amusement parks, ice rinks, public swimming pools or ski resorts.
They operate and maintain equipment, vehicles, rides, booths, facilities and grounds, as well as sell tickets and provide instructions and safety rules to customers.
Duties and responsibilities
- Sell tickets and handle customer payments
- Sell and serve drink and food to customers
- Keep record of turnout, sales or reservations
- Provide instructional information about equipment, grounds and facility
- Give rules, regulations and safety guidance to customers
- Direct customers to rides or booths
- Be vigilant on customer safety
- Handle, move or install equipment and materials
- Clean equipment, booth and grounds
- Manage lines for attractions and facilities
- Fasten seatbelts for rides
Skills and knowledge
Working conditions
AVERAGE WORKING HOURS
40hweek
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Shift Work
Nights, weekends, holidays occasionally
Amusement and recreation attendants generally work at amusement parks, ice rinks, public swimming pools, ski resorts, golf courses, gyms, camps and tennis courts.
As an amusement and recreation attendant, you will communicate directly with the public. There is also the possibility of dealing with disruptive and over-excited children and teens. Some attendants experience stress, especially during vacation periods.
This role also requires handling and moving equipment, such as rides and various sporting materials, as well as standing for long periods of time.
Salary prospects
BOTTOM 10%
$18k
MEDIAN
$22k
TOP 10%
$31k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Entry requirements
EDUCATION LEVEL
High school
On-the-job training
TRAINING TIME
2weeks
There is no formal educational credential required to become an amusement and recreation attendant. Most facilities will hire individuals with at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience at other recreational facilities would be appreciated, although not a prerequisite.
Most of the skills required to become an amusement and recreation attendant are learned on the job by fellow employees.
Job outlook
PROJECTED GROWTH
9%
NEW JOBS
27.8k
AUTOMATION RISK
72%
Career advancement
Amusement and recreation attendants have the opportunity to progress to different facilities. For instance, an amusement park attendant might want to change roles and work for a ski resort, instead.
You also have the prospect of advancing to a managerial role within the same facility. Some centres offer management, marketing or sales positions to individuals with relevant degrees. There are even a few colleges that offer amusement park management degree programmes, giving attendants the chance to climb the corporate ladder.