What helps to become a ride op?

Many people ask what you need to do to become a coaster designer, but I was wondering what helps you to become a ride op? Do you have to know anything in case of emergencies like if someone passes out or anything? There are a lot of ops on here so I was just wondering if it was hard to get a job or not.

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R.I.P. Shockwave-My first coaster. Some day I'll ride you again...SFGAm-1988-2002

Well at Coney Island, it`s not really hard to get a job as a ride operator. They were desperate for operators all season. In fact this past weekend, (the last one the rides were open) they called in about 12 lifegaurds from Sunlite pool and had a high school basketball team helping out the rides as part of a community service/fundraiser for their school. Anything you need to know about emergencies, how you run the rides, rules, etc. is explained the first day of training. However, at least at Coney, the pay for ride operators is only $5.25 with a bonus if you stay the entire season. IMO, $5.25 is not enough for the job! (You will have to deal with parents that complain about their kids not being able to ride the ride you are running!)

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Coney Island (Cincinnati) ride operator

Sentience.

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Vekomember is from Holland, ishn't zaht veerd?

Leadership, working in teams, how to handle emergency situations (not necessarily first aid), good communication skills, working knowledge of the ride, dedication, and a good attitude will get you a job as a ride operator.

It's actually not hard. Just show your superiors that you can handle responsibility. They're looking for it. Take the time to do things right, not necessarily the enthusiast "let's-do-it-as-fast-as-possible" method. That will only get you in trouble. If you take pride in your job you'll find yourself rising through the ranks quickly.

As far working knowledge, you'll probably be trained most of what you need to know to run a ride by the park you're at. Most require tests and some time operating under supervision. SFOG's tests are difficult (for a coaster it takes about 2-3 hours to complete), but most places have more lax examination procedures.

Remember, safety over all else!

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the member formerly known as MisterX

It also helps to smile. :)

For me it was easy PKI was in need of ppl for fall. I was hired on the spot.

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Be nice to ride op's. No matter how slow unfriendly and uncaring they may seem Most work hard to make your day great.

You don't need to know anything going into the job. They train you on everything that you will need to know to do the job properly. I know at sf parks you get trained and have to take a test in order to be a certified ride op. And you start off making $7.00 an hour. Its pretty easy.

*** This post was edited by ericsson on 10/8/2002. ***

I typed a nice long responce and it never showed up so I guess, once again, I'll give you the short version.

I easily got a ride opp job at CP. Hated it. Returned anyway the next season. loved it.

Went to work at IOA for 1 year. Easily got the job as a ride opp there also.

Be sharp and be charming and you will get to be a ride opp too. Thank you.

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But seriously folks, I respect the opinions of yall who don't like the thing, but if MF were human, I'd marry it.

Is there a certain age you have to be to be an op? I am 15.5 right now and will be 16 by next summer and I would like to op at SFWoA. It says on their website they don't need help now, but by looking at the park this year, I'm sure they could use any help they could get.

Ohio its 16.

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Be nice to ride op's. No matter how slow unfriendly and uncaring they may seem Most work hard to make your day great.

18 to be ride op. 16 for ride attendent (checking restraints).

Edit: At least by MA law it is...

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SFNE Central- Your one stop web destination for Six Flags New England!
http://sfne.licensetothrill.net

*** This post was edited by SFNE Freak on 10/8/2002. ***

What helps to be a ride op? If you're lazy, hate the extreme heat or cold, don't have any common sense, or don't know how to talk to an irate person without pooping yourself, DONT BOTHER! :)

Let's see to what helps to become a ride op? Well for one thing you have to be able to work long hours also say goodbye to any summer fun. You must also like to work outside in the elements being heat,rain,snow(yes it has snowed at SFDL when it has been open), and everthing else. Also if you want to get anywhere in operations (SFDL case) you must be able to kiss alot of butt. I know SFDL will hire jsut about anyone for a ride op position.

SFDL Ride Op 1998-2002

Sharkie said:
I know SFDL will hire jsut about anyone for a ride op position.

That's pretty much it right there. Any yahoo off the street can do it, and for the most part, that's who is doing it.

Its just as easy getting a job running a ride as it is to flip burgers at McDonalds, its just that at McDonalds, you won't be dealing with the freezing cold, 90 degree+ heat for weeks at a time, and irate guests who are threatening to sue the park and get you fired because their kid isn't tall enough to ride. Oh yeah, and at Mickey D's, you're probably going to get paid more.

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If the shoe fits, find another one.

All you have to be is 16 at SFWoA. And pass an idoit proof test, which i know people that have failed it. Pretty simple, its not like most parks want an resume or prior work experience, just be nice, don't sound stupid and you'll probably get the job. Oh, and yes, kiss you summer goodbye and prepare to meet a lot of stupid people.

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SFWoA ATL in 2002!

and in illinois case fat people that come down from wisconsin.

Colonel-Wisconsin resident-Sanders

*** This post was edited by Colonel Sanders on 10/9/2002. ***

for sfgam you have to be 16 to be a ride op. if you go and apply for next season when your 15 but you'll be 16 during next years season they will hire you more than likely but you have to wait til your 16 to work.

The basic requirements:
1) Alive and breathing.
2) At least Age 16 (Ohio). Some jurisdictions have other age requirements, and some operators have alternate requirements (Cedar Point requires Age 18, for instance)
3) Not intoxicated while working
4) Ability to speak and understand English
5) Have control over basic large motor bodily functions (i.e. walk, stand, sit, push buttons, etc)

Apart from that...I don't even think outstanding warrants or incomplete immigration files are even a problem...

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I think being able to clean up barf would be a good one. I don't want to sit in YOUR barf, Uncle Sam.
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TOGO!
Vekoma!

Thanks a lot. Seems quite easy so I should have no trouble getting a job if I want.

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R.I.P. Shockwave-My first coaster. Some day I'll ride you again...SFGAm-1988-2002