How to become An Amusement and Recreation Attendant

• Activities Attendant
• Recreation Aide
• Recreational Attendant
• Recreation Clerk
• Ride Operator
• Sports Complex Attendant

What do Amusement and Recreation Attendants do?

An Amusement and Recreation Attendant would typically need to:

• Ensure amusement and recreational facilities run smoothly on a schedule while ensuring customer satisfaction
• Sell tickets and collect fees from customers
• Document reservations, attendance, sales, receipts, or repair activities
• Provide information about the facilities, entertainment options, and valid rules & regulations
• Direct customers to rides, seats, or attractions; sell and serve refreshments to customers
• Operate, drive, explain the use of mechanical riding devices in amusement parks & recreational facilities
• Tend booths to conduct games, take pictures of visitors, or give away trophies and prizes
• Assist visitors entering or exiting rides, boats, or ski lifts
• Announce special attractions of the facility; be aware of shut-down and emergency evacuation procedures
• Monitor activities to make sure rules & safety procedures are being strictly followed; arrange for the removal of rowdy customers
• Examine equipment in case of damage or if minor adjustments, repairs, or maintenance is needed
• Operate machines to clean and prepare the amusement park or recreational facility for customers

Amusement and Recreation Attendants work outdoors and indoors. They work in a friendly environment with other people on a daily basis. This career does not require any travel.

Working hours of Amusement and Recreation Attendants are short and typically less than forty hours per week. You will work in shifts and may need to work nights and over weekends and holidays.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Amusement and Recreation Attendants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Amusement and Recreation Attendants are generally employed by:

• The Amusement & Recreation Industry
• Amusement Parks & Arcades
• The Traveller Accommodation Industry
• Spectator Sports Industry
• Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, & Similar Events
• Government Organisations
• Individual & Family Services
• Food & Beverage Stores

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Global Association for the Attraction Industry are crucial for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Sun and heat exposure; low paying job
• Possibility of boredom due to monotony and lack of cognitive challenge in the work

You would begin your career as a trainee or an intern to familiarise yourself with the facilities, equipment and protocols under the supervision of experts. With adequate experience, you will be officially declared an Amusement and Recreation Attendant.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing those working in amusement and recreational facilities are other important ways to explore your interest.

Aspiring Amusement and Recreation Attendants generally need a less than high school or high school education to obtain an entry-level position. In order to prepare for this career you can take the following high school classes in accounting, business management, culinary arts, economics, food & nutrition, health and wellness, marketing, public speaking, sociology, team sports, world geography, and world languages.

Certification is not a requirement for this career. Voluntary certification in business and customer service demonstrates an Amusement and Recreation Attendant’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Amusement and Recreational Attendants who work in facilities with pools might consider becoming a Certified Pool Operator.

With significant experience and quality performance of duties, you may be promoted to the position of Amusement Park or Recreation Manager. You may choose to go into partnership or open your own recreational facility.

Candidates with skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects.

Most Amusement and Recreation Attendants receive on-the-job training in the first few weeks of their employment. Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Amusement, and Recreational Attendant build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Since the career of Amusement and Recreational Attendant is not very lucrative and does not require significant experience, it is perfect for college and high school students. They should have good people skills in order to make the customers relaxed enough to enjoy the rides.

Tools of the Trade

Amusement and Recreational Attendants should be familiar with software such as Database Software, Adobe Systems, Adobe PageMaker, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Excel to work effectively.

The most expensive roller coaster costs a hundred million dollars; it is Expedition Everest in Disney World Florida - a painstakingly recreated miniature version of Mount Everest.

Amusement and Recreation Attendants form a vital part of valuable childhood memories with their unstinting efforts to ensure customers of all ages and from all walks of life have fun in a safe and healthy manner.

“Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”- Walt Disney