Fairground Museum Ride Operator

Job Description: Ride Operator

Responsible to: Ride Hall Supervisor

Overview

The Fairground Heritage Trust is responsible for the national collection of fairground equipment, art, records and ephemera, and the documentation, conservation, maintenance and display of that collection in the Dingles Fairground Museum. The aim of the museum to ensure that for every visitor, Dingles Fairground Museum is a remarkable and fascinating place to visit, offering fun, enjoyment, and learning.

The museum is open at variable times throughout the year and tasks will vary depending on the season, visitor and staff levels and the needs of the business. There may be involvement in any special projects undertaken by the Museum or requested by the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• The Ride Operator will be expected to work on her/his own initiative in the Ride Hall supported by other staff, volunteers and the Ride Hall Supervisor.
• To maintain a friendly and safe environment for all visitors, staff and volunteers.
• Ensure visitors experience the highest standard of customer care and enjoyment to encourage return visits.
• To operate rides strictly in accordance with health and safety policy and training.
• To maintain high presentation standards of the rides, ride hall, museum hall and visitor facilities.

Key Tasks

Visitor Safety and Enjoyment

• Always present a professional image, providing an efficient, helpful, and friendly welcome for visitors.
• Deal with any enquiries in a polite and sensitive manner.
• Provide support to staff and visitors requiring assistance with access to and interpretation of the museum.
• Ensure that contractors receive friendly help and assistance.
• Ensure ride safety documentation is kept up to date.
• Conduct ride safety checks in accordance with safety training.
• Report any health and safety concerns to the Ride Hall Supervisor or General Manager promptly.
• Operate all rides according to safe working practice instructions.
• Use audio equipment to communicate with riders and add to the enjoyment of the ride.
• Ensure any staff or visitor accident is entered in the Museum’s accident book and reported to a supervisor.
• To know the emergency procedures and responsibilities in such an emergency.

Daily Operations

• Attend daily briefings by Ride Hall or Visitor Services Supervisor.
• Ensure ride hall, museum, and visitor facilities (including toilets and staff rest room) are clean and well-presented before and during open sessions.
• Assist visitors to mount and dismount rides safely, with special consideration for those experiencing difficulties.
• Report low stocks of cleaning equipment and supplies for the ride hall.
• Report low stocks of swag.
• Perform ride safety checks at the end of each day.
• Complete rides documentation as instructed.
• Collect and count tokens received during ride sessions.
• Demonstrate high standards of customer service.
• During busy periods, manage queues for rides appropriately to reduce waiting times as much as possible.
• To maintain a friendly and safe environment for all visitors whilst the ride hall is open.
• To receive visitor complaints and if unable to resolve, refer to Ride Hall Supervisor.
• To know how to shut down and evacuate the ride area in the event of a fire or evacuation procedure.

Other

• To work with other departments to deliver education and outreach programmes, which includes working with young people and speaking about your role, participating in guided tours or special events.
• Work in accordance with safe working practices and be aware of health and safety at work.
• Keep first aid training up to date.
• Support all aspects of the Museum’s work as required.

Person Specification

Knowledge skills and experience

Essential:

• Enthusiasm and passion for sharing our national fairground heritage.
• Ability to understand and learn safe operation of moving machinery.
• Able to work calmly under pressure during busy periods.
• Demonstrate good standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with visitors, especially those with specific needs.
• Able to identify risks in the workplace.
• Use initiative to prioritise own workload, to anticipate problems and reduce their impact.
• Attention to detail.
• Good time management.
• Reliable and able to work weekends and Bank holidays.
• Flexible working to cover staff absences, special events or emergency situations.
• Reasonable level of fitness, able to climb on and off and around rides and stalls.

Desirable:

• Experience in visitor experience and/or customer care in a large visitor attraction with seasonal variations.
• Good numeracy skills
• First aid trained.
• Own transport desirable as it is a remote location.

Job Type: Zero hours contract
Contract length: 10 months

Salary: £12.50 per hour

Schedule:

• Weekends only

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Lifton: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Work weekends and Bank Holidays

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 11/03/2023
Reference ID: Ride operator 24/02/2023
Expected start date: 20/03/2023