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Director of Boardwalk Operations

City of Lincoln, Santa Cruz, CA, United States


Director of Boardwalk Operations (Project Management) Job Summary The Director of Operations is a leadership role responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and guest focused operation of the Rides, Admissions, Guest Services, Parking and Park Services Departments. This Director serves as a primary Boardwalk Manager on Duty and plays a key role in daily park leadership, incident response, and guest experience management. The Director of Operations models exceptional guest service and assures that Team Members provide excellent service to Guests and Team Members at all times.

Unique Job Requirements This position requires an amusement park or closely related background in Operations Management. The incumbent must be a team-oriented leader who can coordinate operations between various departments in a fast-paced work environment. Sets and maintains standards of excellent guest service in all operations. The Boardwalk Manager on Duty assignment requires decisions to be made firmly, rapidly, and consistently ensuring the safe operation of the Boardwalk and the safety of Guests and Team Members. Must be able to work flexible shifts 7 days per week between 8:00 AM and 1:00 AM. Shifts include working Saturday or Sunday with weekdays off. Must work all major holidays.

Job Tasks

Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for Rides, Admissions, Guest Services, Parking and Park Services Departments.

Ensure all operational areas meet or exceed standards for safety, efficiency, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.

Serve as the primary Boardwalk Manager on Duty (MOD), overseeing park-wide operations, coordinating cross-departmental communication, and responding to operational needs in real time.

Handle the most difficult guest service situations.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.

Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices that align with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Oversee recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management for Rides, Admissions, Guest Services, Parking, and Park Services.

Coordinate operations with various departments such as Maintenance, Security, Technical Services, Marketing, Human Resources, and Concessionaires.

Attend weekly Department Head meetings and communicate necessary information and updates.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with all departments that directly or indirectly support the Boardwalk.

Establish departmental policies, practices, and procedures that have a significant impact on the organization.

Execute strict cash-handling protocols to minimize risk and loss.

Keep abreast of the ride, tickets, parking, and guest service industry, research and analyze products and make recommendations.

Analyze operational data to identify opportunities for efficiency, cost savings, and improved Guest and Team Member satisfaction.

Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and industry regulations related to ride operations, guest safety, and facility maintenance.

Manage ride operations to assure ride availability and that ride rehabilitation is coordinated to provide maximum profitability.

Monitor ride down time reports, determine trends and reasons for down time to eliminate down time.

Analyze incidents, maintenance reports, and operations to assure safe ride operation.

Oversee incident response, documentation, and follow-up, ensuring timely communication and corrective action.

Coordinate promotions with Marketing and partner with Maintenance, Security, Food & Beverage, Human Resources and other departments to ensure seamless park-wide coordination.

Oversee on and offsite parking to assure that lots are operating efficiently, kept full, and parking potential is optimized.

Analyze revenue by operating hours and recommend changes to maximize revenue.

Develop and implement policies, systems, procedures, and training materials.

Monitor guest feedback and operational metrics to identify trends and implement improvements.

Prepare, manage, and evaluate budgets, labor forecasting and resource allocation to ensure operational efficiency.

Train staff to prioritize tasks, manage time, and coordinate work to operate efficiently and cost effectively.

Collaborate with Risk Management and make accessibility and safety related recommendations.

Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices to keep the park competitive and innovative.

Establish business networks, and attend meetings, and conferences.

Other duties as assigned.

Relationships (Internal)

All levels of Seaside Company Team Members

Relationships (External)

Amusement Industry Officials, Concessionaires, OSHA representatives, Guests & Vendors.

Qualifications: Training and Experience

7+ years of progressive leadership experience in amusement parks, attractions, hospitality, or large scale operations.

Management experience which includes managing operations, staff development, implementing policies and procedures, and developing and managing budgets.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of Amusement Park operations, planning, decision making, and management.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and training.

Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a large and diverse team of managers, supervisors, and frontline Team Members in a fast-paced, guest-centric environment.

Excellent communication, decision making, and crisis-management skills.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required for Boardwalk MOD responsibilities.

Knowledge of the techniques of analyzing and maximizing revenue and profit.

Ability to plan, organize and manage a 7 day per week, 12 hours per day operation during the summer season and plan labor and projects for the off season to maximize productivity.

Ability to select, supervise, train, evaluate and motivate Team Members.

Ability to solve difficult operational, personnel, scheduling, management and related problems.

Ability to analyze and evaluate industry trends and recommend operating practices.

Ability to learn technical Ride and DOSH requirements and contribute to ride rehabilitation meetings.

Ability to develop and manage budgets.

Ability to champion teamwork, promote great guest service, and coordinate and facilitate work among various departments.

Ability to develop and implement policies, systems, procedures, and SOPs.

Ability to act firmly and consistently and make decisions which assure the security and safety of Guests, Team Members, and facilities.

Ability to use Microsoft office suite and generate reports using databases and spreadsheets.

Ability to maintain high standards of appearance for facilities and Team Members.

Ability to develop and implement short and long range plans, goals, and objectives.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to forecast staffing requirements and collaborate closely with Human Resources.

Physical Requirements

Able to walk or stand for 8+ hours and to walk up and down stairs.

Able to walk long distances across large outdoor areas throughout the shift.

Able to climb ladders or access elevated platforms when inspecting rides, equipment or facilities.

Able to quickly navigate congested or uneven areas during emergencies or operational issues.

Able to kneel, crouch, or bend to inspect equipment, assist during incidents, or access low-hight operational areas.

Able to work in environments with high noise levels (rides, crowds, equipment, etc.).

Able to tolerate varying light conditions, including bright sun, flashing lights, or dimly lit areas.

Able to work in exposure to cleaning agents, disinfectants, or mild industrial smells (common in ride and park services areas).

Fine motor ability to operate radios, keys, locks, safety devices, and ride-related controls when necessary.

Able to visually inspect ride areas, queues, signage, and facilities at various distances.

Able to push, pull, or maneuver equipment (such as gates, barricades, or supply carts) up to a specified weight (e.g., 25-35 lbs).

Able to assist with basic physical tasks in emergency or guest-assistance situations, such as supporting a guest's balance or moving lightweight materials.

Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including sun, wind, rain and cold & hot temperatures.

Able to respond quickly to operational needs across the property.

Bi-manual dexterity.

Able to lift up to 35 pounds.

Able to see and read agreements, written documents and correspondence.

Able to hear normal conversations in person, on a 2-way radio and on the phone and to speak.

Able to use a standard computer terminal.

Able to travel and attend conferences and events.

Licenses / Insurance Possess and maintain a valid California U.S. Driver's License at the time of hire. Required to maintain automobile liability coverage with a minimum of $15,000 bodily injury one person / $30,000 bodily injury total accident / $5,000 property damage coverage per California's minimum liability insurance requirements. (Required if the employee will at any time use own vehicle to perform company business functions.)

Testing Upon Offer or Hire

Reference Check

Criminal Background Check

Drug Screen

DMV Record Check

Signed Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement

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