Job Title: Manager - Rides Maintenance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification: Full-time

Hours: Thursday - Monday; daily on-call availability from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM and ability to work evening, holiday, or extended hours as needed

Pay Rate: Range starts at $69,591/year

Summary:

The Manager - Rides Maintenance is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and hands-on leadership of the Rides Maintenance team, ensuring the safe, reliable operation, repair, and preventive maintenance of all assigned ride and transportation systems, including Steam Locomotives and associated rolling stock, Sky Ride (Skyfari), Carousel, and Trams. This position provides technical oversight, staff supervision, regulatory compliance coordination, and operational support while working closely with internal departments to ensure attractions are maintained to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and guest experience.

As a key member of the Campus Operations team, the Manager - Rides Maintenance balances supervisory responsibilities with active participation in maintenance activities and serves as a primary point of contact for ride and transportation system maintenance and operations coordination. 

The Manager - Rides Maintenance works collaboratively with the Manager - Maintenance on system-related projects and technical coordination and partners with the Manager - Campus Operations on budgeting, procurement, documentation, and contract-supported activities. This position reports directly to the Chief Campus Operations Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

Supervision and Leadership

• Serve as the team leader for Rides Maintenance staff, assigning work, prioritizing tasks, and monitoring completion of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance activities.


• Directly supervise four (4) Rides Maintenance Technicians, providing guidance, coaching, performance feedback, and documentation as required.


• Coordinate, deliver, and document training for staff, including safety, regulatory, and manufacturer-required training.


• Recruit, test, certify, schedule, and directly supervise Seasonal Part-Time steam locomotive engineers responsible for operating the Steam Train locomotives.

Maintenance and Operations

• Perform and oversee general, corrective, and preventive maintenance and inspections of all amusement rides and transportation attractions, including Steam Locomotives, Trams, Carousel, and Sky Ride.


• Implement and manage preventive maintenance programs based on manufacturer requirements, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.


• Ensure completion of required and recommended maintenance schedules and inspections (daily, weekly, monthly, annual).


• Review and ensure completion of manufacturer maintenance and repair bulletins, documenting all actions in equipment logs.


• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, repairs, and compliance documentation for all assigned attractions.


• Provide general maintenance and upkeep of tools, equipment, and facilities utilized by the Rides Maintenance team.

Compliance, Safety, and Coordination

• Serve as a point of contact to ensure all rides and transportation systems comply with City, State, and Federal regulations.


• Monitor rides, buildings, and surrounding environments for potential issues; report concerns and recommend corrective actions.


• Develop, document, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for rides and transportation systems.


• Ensure proper safety guidelines, lockout/tagout procedures, and operational protocols are consistently followed.


• Assure the safety of staff, guests, animals, and self through compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Planning, Budgeting, and Inventory

• Prepare budget recommendations related to ride maintenance, equipment upgrades, and contracted services.


• Oversee inventory management for assigned equipment, tools, and spare parts.


• Coordinate with outside vendors and contractors to support maintenance, inspections, and repair activities.

Collaboration and Customer Service

• Partner with the Manager, Campus Operations on budget planning, purchasing, invoice approval, vendor agreements, and contract-supported work


• Work directly with the Guest Services (Manager, Assistant Manager and/or Supervisors) to coordinate ride schedules, staffing needs, and operational activities.


• Represent Campus Operations on committees or in cross-departmental meetings as required.


• Promote a positive guest experience through professional interaction and proactive issue resolution.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate directly in maintenance and repair activities for rides, buildings, and related infrastructure as needed.


• Operate motorized vehicles and specialized equipment associated with assigned duties.


• Implement sustainable practices in daily operations whenever possible.


• Understand and adhere to the Zoo employee handbook, disciplinary procedures, and personnel policies.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to independently operate Skyfari, Sue’s Carousel, and Steam Locomotives 104 and 119


• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage priorities and workflow.


• Strong working knowledge of amusement ride and transportation system maintenance, including mechanical and electrical systems.


• Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulatory agencies and standards.


• Ability to read, interpret, and apply manufacturer manuals, maintenance bulletins, and technical documentation.


• Experience developing preventive maintenance programs and SOPs.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with staff, vendors, and guests.


• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required; additional technical training or certifications preferred.


• Five (5) or more years of experience in amusement ride and/or transportation system maintenance.


• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.


• Demonstrated experience coordinating, supervising, or supporting steam locomotive operations and maintenance, including working knowledge of operating practices, safety requirements, and routine maintenance expectations.


• Valid driver’s license with a good driving history.


• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, and negative skin tuberculosis test.


• OSHA 10-Hour Certifications (Construction and General Industry)


• OSHA 30-Hour Certification (Construction or General Industry)


• Omaha Zoo Railroad Fireman’s Certificate


• Omaha Zoo Railroad Operating Certificate #1 for Steam Locomotive 119


• Omaha Zoo Railroad Operating Certificate #2 for Steam Locomotive 104

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Four (4) Rides Maintenance Technicians


• Seasonal Part-Time Steam Locomotive Engineers

Leadership Expectations: 

All leaders at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium are expected to: 

• Foster connection, trust, and transparency by leading with honesty, consistency, and inclusion. Leaders who embody these principles build a sense of community – creating an environment where team members feel seen, valued and united in purpose. This foundation enables teams to thrive and share in the joy of working together toward common goals. 


• Maintain two-way communication by regularly connecting with team members and encouraging dialogue. Open communication fuels innovation by ensuring all voices are heard and ideas are shared, driving our collective impact. 


• Create space for feedback – both giving and receiving – and follow up meaningfully. By valuing feedback, we promote an environment of care, where growth and improvement are supported, leading to impactful outcomes for both individuals and teams. 


• Model accountability and responsiveness by owning outcomes and addressing issues timely. This demonstrates care for the team’s well-being and ensures that our actions have a meaningful, positive impact on the organization. 


• Promote psychological safety by supporting open expression without fear of retaliation or judgment. A psychologically safe environment is fundamental to fostering joy in the workplace and enables everyone to contribute to our collective success with confidence. 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Will work extended and/or irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.


• Daily on-call hours from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM.


• Overtime as required to complete job duties.


• Must be able to walk long distances across the Zoo campus.


• Ability to stand, sit, kneel, bend, squat, twist, reach overhead, climb, and work in confined spaces.


• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including hot, muddy, dusty, wet, or dirty environments.


• Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using proper lifting techniques.


• Work environment includes ride maintenance shops, mechanical spaces, outdoor attractions, and exposure to varying temperatures.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.