Ride Mechanic
Location: Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, TN
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company: Ripley's Tennessee Attractions Ripley Provided Parking *restrictions apply
Position Summary
Ripley's Tennessee Attractions is seeking a skilled and safety‑focused Ride Mechanic to support the proper operation, inspection, and maintenance of our amusement rides, mountain coasters, and attractions. This role plays a critical part in ensuring guest safety, ride reliability, and compliance with all regulatory standards. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting abilities, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient ride environment.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Compliance
- Perform all work in accordance with manufacturer specifications, ASTM standards, and local, state, and federal ride safety regulations.
- Conduct daily, weekly, monthly, and annual ride inspections and document findings accurately.
- Participate in routine safety audits, risk assessments, and emergency response procedures.
- Maintain detailed records of inspections, maintenance logs, corrective actions, and compliance documents.
Inspection & Preventative Maintenance
- Perform preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure peak ride performance.
- Inspect mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems for wear, damage, or irregularities.
- Identify potential hazards, worn components, or system failures before they impact operations.
Repairs & Troubleshooting
- Diagnose, repair, or replace faulty ride components efficiently and safely.
- Respond quickly to ride malfunctions, shutdowns, or emergency maintenance needs.
- Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical service manuals.
- Ensure repairs meet or exceed manufacturer and regulatory standards.
Collaboration & Operational Support
- Work closely with other mechanics, engineers, and leadership to ensure smooth daily ride operations.
- Provide input on equipment upgrades, part replacements, and long-term maintenance planning.
- Support inventory tracking of parts, tools, and maintenance supplies.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Technical or vocational training preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of mechanical experience, preferably in amusement rides, coasters, or a similar environment.
- Experience with mountain coasters or small amusement rides is highly desirable.
Skills
- Proficiency in mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repairs.
- Strong knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Ability to interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Familiarity with maintenance best practices, part inventory usage, and vendor coordination.
Certifications (Preferred but Not Required)
- NAARSO, AIMS, or similar ride safety certifications.
- Forklift or aerial lift operation certification.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.).
- Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and around loud machinery.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Physical stamina to climb, stand, bend, and walk for extended periods.
- Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and be on-call for emergencies.