The Ride Maintenance Technician III is a senior-level position responsible for advanced diagnostics, maintenance, and operational oversight of all rides and transportation systems. This role serves as the highest technical authority among technicians and acts as the Rides Maintenance Supervisor designee when needed. This position reports to the Rides Maintenance Supervisor.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
Maintenance and Operations
- Perform advanced inspections, diagnostics, repairs, and system adjustments on all rides.
- Operate all rides and steam trains in compliance with safety and operational standards.
- Support development and execution of preventive maintenance programs.
- Assist with manufacturer bulletins, major repairs, and ride system modifications.
- Lead ride testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
Leadership and Oversight
- Serve as acting supervisor in the absence of the Rides Maintenance Supervisor.
- Provide technical leadership, training, and mentoring to ride maintenance staff.
- Assist with work assignment coordination and task prioritization.
- Support emergency response and operational decision-making.
- Safety, Compliance, and Documentation
- Assist with safety audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance efforts.
- Review maintenance documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Ensure adherence to SOPs, safety protocols, and best practices.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced working knowledge of steam engines and amusement ride systems.
- Comprehensive operational knowledge of all rides and transportation systems.
- Ability to independently operate Trams, Sue’s Carousel, Skyfari, and Steam Locomotives 104 and 119.
- Assist with training and mentoring Ride Maintenance Technician I & II staff.
- Strong leadership, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to interpret manufacturer manuals and technical documentation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 5–7 years of amusement ride or related mechanical maintenance experience required.
- Extensive experience with steam locomotives and complex mechanical systems.
- Prior lead or acting supervisory experience preferred.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- OSHA 10-Hour Certifications (Construction and 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.
- Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
- Will work extended and/or irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.
- 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.
