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.