Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.
While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® . Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.
As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.
The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for all park operations, ensuring the safe, efficient and exceptional delivery of guest experience across the organization. This role is responsible for directing and coordinating all operational departments, including attractions, aquatics, park services, parking, security, and first aid, while driving operational excellence, workforce performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
We are currently looking for a:
Water Country Operations Director
Roles & Responsibilities:
Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
While each of our family brands offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our 22,000 passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.
As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feels welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. For more information, visit www.hfecorp.com.
The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for all park operations, ensuring the safe, efficient and exceptional delivery of guest experience across the organization. This role is responsible for directing and coordinating all operational departments, including attractions, aquatics, park services, parking, security, and first aid, while driving operational excellence, workforce performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
As the park’s senior operational leader and primary safety officer, the Director of Operations is also accountable for risk management, regulatory compliance and the development and execution of comprehensive safety programs while supporting the park’s overall business objectives.
Direct the operations leadership team, including the Aquatics Manager, ensuring effective recruitment, training, certification and performance management of lifeguard and operational staff in accordance with industry and regulatory standards
Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures, permits, inspections, operational checklists, communication systems and required signage for all attractions and facilities
Serve as the park’s designated Safety Officer, leading all health, safety, environmental and risk management programs to ensure compliance with corporate policies and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
Conduct and document safety training, audits, inspections, incident investigations and safety committee meetings while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Oversee insurance, workers’ compensation, claims administration, underwriting requirements and all related risk management documentation and reporting
Act as the primary liaison with law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, regulatory agencies and other external partners; maintain all required operational licenses and certifications
Manage security operations, including third-party security providers, perimeter protection, guest and employee screening programs, emergency response preparedness and enforcement of park policies and codes of conduct
Ensure exceptional guest experiences by maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, appearance, functionality and service across all guest-facing areas, including attractions, pools, restrooms, walkways, parking areas, and common spaces
Experience in the attractions, water park, amusement park, hospitality, resort, recreation or similar guest-focused industry is strongly preferred
Exceptional leadership and team development skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire performance, drive accountability, build organizational credibility and foster a culture of safety and service
Highly developed interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders
Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to identify operational challenges, evaluate data, develop effective solutions and execute corrective action plans in a timely manner
Proven project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives from concept through completion, establish strategic objectives and timelines, manage competing priorities and deliver results with exceptional attention to detail
Demonstrated financial acumen, including experience developing and managing labor and operating budgets, controlling expenses, managing inventory and identifying opportunities to maximize profitability and operational efficiency
Strong decision-making capabilities with the ability to balance operational, financial, safety, regulatory and guest experience considerations in a fast-paced environment
Executive presence and professionalism, with the ability to represent the organization effectively with employees, guests, business partners, government agencies, industry associations and community stakeholders
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint and the ability to utilize business systems and reporting tools effectively
Availability to work a flexible schedule as business demands require, including evenings, weekends, holidays and extended operational hours during the park’s operating season
Team member benefits:
Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more
Constant exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions
Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments
Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!
