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Amusement Park Workers

Work Environment

Attendants who work for traveling carnivals must move from town to town, usually every week or two. Some employees are housed in trailers or in motels. Relocation is necessary, of course, when applying for employment, or an internship, at parks in other cities. One Chicago area amusement park houses seasonal help at a nearby college.

Attendants assigned to work a ride, game booth, or concession cart must work in all kinds of weather; most parks do not close for anything but the most severe of storms. Workers assigned to gift shops or restaurants usually have clean and comfortable indoor work spaces. Performers and entertainers work both indoors and out, depending on the stage they are assigned to. They must sometimes perform in heavy theatrical makeup and bulky costumes, which can be uncomfortable in hot summer weather. Most employees work alone; ride attendants may work in pairs or assigned in teams.

Most amusement park employees work about 40 hours a week. Amusement parks are open every day during the season, so be prepared to work weekends and holidays—traditionally the busiest and most crowded times of the year. Parks may be open as late as 10:00 P.M.