Director, Playland Attractions Maintenance

Job Description:
Full-Time; Permanent
Date Posted: June 12, 2025

Who we are…
The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 115-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams: the 15 day annual summer Fair which averages more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events. In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance. The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.


We are seeking a technically apt individual that has a passion for the Attractions Entertainment industry; and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). The Director, Playland Attractions Maintenance will be responsible for overall management and oversight of maintenance plans for all Playland rides and attractions, as well as developing a long term asset management plan and attractions replacement strategy. With a strong focus on safety, the incumbent will contribute to developing and implementing preventative and predictive maintenance schedules for Playland rides and attractions.

Our ideal candidate is an individual that has technical proficiency and a Red Seal in an applicable trade; they have a passion for managing projects and staff, possess a strong work ethic, are highly organized and have the ability to multi task in a fast paced / time sensitive environment. The successful incumbent will ensure compliance with all health and safety requirements and all other applicable legislation and company policies.

Why join our Team?
Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
Flexible work environment
Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
Competitive compensation package
Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

What will you do this year?
In your role as Director, Playland Attractions Maintenance, your primary accountabilities will be to:
Oversee maintenance activities for all rides and attractions on the Playland site; inclusive of the technical oversight of inspections, general maintenance, setup and teardown of over 30 rides.
Ensure Playland adheres to the highest safety standards that enables safe operations with safety first mindset.
Develop and maintain a long-term asset management strategy for all rides and attractions, including the operations, maintenance and retirement considerations
Develop rides and attractions replacement strategy that takes into consideration of market trend, budget need, total cost of ownership and lifecycle operational and maintenance needs.
Manage and be accountable for assigned operational and capital budget.
Lead and co-manage direct reports and indirectly lead full-time and casual Maintenance staff (including administration, ride technicians, and various tradespersons).
Implement preventative and predictive maintenance schedules and regularly review programs for improvement.
Maintain and update training programs and manuals for staff; ensure understanding of policies, procedures and safety standards.
Create, document, and implement safe work procedures that adhere to OHS regulation for the safety of staff.
Ensures maintenance program for all attraction assets are in compliance with both manufacturer guidelines and Technical Safety BC requirements.
Provides strategic direction pertaining to asset management (rides, attractions, temporary event structures) and maintenance, inclusive of capital project recommendations.
Lead capital projects following best project management practices
Liaise with Technical Safety BC and ride safety consultants regarding ride inspections and installations; implement their directives and submit confirmation of corrective actions.
Conduct and document risk/hazard assessments and daily ride inspections to ensure guest safety on site, document and ensure completion of recommended corrective actions.
Leads and develops a responsive and highly skilled team while fostering the PNE core values of enthusiasm, excellence and evolution; notably focusing on staff engagement, empowerment and accountability.
Administers Collective Agreements pertaining to Full-time and Casual staff with support from the People Culture Department, including employee issues, investigations and discipline.
Acts as the On Duty Maintenance Manager or Park Manager for Playland during the operating season.
May be required to respond to operational issues at any time of the day or night.
Performs other duties as required.
What else?
Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in providing leadership and managing preventative and predictive maintenance programs, mechanical or construction work, project management OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience managing large teams and effectively engaging staff in a construction, maintenance or engineering industry.
Completion of a post-secondary degree/diploma/certificate in a relevant discipline (i.e. Project Management, Construction, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Mechanical Engineering, Millwright, Occupational Health Safety etc.); OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Sound knowledge of construction, engineering, and maintenance practices, procedures and regulations, including cost estimating, scheduling, licensing and permits/approvals.
Knowledge of heavy equipment operation including zoom boom, forklift, crane, scissor lift etc.
Ability to effectively communicate with staff and other Department Managers, external contractors, government bodies etc.; ability to provide a strong corporate representation both internally and externally.
Proven ability to work under pressure and within tight deadlines with a safety-first mind-set.
Strong organization, leadership, communication and planning skills.
Good understanding of business and accounting terms. Always consider business outcomes in decision making.
Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency with various computer applications particularly Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel, data processing and budget tracking, purchasing and CMMS systems.
Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines while maintaining a safety-first mind-set.
Ability to function independently and manage various projects simultaneously with competing deadlines.
Willingness to work extended hours, weekends and weekdays; including early mornings and late nights as required.
Applied knowledge of related legislation such as OHS regulations, WorksafeBC (Worker’s Compensation Act) regulations, Technical Safety BC, ASTM and CSA standards is preferred.
Background working within a unionized environment and proven experience with administering Collective Agreements is considered an asset.
Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
Who are you?
Organized
Methodical
Proactive
Skillful communicator
Critical thinker
Committed to striving for excellence
Where and when to APPLY?
Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled.

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume/cover letter before Sunday, July 6. We look forward to hearing from you!

Additional Information
The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $145,000 - $160,000 per annum. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures. As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements.

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People Culture Department at hr@pne.ca. Read more