Miriam Risco, attractions supervisor: “When you visit, you do not see everything behind the scenes, and much of the job is precisely about safety”

Miriam Risco never expected to build her career in a theme park. At 31, she has spent 11 years at PortAventura World, where she now works as an attractions supervisor.

Her entry into the sector came by chance. After completing a vocational course in Commerce and Marketing, she saw a job advertisement online, applied and received a call the following month. She had visited the park as a child and was excited by the opportunity. “I never imagined that I would end up developing my professional career in a theme park,” she said. “I am very happy.”

Risco began as an attractions assistant. Before anyone can work on a ride, staff must complete specific training, including a practical component and a detailed study of the ride’s procedures. They must then pass an assessment by answering all the questions correctly. Those who do not pass cannot work independently.

“

I never imagined that I would end up developing my professional career in a theme park.

The job involves more than operating a popular attraction. Staff control access, measure children to ensure they meet height requirements and check that visitors comply with safety restrictions. They also take part directly in preparing rides for departure.

Once all passengers are correctly seated, the safety systems are closed and the train is ready, the assistant and the ride operator give their approval. The operator makes a final visual inspection of the station, after which both press a button at the same time to dispatch the train.

Risco said the coordination and speed required by the job become manageable through experience and training. Workers who start as assistants learn how the attraction operates and how the team works before taking on the operator role. She identified coordination as the most important element of the job.

“

I am very happy.