Child Wrangler - THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride - Whippany, NJ

Job Title: Child Wrangler  - THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Division: Rail Events Productions/Run Crew

Reports to: Director of Production

Type of position: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Employee Classification: Seasonal

Compensation: $23.00/hour

Job Summary: The Child Wrangler is responsible for coordinating pick-up and drop-off of child actors for rehearsals, tech, and performances, working as the point person for parental contact. During performance, the wrangler supervises the child actors, ensuring they make entrances, and help maintain discipline when the actors are off-stage. In addition to the on-site supervision of Child Actors, the Child Wrangler plays an important role in the administration and filing of documentation specific to the Child Actors. This includes, but is not limited to, complete employee files, permitting documentation for each individual, other company specific permits allowing the employment of minors in any given state, etc. The Child Wrangler serves as the point person for Human Resources, Company Manager and Accounting in regard to Child Actor paperwork, scheduling and break time oversight, payroll, workers compensation, and health and safety of minors. The Child Wrangler is a contact for the state in which they are employed to coordinate site visits or to provide permitting documentation, if necessary. This position is expected to have a high level of confidentiality as they are trusted with Personally Identifiable Information (PII). The Child Wrangler is also expected to be personable and able to build a trusting relationship with parents in order to effectively communicate and answer questions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the main point of contact for parents/guardians dropping off and picking up their child actor
• Present onsite whenever child actors are called (rehearsal, tech, performances)
• Work with HR staff to ensure all entertainment labor laws are lawfully followed on a daily basis and proper postings are present
• Work with Production Stage Manager to ensure all child actors are working a lawful schedule
• Supervise all child actors who are present onsite and guide them throughout their show track
• Act as liaison between child actors’ parents and local Stage Management regarding scheduling
• Facilitate state and Human Resources site visit coordination, if necessary
• Become familiar with company and railroad safety policies
• Works with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff and passengers
• Other duties as assigned

Experience and Requirements:

• Experience working with children in a theatrical setting
• Comfortable learning and enforcing minor entertainment labor laws based on state guidelines
• Ability to work with parents or guardians of minors in an effective and personable manner
• Ability to communicate with local REP management information regarding scheduling of minors, breaks, meals, hours worked
• Ability to work alongside the production staff as a team member in an ever-changing environment
• Ability to work independently with self-motivation and attention to detail as well as excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate, recognize and solve practical problems and resolve issues
• Effective oral and written communication

Work Environment:

• Majority of time spent in an event setting
• Varied schedules requiring evenings, weekends, overtime, and holidays
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions; both indoor and outdoor
• Able to stand and walk on uneven or unsteady surfaces aboard a moving train
• Time spent in and around active railroad yard

What’s in it for you?

• Serve others and create a world of make-believe and magic
• Competitive pay and a chance to build upon your theater network and make lifelong connections
• Enrich and positively impact the experience for all – big and small
• Be part of an inclusive team in a supportive environment with high expectations for self and your fellow teammates
• Catered meals for 5-show days
• Comp tickets for your friends and family
• Potential for end-of-season bonus 

Working on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is unlike anything you will ever do.  This immersive experience is entirely unique to Rail Events Productions.  The challenge of producing a full-length production on a moving train is one of the most rewarding experiences as an artist or technician.  With a total cast, crew and front-of-house employees of 60-75 people onsite every day and the possibility of over 2,000 guests, our days can be chaotic. With such a fast-paced environment, the team at Rail Events Productions takes care to properly support and teach everyone the best ways to accomplish their jobs.  We strive to build a space where employees are safe and encouraged to grow throughout their time with the company. 

Rail Events Productions, an American Heritage Railways subsidiary, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $23