Conductor - Polar Express Character

About the role

The Polar Express Conductor plays a vital role in creating magical memories and delivering an exceptional experience for all passengers aboard the Polar Express Train. As the face of The Polar Express experience, the Conductor guides guests on a magical journey to the North Pole with charm, energy, and theatrical presence on and off the train. This is a seasonal character role beginning from 10/15/2026 to 1/03/2027.

Responsibilities

• Fully understand and support Xanterra’s Mission Statement, Cultural Pillars, Community Commitment, and Core Values.
• Always portray and maintain the Conductor character by memorizing scripts and cues, remaining in character from clock-in to clock-out, and adhering to approved costume and appearance standards.
• Engage guests while in character by punching tickets and leading scenes.
• Prep train cars for daily train ride to department standards.
• Understand safety practices, including maintaining appropriate physical boundaries and responding to guest emergencies.
• Participate in basic vocals and movement as presented in the script.
• Work alongside the cast and staff members to ensure a positive work environment and an exceptional/seamless experience for guests.
• Interact appropriately and patiently with children and adults of all ages, handling one-on-one interactions or large groups while maintaining audience control during performances and meet & greet times.
• Assist all cast members, staff, and guests with safety, security, and property questions as necessary.
• Work as a team player and demonstrate good communication skills with guests, co-workers, and train crews.
• Handle stressful situations effectively in a public setting and professionally resolve guest-related problems.
• Maintain schedule flexibility, working scheduled days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are 6± hours per day.
• Support polar chefs and productions as required.
• Understand and adhere to all prescribed Environmental Management Systems (EMS) policies and corporate commitments to maintain ISO 14001 goals and guidelines; reduce, reuse, and recycle program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must have previous experience in public speaking.
  • Must be able to demonstrate good and professional communication skills in a guest-facing role.
  • Must be open to performing in a live audience and maintain good stage presence.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in theatrical role-playing.
  • Customer service experience in the hospitality industry.
• Basic Competencies:
  • Verbal comprehension (understand oral and written communication, follow detailed instructions).
  • Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
  • Reasoning skills (problem-solving and troubleshooting skills).
  • Performance skills (ability to have vocal clarity, warm personality, and strong presence).
  • Character adaptability (comfortable with improvisation and maintaining characters’ integrity).
  • Interpersonal skills (ability to communicate, collaborate, and build effective relationships with others through empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence).

Physical Requirements

• Constantly listening, hearing, seeing, speaking, standing, squatting/kneeling, and lifting/carrying items up to 20 lbs.
• Frequently walking, reaching outward, climbing, lifting/carrying items up to 50 lbs, and pushing/pulling items up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally pushing/pulling items weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Required to stand and walk for long periods of time on cement floors and occasionally walk on uneven surfaces and onboard a moving train.

Costume Requirements

• A company-provided Conductor uniform, including a three-piece navy-blue suit, Conductor hat, overcoat, and name tag, must be worn at all times while on duty, with the name tag prominently displayed.
• Employees are responsible for providing a long- or short-sleeve white dress shirt, black tie, and solid black footwear. Shoes must be clean, well-maintained, and feature either a defined one-inch heel or a slip-resistant sole.
• All employee-provided items must be free of visible logos, graphics, or branding and maintained in a professional condition consistent with costume and appearance standards.

Pay

$19.00 an hour + tips.

Schedule

• Seasonal position from 10/15/2026 to 1/03/2027.
• Must be available on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and additional days between Monday - Friday.
• Shifts are 6± hours per day, 2 to 5 days a week minimum.

Benefits

• Free Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets.
• Free Employee Run Train Tickets.
• Property Discounts and More.
• Minimal Essential Coverage (MEC).
• Sick Time.
• Free Shuttle Service (limited capacity: 7 people per ride) from Flagstaff to Williams and back after shift.