James McAfee
Sevierville,TN
Summary
Experienced in coordinating and executing special events. Expertise includes event planning, logistics coordination, vendor management, and customer service. Skills include leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Previous roles involved successfully managing multiple tasks simultaneously while ensuring client satisfaction. Seasoned Attractions Operator with background in overseeing safety and operation of amusement park rides. Known for maintaining high standards of customer service, ensuring guests' satisfaction while upholding stringent safety protocols. Strengths include adeptness in troubleshooting technical issues, training new staff members, and fostering positive guest experiences.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Events Staff
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, TN
12.2021 - Current
- Install and uninstall decorations and fixtures for festivals throughout the park
- Refurbished decorations of various types including wood, styrofoam, painting, metal, and cables
- Using heavy machinery to install decorations and lights such as petty bones, fork lifts, aerial lifts, and skid steer
- Working with other departments to create a cohesive vision for the park
- Assist with events throughout the park
- Assist in training new employees
Helping Hands Team Member
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, TN
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Cross-trained into all areas of the park
- Ensured safe and smooth operation of rides
- Assisted housekeeping at the resort property
- Helped with set up and tear down of festival installations and decorations
- Assisted with maintenance, landscaping, and cleaning of facilities and grounds on property
- Assisting and greeting guests as well as providing personalized experiences within the park
Ride Operator
Worlds of Fun
Kansas City, MO
06.2021 - 07.2021
- Ensures safe operation of the ride
- Makes certain that queue lines are safe and orderly
- Assists with the loading and unloading of the ride to include small children and guests with disabilities.
Direct Support Professional
The MENTOR Network
Columbia, MO
12.2020 - 06.2021
- Oversee the safety and well-being of special needs individuals that live in a home together
- Provide appropriate support for participants to achieve their goals/objectives
- Maintain appropriate & accurate communication and documentation
- Display professional & appropriate respect for individuals & their support system
- Maintain rituals and duties in the house to create a warm environment
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Centralia, MO
07.2020 - 08.2020
- Led junior high bible study
- Organized and led events and volunteering opportunities
- Managed a budget and tracked expenses
Direct Support Professional
Happiness Bag, Inc
Terre Haute, IN
03.2019 - 06.2020
- Oversee the safety and well-being of participants who have disabilities
- Provide appropriate supports for participants to achieve goals/objectives
- Maintain appropriate and accurate communication and documentation
- Display professional and appropriate respect for participants and their support system
Security Officer
Trinity Security Services
Greencastle, IN
03.2019 - 09.2019
- Patrols and observes areas to deter criminal and disruptive activity
- Surveils perimeter and parking lot and directs traffic if needed
- Completes incident reports and daily shift activity reports
Children's Pastor
Cross Lane Community Church
Terre Haute, IN
04.2018 - 02.2019
- Developed programming for Wednesday nights and edited Orange programming for Sunday morning for ages 2 through 5th grade
- Recruited, trained, and scheduled leaders and volunteers
- Managed a budget and calendar
- Organized children and family events/outreach
Scare Actor (Seasonal)
Kings Island
Kings Mills, OH
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Entertains guests as a costumed character by bringing to life the personality of the specific character through hand/body movements and strong vocalization
- Rehearses and performs the role of monster as originally scripted and/or conceived
- Provides interactions with guests and ensures guest safety.
Education
Bachelor's - Youth Ministry & Preaching
Johnson University
Knoxville, TNSkills
- Theme Park Experience
- Guest Experience
- Budgeting
- Recruiting
- Training Employees in Attractions and Special Events
- Scheduling
- Event Planning
- Calendar Management
- Safety Compliance
- Problem Solving
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
- Effective Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Adaptability
- Event/Venue Setup and Breakdown
- Creativity and Innovation
Timeline
Special Events Staff
Dollywood
12.2021 - Current
Helping Hands Team Member
Dollywood
07.2021 - 12.2021
Ride Operator
Worlds of Fun
06.2021 - 07.2021
Direct Support Professional
The MENTOR Network
12.2020 - 06.2021
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
07.2020 - 08.2020
Direct Support Professional
Happiness Bag, Inc
03.2019 - 06.2020
Security Officer
Trinity Security Services
03.2019 - 09.2019
Children's Pastor
Cross Lane Community Church
04.2018 - 02.2019
Scare Actor (Seasonal)
Kings Island
01.2009 - 01.2012
Bachelor's - Youth Ministry & Preaching
Johnson University