Josenia Carter
Park Manager
St. Marys Aquatic Center
St. Marys, Georgia - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, December 2020
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I studied nutrition and dietetics and food service management. My professional experience in the waterpark industry began in April 2013. I started as a Guest Service Team Member, and became a Guest Service Team Leader before the end of that season. In 2015, I was promoted to Park Supervisor. Most recently, in 2019, I was promoted to Park Manager.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I am a certified pool operator. I am certified in ServSafe, and I am a Red Cross-certified lifeguard.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have received the “BeeZbee Award” as I am someone who is always busy working. I have also received the “Superwoman Award,” which is dedicated to the one who does it all.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
This field requires people skills and offers a fast paced environment which I love. The industry has made me feel at home. I grew up in a big crowd of people and I love seeing their smiles on their faces.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
The aspect of the waterpark industry that I like best would be the excitement created by waterslides. Our waterslides have height restrictions and have made some children upset (as they were not tall enough), but that slide is also a healthy motivator for them to eat right, drink their milk and take a nap.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My children have inspired me the most. I can see them having fun while I am working and they are with their friends. My daughter was only 2 years old when I told myself, “I can manage this place.” Here I am after 14 years, so God heard me.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
The greatest challenge in my waterpark career would be getting my lifeguard certification. This certification was very challenging for me as I am 4’10,” I am not a swimmer and I am 45. My family and my boss motivated me and believed in me. I am now lifeguard certified.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I keep my focus on God who is the source of my energy and everything. I am motivated by my family to do great work and to achieve my goal of managing the park for as long as I can. My family motivates me because they are my greatest critics and my loyal audience.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
The advice I would give to someone who is interested in working in the waterpark industry is be willing to work! Maintain your positive attitude, stay pumped and be enthusiastic. You must be reliable, accountable, responsible and have initiative. Most of all, be ready to work in your tennis shoes and be versatile.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
The publications that I rely on most consistently are provided by WWA.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is when our guests leave with a positive remark of their experience at St. Marys Aquatic Center. This indicates that our staff is a great team who works together and builds each other up. Additionally, I like it when my staff is happy and working as a family to provide our patrons with a safe, clean and fun place.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I were to start over, I would be working for the elderly in a nursing home, or I would have my own drive-thru of Asian delicacies.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I first became involved with the WWA when I volunteered at the WWA Show in Palm Springs, California in 2015. The experience was amazing; the speakers were great, and I truly fell in love with the waterpark industry at the event. I have since attended in-person shows in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 convention was virtual, but I appreciated that we were able to go back and listen to the sessions; however, I am excited to return to in-person conventions.
WHAT IS SOME THING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
For the past two years, as I was getting the park ready for inspection, a bird has flown into my office window. I have taken it as a sign for another SMACtacular season.