Tyra Watson
Facility Supervisor
Raging Rivers Waterpark/Mandan Parks & Recreation
Mandan, North Dakota - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, July/August 2022
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
My first job was lifeguarding at Raging Rivers Waterpark when I was 17 years old. I was promoted to a Site Supervisor while I was in college. I was attending the University of Mary for biology education when I was offered a promotion to be the Facility Supervisor of operations at Raging Rivers Waterpark. I decided running Raging Rivers Waterpark was the career path I wanted to pursue and so I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in university studies. I have worked as the Facility Supervisor for almost 2 years.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have my Lifeguard Instructor Certification through the American Red Cross. I also have my CPO certificate.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
Raging Rivers Waterpark has won our local ‘best of the best’ award for best pool several times over the past few years. This is voted on by the public and is organized through The Bismarck Tribune.
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I started as a lifeguard and fell in love with the waterpark. I had full-time jobs working else- where, but always made sure to find time in my busy life to work at the waterpark in the summers. When I was offered the Facility Supervisor position, I was honored to be able to make this job my career.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I enjoy so many things about my position, but if I had to choose one specific aspect it would be the fast-paced environment. I love to get out of my office on a busy day and assist my team wherever they need it. It is so fun to connect with my staff that way and my days go by so quickly!
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
I have had several inspirations come into my life that have led me to where I am today. Obviously, my family had a large impact, but specifically my dad was able to raise me from not great conditions to be able to become the successful individual that I am today. My manager, Cole Higlin, has also given me so many opportunities to advance and succeed in my career and I would not be where I am today without him.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
My biggest challenge so far has been navigating tough employees. A lot of the operations aspects came easy to me, but it took some trial and error to figure out the best way to handle employees who seem to challenge new ideas.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I am motivated by finding learning opportunities for myself. I am always trying to become the most successful version of myself through education, experience and knowledge.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Don’t take everything too seriously. Obviously, safety is the number one priority, but it is important that you enjoy your time and take every moment as a learning experience. Not everything is going to go perfectly each day, so learn to adapt and make those changes as they come.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is teaching employees what a job is supposed to be about. This is so many of my employees’ first job, so I get to shape them into the most professional version of themselves.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
If I could start all over, I would love to start a company that plans guided backpacking vacations to Europe. It would be great to take large groups of people to experience different countries in an affordable way.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
When I was promoted to my current position, my manager brought the organization to my attention and mentioned that we used to be members. I really wanted to get our waterpark re-involved in the WWA so we rejoined. I now get the pleasure of attending my first WWA Show in 2022.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I have taken two backpacking trips overseas. One was to Ireland and Northern Ireland. And the other was to 10 different countries in Europe. These were amazing experiences that I will never forget and I hope that I can take more of these trips in the future. •