Jackie Pierce
Director of Operations & Aquatics
Water Wizz
East Wareham, Massachusetts - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, March 2024
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I graduated from Wareham High School in 1990. I was hired as the Office Manager in 2000. In 2001, I became the Admissions Manager. In 2007, the position of Operations Manager opened, and I started my journey “running the outside”. In 2022, I was promoted to Director of Operations and Aquatics.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have both CPO and AFO certifications. I am a StarGuard Instructor since 2023. I also went to NAARSO in 2023.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
There have not been any “official” awards but last season at one of our staff appreciation nights, I did receive an award for “Most likely to have a gift on her desk”. LOL
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
It wasn’t planned! My best friend, Suzanne James, was working at the park as the Admissions Manager and was looking for office help. She hired me as the Office Manager, and I began working at the park May 1, 2000.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
I love the excitement of a new day! Everyday is a new performance! You never know what is going to happen and are always on your toes! Our guests are amazing and very interactive with me and our staff.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My peers and employees. I have been blessed to work at a facility that has become a second home to me. I have been friends with two other Directors for most of my life and to be able to work with them and other amazing people has been beyond awesome!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
There are lots of challenges in the waterpark industry as we all know. One challenge is staying up to date with what our guests desire. We want to keep moving forward and offering fun times and lasting memories. Another challenge is being “in the moment” with staff. The park is a first job for many young people. I feel a responsibility to teach them how to thrive and be the best they can be, not just at the park, but in whatever endeavors they take on.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
I truly love what I do! If you love what you do, it’s easy to keep motivated. I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. I have a strong team that assists me in running the park attractions efficiently. They help keep me focused!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Learn everything you can! The more knowledge you have, the more valuable you are! If you can go to the WWA or IAAPA conferences, GO! Network! Get to know your peers and community. I am so thankful to all the Aquatic people I know. Everyone shares their knowledge and makes the park and industry stronger.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I always read
World Waterpark Magazine, NEAPPA Weekly, Aquatics International and
Amusement Today.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is interacting with our staff! There are so many amazing people that have worked at Water Wizz. I have been fortunate to have many, many “returners” come back year after year. The park and I would not be successful without them! I will always be there for them whatever life holds and I wish them success in everything they do!
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE S TARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I always wanted to be a teacher. My position at the park enables me to do this 3 months a year!
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
I went to my first WWA conference in 2003! It was eye opening to meet other Aquatic professionals and to SEE everything in the show. So much innovation! The industry has progressed so much in 20 years!
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
I have chickens and would love to have a small farm with goats, chickens, a pig and maybe a few other animals. I would grow a garden and enjoy it all! Someday! •