Devarrick TurnerKnoxville News Sentinel
Come as you are and help people make memories worth repeating: that’s the Dollywood motto for its employees and those who want to work there.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts has five hiring events scheduled in August in preparation for the popular fall and Christmas seasons. Part-time and full-time positions are available at the theme park and its two resorts.
“I would say the opportunities are endless when you work at Dollywood,” Kelly Ayers, the company’s talent acquisition person, told Knox News.
“Everyone at Dollywood, whether they're behind the scenes or they're guest-facing, is working toward the same goal every day,” she added.
Hundreds of people will be hired to fill the open positions. The jobs, and even the interview, come with a few perks such as complimentary Dollywood tickets and and an incentive for referring friends and family. Employees also get free tuition through the Herschend GROW U program.
What positions does Dollywood have open?
Dollywood Parks & Resorts is looking to hire about 300 people across three of its properties: Dollywood, DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Lodge.
“(We’re) really looking for that guest-facing person who's going to put that guest first and really be a great team player,” Ayers said.
The culinary, merchandise and operations departments all have open positions at the park. This includes hosts, ride operators, parking lot attendants, tram drivers and groundskeeping, janitorial and maintenance staffers – basically all the people who keep Dollywood running.
And at the resorts, people are needed for the food and beverage department, front desk and housekeeping. People in the activities department get to do fun things like reading to children and interacting with guests.
Most of the positions are seasonal, but there are full-time positions available at the two resorts, too. The company also has opportunities in marketing, human resources, finance and IT.
What skills do you need to work at Dollywood?
“Come as you are,” Ayers advises anyone looking to attend the hiring events and work at Dollywood. “We will teach you everything you need to know.”
Anyone 14 years or older is eligible to apply to Dollywood. Applicants should plan on being at a hiring event for about an hour, according to Dollywood spokesperson Wes Ramey. Though resumés are not required, Ramey advises having one handy.
Dollywood has a training program for everyone, regardless of the position you’re hired for.
How much does Dollywood pay?
Pay for most of the frontline positions available via the five hiring events range from $14 to $17 per hour, according to Ayers. Pay for the “more skilled positions will be higher,” she noted.
According to Zip Recruiter, the average hourly pay at Dollywood is $14.90 an hour as of July 2024. Glassdoor lists estimated ranges as $12-$28 per hour.
When are hiring events for Dollywood's parks and resort?
There are five hiring events scheduled in August. All events will be 2-6 p.m. at the Sevierville Civic Center (200 Gary R. Wade Blvd. in Sevierville).
- Aug. 1 at the Sevierville Civic Center
- Aug. 8 at Sevierville Civic Center
- Aug. 15 at Sevierville Civic Center
- Aug. 22 at Sevierville Civic Center
- Aug. 29 at Sevierville Civic Center
Available positions are posted atdollywoodjobs.com, where you can also apply.
The perks of interviewing and working at Dollywood
There are some pretty cool perks before even joining the Dollywood team. Just by interviewing, you receive one free ticket to Dollywood to use during the remainder of the 2024 season.
You also get $500 if you bring a friend or family member as a referral to the hiring event, which means, if you're both hired, you’ll be working with someone you’re already close to.
Dollywood Parks and Resorts employees receive a variety of benefits, too, including:
- 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U program
- Access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center
- Complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends.
- Hosts are provided free meals every working shift.
- Dollywood’s Park Perks program provides free or reduced admission to regional attractions, theaters and experiences.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision is available for qualified full-time employees.
- Dollywood pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider.
- Leadership development opportunities, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.
Do Dollywood employees get to meet Dolly Parton?
For anyone going to Dollywood, you hope to have the once-in-a-lifetime moment of a glimpse of Dolly Parton. Employees feel this same bubbling excitement.
“Sometimes it's a surprise (to see her) and that's always a fun surprise,” Ayers said.
The best times for employees and guests to see Dolly is during special occasions such as the opening of a new ride or attraction.
Is Dollywood a good company to work for?
People have joked that Dollywood is its own little city. And to Ayers, it really is, primarily because of its culture of community among the employees who return year after year.
“We've got anyone here from their very first job at 14 years old to their lifelong career. We've had people here for (nearly) 40 years, which is incredible when you think about it. We love to see that,” Ayers said.
The Dollywood Company earned national recognition recently as a top workplace. It received a Top Workplaces award from USA TODAY earlier this year. Forbes named Dollywood one of the best employers in the country and included the park on its first best customer service list last year.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Emaildevarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter@dturner1208.
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