Dollywood is hiring!

Ever wondered what it'd be like to work at Dollywood? Now's your chance to find out.

Whether you're looking for a part-time job to make some extra cash or a new career with ample advancement opportunities, Dollywood has a position for every kind of applicant.

The company announced job fairs to fill hundreds positions at Dollywood, Dollywood's Splash Country, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood Cabins.

The job fairs will take place:

    Saturday, Feb. 6 at Seymour Heights Christian Church (122 Boyd’s Creek Highway, Seymour)

    Saturday, Feb. 13 at The Ridge Outdoor Resort (1250 Middle Creek Road, Sevierville)

    Saturday, Feb. 20 at Arrowhead Church in Morristown (4101 Maple Valley Road, Morristown)

    Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Sevierville Convention Center (202 Gists Creek Road, Sevierville)

All hiring events will go from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Here's what you need to know about the openings, attending a Dollywood job fair and what it's like to work for the company.

Dollywood jobs available

Dollywood Talent Acquisition Manager Leia Haney told Knox News the company is looking to hire several hundred new employees for the start of its new season.

Jobs are available in several areas including culinary, merchandise and park operations at Dollywood; hospitality, lifeguarding and culinary service at Dollywood's Splash Country; and cooking, culinary service and housekeeping at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa.

Opportunities will be offered for the entire year and for shorter peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a summer position or for those looking to earn extra money during the holidays. Applicants must be 15 years of age or older.

Most people who attend a job fair will leave with a position at one of the four properties. according to a release.

"There's something here for everybody," Haney said. "We have opportunities this year for anybody in a part-time capacity to a full-time capacity to a real career longevity role."

This won't be the last chance to apply. The park plans to host multiple hiring events throughout the year. New openings also are posted at dollywood.com/jobs.

Dollywood benefits

Dollywood employees are eligible to receive an array of benefits. All employees and their dependents have access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center. Dollywood hosts can get complimentary tickets for family and friends, too.

Employees are able to participate in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences.

Qualified full-time employees can take advantage of a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage. Numerous development opportunities like an apprenticeship program with Walters State Community College are available.

What to expect at a hiring event

Interested applicants can view opportunities, job descriptions and basic requirements for each position and submit an application at dollywood.com/jobs ahead of a hiring event. Applicants who walk in will be able to view openings and apply in person.

Attendees are asked to adhere to Dollywood’s safety protocol, including getting their temperature checked and physically distancing. Face masks are required.

Haney said the most important thing possible employees can do to prepare is planning to be their best because they could be hired on the spot.

"We tell everybody to bring their best selves," Haney said. "We really want to make sure that they understand that they do have the opportunity to hopefully be hired at the hiring event and that they will be interviewed while they're there."

At the job fair, attendees will submit an application and be matched with a Dollywood hiring manager for an interview. If offered a job, new employees can fill out paperwork that day and leave knowing the next steps of the employment process.

Filling positions amid pandemic

Employees and employers have been hit hard in the past year because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Dollywood has given its workers and potential new hires hope by making its properties safer to stay open and expand job opportunities.

Haney said the company's commitment to make operational changes like health screenings, a mask requirement and more has allowed Dollywood employees to keep their jobs and open new positions including some on the grounds team, which is responsible for keeping the parks clean.

"While we did have a real challenging year, we're just extremely fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to offer several hundreds of positions," Haney said. "We need them to open the park in March, and to exceed satisfaction as we try every year."

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, by Allie Clouse

The East Tennessee Economic Development Agency markets and recruits business for the 15 counties in the greater Knoxville-Oak Ridge region of East Tennessee. Visit www.eteda.org

Published February 3, 2021