Outline:
Working at Dollywood might be even more joyful than you imagine.
“We like to think of ourselves as a little city, and we have lots and lots of folks who come for a season and stay for a career because of the opportunities that we have available,” Susan Loveday, Dollywood’s vice president of human resources, told Knox News.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts has six hiring events scheduled in January and February in preparation for the 2026 season. Part-time and full-time positions are available at the company’s two parks and two resorts.
Roles include “everything you can possibly think of,” Loveday said, ranging from ride operators and food service to electricians, security and maintenance.
The jobs come with perks such as health and wellness benefits, free education programs, complimentary Dollywood tickets and even early access to new attractions like NightFlight Expedition.
But it all starts with a culture of brotherly love inspired by Dollywood’s Dreamer-in-Chief Dolly Parton.
Leading with love
Dollywood is seeking to hire about 10% of the parks’ and resorts’ staffing needs during the off-season. Over 120 positions were open on the Dollywood Company website as of Jan. 14.
Working for a theme park company is only fun when the company has cultivated an environment – or a community, in Dollywood’s case – that embraces camaraderie. And Dollywood has a “lead with love” philosophy.
A Unique Work Culture
At Dollywood, the work environment is designed to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support. Employees are encouraged to build relationships not just with their coworkers but also with the guests they serve. This approach creates a positive atmosphere that makes the workplace feel more like a family than a traditional corporate setting.
The “lead with love” philosophy is reflected in various aspects of the company’s operations. From training programs that emphasize kindness and respect to leadership styles that prioritize empathy, Dollywood ensures that every employee feels valued and supported.
Opportunities for Growth
For those interested in joining the Dollywood team, there are numerous opportunities available. The hiring events provide a chance for job seekers to meet with hiring managers, learn more about the roles, and get a glimpse of what working at Dollywood is like.
Positions range from entry-level roles, such as food service staff and ride operators, to more specialized roles, including electricians, security personnel, and maintenance workers. Each position plays a vital role in ensuring that the parks and resorts run smoothly and provide an exceptional experience for visitors.
Benefits and Perks
Beyond the opportunity to work in a dynamic and welcoming environment, Dollywood offers a range of benefits and perks to its employees. These include health and wellness programs, which help ensure that employees can maintain a healthy lifestyle while working.
Additionally, the company provides free education programs, allowing employees to further their skills and advance their careers. Complimentary Dollywood tickets are another perk, giving employees the chance to enjoy the attractions they help create.
Employees also get early access to new attractions, such as the highly anticipated NightFlight Expedition, which adds an extra layer of excitement to working at the park.
“We’re very community-driven and caring for our community of hosts, so that they can care for the guests that we see on park,” Loveday say.
“Our mission is to bring families closer together. That doesn’t matter if you’re a guest walking on to ride Thunderhead … or a host coming onboard to work for us,” she continued.
Leaders are trained to support their teams, even during difficult conversations. They focus on communicating with care, coaching with love and holding people accountable while recognizing that employees, known as “hosts” at Dollywood, are people with lives and challenges beyond work.
About 90% of the staff return year after year. Some have been at the park for over 40 years, even before it became Dollywood in 1986 and was operating as other theme parks.
Benefits beyond the paycheck
The pay is competitive based on the role and experience, but Dollywood’s benefits are designed to support the “entire host,” not just their wages, Loveday said.
Not only are qualified full-time employees eligible for a comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, but all hosts have access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center – available with or without insurance. Partial coverage of child care costs is offered, as well as other wellness programs and a chaplaincy program.
“(Hosts) don’t have to worry about, ‘Oh gosh, how am I going to afford to go to the doctor? I need some spiritual or mental health help and how am I going to get that?’” Loveday said.
One standout benefit is Herschend’s GROW U, an education program that allows hosts to enroll at Walters State Community College with tuition paid upfront. Leadership training and promotion opportunities also are available.
Hosts also get to enjoy Dollywood’s award-winning culinary menu with complimentary lunch. “I think that’s huge for our employees,” Dollywood spokesperson Ellen Liston added.
The goal of these benefits beyond a regular paycheck is to remove barriers so employees can focus on their work and guests, rather than worrying about life’s stressors like health care, education costs and support services.
Finding the right fit
The job fairs Dollywood hold every year can be overwhelming for people who show up. But the events are designed to be welcoming and to set applicants up for success.
“It’s a really big place with a lot of people visiting every year,” Loveday said. “For us, it’s really making sure that the folks who come on board are prepped and comfortable with the role they’re going to do.”
Qualities the hiring team looks for in applicants include a service mindset and people who are comfortable offering help to guests who are lost or have questions. If an applicant seems better suited for a different role than the one they initially selected, the hiring team works with them to find the right fit.
New hires complete orientation and required safety training. And then when they reach their designated work team, they have further training and acclimation to the park.
Dollywood hiring events schedule
- Jan. 17 at Sevier County High School
- Jan. 24 at Morristown Landing
- Jan. 31 at Jefferson County High School
- Feb. 7 at Newport Innovation Center
- Feb. 14 at Sevierville Civic Center
- Feb. 21 at Seymour High School
All events (except for the one on Feb. 7) are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Feb. 7 Newport event is 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Applicants could be hired on the spot.
Perks that come with the park
Working for Dollywood Parks & Resorts has its fun perks, such as being among the first people to test out new attractions and rides.
“Who doesn’t love coming to Dollywood and screaming on roller coasters?” Loveday said, adding that its best for hosts to understand the guest experience to answer questions and offer help to guests.
Employees also get discounted rates for Dollywood resort stays, complimentary park tickets and complimentary admission to attractions around Pigeon Forge and even to other Herschend properties around the country.
Dollywood’s culture, scale of operations and benefits and perks are key factors in why the company continues to be recognized as both an award-winning theme park and a top workplace.
“We ask, we listen, we respond,” Loveday said of maintaining a welcoming workplace. Whether it’s a guest walking through the gates or a new host joining the team, Dollywood, for many, feels like family.
“If you love your family and you’re treated good in the family, you’re going to want to stay there,” Parton told Knox News in last year while expressing her appreciation for Dollywood employees.
“God has blessed me through the years with wonderful people. I have – my whole life, in every aspect of my business – I have been blessed with so many great people and nobody more than the group that we have here at Dollywood,” she continued.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What is it like to work at Dollywood? How to join Dolly Parton’s team
This combination of supportive culture, growth opportunities, and attractive benefits makes Dollywood an appealing place to work. Whether someone is looking for a temporary position or a long-term career, the company offers a unique experience that goes beyond typical employment.
As Dollywood continues to expand and introduce new attractions, the need for dedicated and passionate employees will only grow. For those who are drawn to the idea of working in a place where love and community are at the heart of everything, Dollywood presents an opportunity to be part of something truly special.