Fall 2026 Culinary Internship - Dollywood Theme Park - Seasonal

Culinary Intern

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking culinary interns who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together while caring deeply about our brand.

We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. The ideal culinary intern will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.

The intern will support kitchen operations in roles such as dishwasher, receiving clerk, prep cook, line cook, banquets production, inventory management, and administrative duties within Dollywood Theme Park. In turn, the intern will satisfactorily complete individual program requirements to satisfy college/university credit and/or course study requirements if needed. The Dollywood Company will provide the intern:

• The opportunity to complete course credit for the term of the internship
• Practical experience within a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment
• Opportunity to apply theory with practice

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to display and live out Lead with Love qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable.

Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Attend Leadership Development classes as available
• Attend weekly intern meetings to discuss jobs of the week and learn about the different functions of a theme park
• Train and work in the following sections of the internship:
• Dishwasher To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures
• Receiving Clerk Manage loading dock. Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Checking in orders, putting up food and non-food inventories. Coding invoices according to the standardized accounting process
• Prep Cook To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures.
• Line Cook - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures.
• Baker - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures.
• Act as a quality assurance inspector for food, ensuring high quality
• Responsible for the implementation and possible creation of "Plate Perfect" recipes
• Know, understand, & enforce the use of the "Start Fresh" program when necessary
• Be available/willing to work at different locations throughout The Dollywood Company
• Responsible for all aspects of the P&L, including but not limited to labor management (scheduling, time keeping, etc.), Cost Analysis to include Cost of Sales, product mix, and Spending Per Person
• Assisting with creating and implementing improvements to profit contribution and cost savings through menu creation
• Execute special project benefiting the Foods area as determined by Management
• Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time

Education and Experience Required

• Must be minimum eighteen (18) years of age
• Must be enrolled in a continuing education/college program
• Must have basic computer skills and must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles according to company policy. Must have valid driver's license, proof of auto liability insurance and acceptable motor vehicle driving record
• Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of background screening which includes criminal history and motor vehicle record check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
• Must be self-motivated and disciplined
• Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
• Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
• Must be productive in a fast-paced environment
• Must maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
• Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
• Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver projects ahead of schedule, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals
• Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
• Able to perform duties consistent with creating a safe and secure environment for hosts and guests
• Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
• Able to operate fire extinguisher
• Able to operate a Point-of-Sale System
• Must take Start Fresh training, as well as implement all safety aspects of Start Fresh training
• Must comply with all Health Dept., ServSafe, and Company regulations pertaining to Food Safety Handling Procedures

Physical Requirements | Environmental Conditions

• Lifting and Carrying : Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs utilizing company's safety guidelines for safe lifting
• Mobility : Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours
• Repetitive Movements : This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands, arms or other body parts as part of typical job functions
• Environmental Conditions : This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat
• Cognitive and Sensory Requirements : This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process and retain information, have attention to detail and communicate effectively using approved communication methods

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.