Summer 2026 Culinary Internship - Dollywood Theme Park - Seasonal

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating. We do this every day across all properties, all located in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Ask anyone who has visited Dollywood Parks & Resorts, and they will tell you this place is different. It's not a difference that you can touch or see - it's a difference you can feel. We are seeking candidates who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together. This person also brings a spirit of fun, authenticity, collaboration, creativity, and genuine hospitality to the lives of our guests.We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. This individual is driven to create meaningful experiences for our hosts, guests, and community while ensuring the success and profitability of our unique offerings. We seek an individual who can bring the vision of the resorts to life. The right Culinary Intern will include 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, ingredient 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 internshipPractical experience within a fast-paced and ever-changing work environmentOpportunity to apply theory with practiceSummary of Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesAttend Leadership Development classes as availableAttend weekly intern meetings to discuss jobs of the week and learn about the different functions of a theme parkTrain 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 proceduresReceiving Clerk - Manage the 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 processPrep Cook - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation proceduresLine Cook - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation proceduresBaker - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation proceduresAct as a quality assurance inspector for food, ensuring high qualityResponsible for the implementation and possible creation of "Plate Perfect" recipesKnow, understand, & enforce the use of the "Start Fresh" program when necessaryBe available/willing to work at different locations throughout The Dollywood CompanyResponsible 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 PersonAssisting with creating and implementing improvements to profit contribution and cost savings through menu creationExecute special project benefiting the Foods area as determined by ManagementManagement reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time.Education and Experience RequiredMust be enrolled in a continuing education/college programMust have basic computer skills and must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPointValid driver's license and proof of personal liability insurance according to state lawAble to pass a drug screen and background checkKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAble to project Dollywood's image by being genuinely friendly and caring, and by taking pride in their workMust be self-motivated and disciplinedMust be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basisMust maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged informationMust display and live out our Lead with Love principles by being: patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, and dedicatedMust be willing to constantly improveMust have a professional appearance with good personal hygieneMust promote and support a "team" work environment by cooperating and helping co-workersMust adapt to changes easilyMust be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to take action to meet their needs within company guidelinesMust enjoy working with people of varied ages, experiences, and education levelsMust have a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards the job, tasks, coworkers, other hosts, and guestsMust have a professional demeanor, be mature, focused, and articulateMust be willing to accept changes in work schedule and work assignmentsMust be able to maintain required attendanceMust be self-motivated and able to deal with a fast-paced, stressful environmentAble to display and live out our Lead with Love principles by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, and dedicatedAble to maintain good personal hygieneAble to comprehend instructions and retain informationAble to maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules, including any required overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidaysAble to be flexible to handle frequent changes in prioritiesAble to work outdoorsAble to walk quickly, kneel, twist, reach, and bendMust have depth perception and the ability to see near and farAble to operate a fire extinguisherAble to think clearly and react quickly and calmly to changing situationsAble to move about and react quickly in emergenciesAble to learn quickly and multitaskAble to tolerate all outdoor elements - wind, rain, high/low humidity, direct sun, temperatures from -40° F to 110° FAble to tolerate noiseAble to tolerate heightsAble to climb steps and has good balanceAble to make sound decisionsAble to tolerate approved exposure levels of various chemicals found in cleaning solventsAble to memorize written safety proceduresAble to perform reading, writing, and math skills necessary to:take messages, professionally communicate in writingcontribute to written team communicationsadd, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate, make change, and operate a registeranalyze statistical informationAble to remain alert and attentiveAble to operate a Point of Sale SystemAble to perform other duties as assigned. Must be able to lift 30 lbs with or without a 2-person lift. 30+ lbs require a 2-person liftMust take Start Fresh training, as well as implement all safety aspects of Start Fresh trainingMust comply with all Health Dept., ServSafe, and Company regulations pertaining to Food Safety Handling ProceduresPhysical and Cognitive RequirementsLifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs. utilizing company's safety guidelines for safe liftingMobility: Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours. Employees may also be required to travel to various areas on property which may include changes in terrain, stairs and uneven surfacesRepetitive 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 functionsEnvironmental Conditions: This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat. Employees may be required to work indoors and outdoorsCognitive 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 methodsThe 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