Fall 2026 Culinary Internship - Dollywood Theme Park - Seasonal
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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
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, Receiving Clerk, Prep Cook, Line Cook, Baker
- 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
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
