At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking a Merchandise Intern 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 Merchandise Intern will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.
The Merchandise Intern - Fall 2026 is responsible for various Merchandise locations across The Dollywood Company including but not limited to Dollywood Theme Park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort, and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa. This is to be done in a manner consistent with the mission, values, and operating philosophies of the Dollywood Company.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able 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
- Must have proficient knowledge of all products/services available for sale to our guests
- Must be able to perform to standard Merchandise Selling Skills and guest interactions
- Assist in the training and development of all new hires or hosts new to those locations
- Operate cash register/POS system in an efficient manner not to impeded guest experience and follow all policy and procedures as outlined by Dollywood and Sales Audit
- Host must ensure all available inventory is stocked on the selling shelves and fully stocked nightly at close and prior to opening following all policies and procedures relating to Inventory Control
- Assist in the maintenance and daily operation of the shop by ensuring location cleanliness and display preparation functions are up to Dollywood standards
- Assist in all aspects of warehouse logistics: ticketing, counting, communicating discrepancies, and assisting with deliveries
- Assist in scheduling, developing and facilitating meetings, maintaining files, creating presentations and supportive paperwork, maintaining calendar, sorting and distributing mail, ordering office supplies, relaying messages and other communication and volunteering
- Accommodate changes in work assignments and locations
- Communicate to Immediate Supervisor current needs of product ordering, equipment, functional supplies, or any issues preventing host from meeting company expectations
- Adhere to all merchandise safety guidelines
- Report any safety issues to the immediate supervisor immediately
- Follow all Merchandise Operational Policies and Procedures effectively
- Host ensures they are up to date on all company and divisional communications through communication boards and binders
- Protect the privacy and security of guests and coworkers, including PCI compliance
- Must create and maintain visual displays and presentations
- Maintain accurate inventory at all times
Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties.
Education and Experience Required
- Must be 18 years of age
- Must be enrolled in a continuing education/college program
- Basic Math skills
- Understand basic calculator and cash register/POS system
- Comprehend instructions and retain information
- Working knowledge of Excel, Word Perfect, Power Point, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Merchandise POS and inventory systems; experience with Pronto software is a plus
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 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
- 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 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 lift up to 50 lbs with assistance
- Able to communicate with Hosts and Guests effectively using approved methods of communication
- Able to tolerate temperatures of 0 to 140 degrees
- Able to work outdoors
- Finger dexterity great enough to allow clerk to handle money, carry small merchandise items, and operate cash register/POS system
- Reading and writing skills great enough to allow clerk to comprehend and perform cash handling procedures and complete daily cash register reconciliation paperwork
- Ability to analyze and remember information and make decisions in order to operate cash register efficiently and solve guests’ problems effectively (i.e., returns, refunds, and exchanges)
- Ability to display salesmanship qualities and create a favorable impression with guests by smiling, making eye contact, maintaining good personal hygiene, and reporting in a clean costume
- Ability to use color and depth perception in order to arrange displays and to locate merchandise
- Ability to tolerate noise and stress to accommodate waiting on large numbers of customers
- Ability to cooperate with fellow employees and accept frequent changes in work schedule and job assignments in order to facilitate the greatest effectiveness and efficiency in the work area
- Able to perform other duties as assigned
Physical and Cognitive Requirements
- 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. Employees may also be required to travel to various areas on property which may include changes in terrain, stairs and uneven surfaces
- 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. Employees may be required to work indoors and outdoors
- 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 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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
