Festival Specialist - Dollywood Theme Park - Full Time Year Round

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking a Festival Specialist 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 Festival Specialist will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.

This role exists to support the Special Events Department and related duties for various festivals in order to provide Guests with a high-quality festival experience. These responsibilities will be performed in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, operating philosophies and standards of the Dollywood Company.

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

• Participate in event setup and tear down activities to include, but not limited to assembly, disassembly, transport and/or installation and storage of displays, décor, and event facilities
• Assist in production and installation of décor and atmosphere elements as assigned by Team Lead/Administrator/Supervisor
• Assist in constructing, modifying, or repairing structures, décor, storage materials, and warehouse facilities
• Adhere to clean up and attention to detail activities
• Follow established festival icon and light installation procedures as needed
• Inspect on park décor and event icons daily for a fresh, crisp look
• Work a varied schedule with flexible scheduling and open availability to include days and overnights as needed
• Perform other duties as requested by Special Events Team Lead
• Wear Dollywood Special Events approved costume or uniform
• Assist with event operations and support of other park teams as required
• Keep work areas orderly, neat, safe, and well-maintained including equipment and décor items
• Designs, constructs, retrofits, and repairs cabinets, tables, shelves, benches, and storage. Perform duties in a safe manner in compliance with manufacturer's specifications, company policies & procedures, applicable regulations, and industry standards
• Operate construction equipment needed to perform assigned projects, i.e., bobcat, forklift, manlift, dump trucks, etc
• Utilize basic and specialized carpentry hand and power tools needed to perform assigned projects
• Perform semi-skilled and unskilled laboring duties related to the installation, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of electrical systems and equipment
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment and keep parts and supplies in order
• Transport tools, materials, equipment, and supplies to work site
• Safely transport festival décor of varying sizes between both on and off park storage locations
• Prepare materials, clean work areas, and track supplies and inventory
• Regularly inspects and evaluates electrical and electronic equipment to ensure that it operates efficiently and safely: identify defects, hazards, or need for repair or adjustment to ensure abidance with codes
• Work in direct contact with all park operating teams and properties including Dollywood Theme Park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Heartsong Lodge and Resort on implementation of signage projects
• Prepare surfaces to be painted by removing old paint, utilizing scrapers, wire brushes, and cleaning or pressure washing
• Apply primer, new paint or other coating according to manufacturers’ instructions
• Clean brushes, rollers, sprayers and other equipment upon completion, and disposes of paint, solvents and cleaners according to City hazardous materials procedures
• Report needs for additional supplies, equipment, etc., with adequate notice to ensure that they are available when needed
• The ability to make operational decisions in response to environment or situation
• Be able to react to daily equipment needs and upkeep
• Drive company vehicles (cars, vans, non-commercial trucks) to transport personnel and/or supplies
• Responsible for routine site maintenance and upkeep of lighting systems and related components. Also responsible for maintenance and upkeep that requires a high level of investigation and problem solving
• Be able to complete repairs on cabling systems
• Willing to learn new hardware, software and processes
• Provide great problem solving in stressful situations

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time

Education and Experience Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Must be trained in rigging to meet all industry standards and OSHA requirements within 90 days of hire
• Experience in decorating and display assemblage preferred
• 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, credit check 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 reflect Dollywood’s image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in work
• 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 committed to continuous improvement
• Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
• Must promote and support a “team” work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
• 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 add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy
• Ability to move about and react quickly in emergency situations
• Able to tolerate detergents and chemicals
• Must be able to effectively communicate with fellow Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
• Able and willing 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.