Summer 2026 Chaplain 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 a Summer Chaplain Intern who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together and caring deeply about our brand. 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.  The right Summer 2026 Chaplain Intern checklist will include equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.

The Dollywood Company Chaplain Intern works as a member of the Wellness Team to serve all Hosts at Dollywood Parks and Resorts with emphasis on promoting our resources of employee care. Life-on-life ministry opportunities will exist with residents while the intern is living at the International Residence Hall (IRH). Participation in this program may qualify for academic credit and/or course study requirements through practical experience within a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, and the 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

• Shadow members of the Wellness Team to become familiar with activities and opportunities for Host and guest wellness engagement
• Assume responsibilities to assist the Wellness Team by providing wellness programming and support for employees
• May be asked to speak, give public prayer, or preach in Chapel or other settings as needed
• Mentoring will be provided to empower care-giving focused on helping Hosts and IRH Residents to understand more fully life’s events as they relate to their spiritual and emotional wellbeing, referring to professional counselors or other professional assistance as needed or required
• Evaluate, identify, and complete, at minimum, one project benefiting the care for Hosts or guests of Dollywood Parks and Resorts
• Develop, lead, and implement opportunities for Hosts (and Guests) to learn and grow spiritually through activities including, but not limited to studies, worship services, and service projects appropriate to the respective location and occasion
• Coordinate all community and charitable activities at IRH with designated IRH leadership
• Attend Southern Hospitality Internship Program (SHIP) activities.
• Attend scheduled intern program meetings to learn about different functions of theme parks and resorts

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

Education and Experience Required

• Chaplain must maintain a viable relationship with a local community of faith
• Must have strong interest in pursuing studies or vocation in the field of workplace ministry, faith & community, or leisure & spirituality
• Must be near completion or within two years of having completed undergraduate studies
• Strong reading, writing, and speaking skills
• Working knowledge of common office software, such as word processing and spreadsheet software, is required
• Demonstrated knowledge of corporate and company policies and procedures.
• Must successfully pass a background check and drug test
• Must be at least 21 years old.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must display and live out Lead with Love qualities strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed
• Must be an individual of good report as to personal conduct in their home, business, and church
• 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 a 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, dynamic 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 show appreciation to others
• Able to get along with other employees to work out problems and resolve conflicts
• 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
• Able to communicate effectively using standard English grammar and punctuation
• Able to tolerate various temperatures while working outdoors
• Able to meet the physical demands of the job
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds

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.