Job Details

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we are seeking a Lifeguard who will embody our mission of Creating Memories Worth Repeating while Bringing Families Closer Together. We do this every day across all properties, all located in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

This role exists to provide proactive guest supervision and service in and around aquatic venues. The Lifeguard is responsible for the safe operation of assigned attractions. All to be done in a manner consistent with the mission, values, and operating philosophies of The Dollywood Company.

These responsibilities willbe carried out in a manner consistent with the mission, values and operating philosophies and standards of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. The Lifeguard may serve at the Dollywood Theme Park property during Dollywood's Splash Country's off-season.

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 & Responsibilities

15 Year Olds

• Provide proactive guest supervision in and around water attractions
• Verbally communicate and enforce safety policies, procedures, and attraction rules and report violations to appropriate leadership
• React calmly and quickly in emergency situations and provide care that is consistent with the Ellis and Associates International Lifeguard Training Program
• Visually observe guest actions and ride operations to ensure a safe guest experience
• Maintain count of number of riders as required to ensure a consistent rider experience
• Provide Park information and initiate friendly and professional interactions with guests to Create Memories Worth Repeating™
• Participate in all required training courses including weekly in-service training
• Maintain Park cleanliness and appearance
• Follow all Host Safety Standards and General Safety Training guidelines and use associated injury prevention measures
• Suspend operations when Safety Standards or Procedures have been violated, or a safety hazard to Guests or Hosts occurs

16 + Years Old

• All essential functions and responsibilities from the section above
• Work at elevated locations including tops of attraction towers and play structures
• Dispatch riders at tops of attractions and maintain proper throughput and line speed
• Complete required ride throughs to ensure an accurate and safe guest experience
• May assist with pre and post operational responsibilities including attention to detail cleaning that may require training and use of chemicals or powered equipment including leaf blower, pressure washer, and air compressor

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

Education and Experience Required

• Must be at least 15 years of age
• Employees may be required to be 18 years of age to operate some equipment
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Successfully complete Ellis and Associates International Lifeguard Training Program course
  1. Special Facilities certification:
     1. Able to complete CPR certification
     2. Able to swim 200 yards using crawl or breaststroke without resting
     3. Able to surface dive feet-first and retrieve a 10-pound diving brick from depth of 8 feet
     4. Able to tread water for 2 minutes without using arms
     5. Pass a written 50 question test and water practical examinations with a score of 80% or better

1. 1. Shallow Water certification:
      1. Able to complete CPR certification
      2. Able to swim 50 yards using crawl or breaststroke without resting
      3. Able to feet-first surface dive and retrieval of 10-pound diving brick from depth of 5 feet and must be able to swim 10 feet under water
      4. Pass written 50 question test and water practical examinations with a score of 80% or better

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 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 and handle frequent changes in priorities
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy
• Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
• Able to tolerate various temperatures while working outdoors
• Able to meet the physical demands of the job
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Able to tolerate various temperatures when working outdoors
• Able to have a minimum of 20/25 or 20/25 corrected vision with no permanent abnormalities of either eye
• Able to wear corrective lenses as needed to assure a minimum of 20/25 vision while wearing sunglasses
• Able to sit, walk, run, and stand on concrete, uneven surfaces, and in the water for 10+ hours
• Able to climb steps with good balance
• Able to tolerate noise and heights
• Able to maintain stamina in all weather conditions: direct sun, rain, wind, high humidity, etc.
• Able to bend, twist, and/or stoop for continuous periods
• Able to push rafts
• Able to perform other functions as assigned by Management
• Able to project voice and clearly speak with authority to direct guests who are acting in an unsafe manner

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 notice from the Department of Labor.