Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is an amusement and water park located near Allentown, Pennsylvania. Among other attractions, it has eight roller coasters in total, including the world’s ninth longest.
The history of the park and its property go back to 1860 and a man named Solomon Dorney, the original property owner. In 1870, Dorney decided to transform his property into a public park. The park passed through many different owners throughout the years, eventually being sold to Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the current owner, in 1992.
The Park has historically been known for many things. In 1901, it opened the world’s largest swimming pool. The park at one time had an 8,000 square foot dance hall, built in 1927, but sadly destroyed by fire in 1985. Every building at the park has a history behind it!
The Park offers many benefits to full-time employees. These include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and paid sick leave and vacation days.
Employees love working for the company because of the unique working environment. As their full-time job employees go to work at a place surrounded by fun, laughter, and joy. They come to the normal smells of amusement parks—Funnel Cakes, hot dogs, fresh cookies—each and every workday.
How old do you have to be to work at Dorney Park?
The age requirement to work for the company depends on the job. For most seasonal jobs, the minimum age is 16 years old (for some, however, the minimum is only 14 years old). For most full-time positions, the age requirement will be higher.
Dorney Park Careers
The company offers many different job opportunities. It offers part-time, full-time, and seasonal (Summer) positions. The jobs range from anything such as ride operators to internet technology technicians.
Food and Beverage Associate: Many guests stay all day at the park, so the park offers various food stands to feed them. Food and Beverage Associates work at these stands, taking orders, working the cash register, and maintaining a clean working area. The minimum working age is 14, or 16 if the associate must prepare food.
Games Associates: Some of the games and attractions at the Park require special assistance and instructions. Games Associates work at an attraction at the park and offer that assistance to guests. They must be friendly, knowledgeable about the attraction, and always ready to give a helping hand.
Ride Operations Supervisor: All of the rides at the park require supervision for safety. Ride Operations Supervisors watch over how the rides run, check for any safety issues, and shut down rides if necessary. They ensure the safety of guests while enjoying the Park’s many attractions. The minimum working age for this position is 18.
Emergency Medical Responder: Because of the high amounts of guests that visit the park daily, accidents sometimes happen that require immediate medical attention. Emergency Medical Responders are the first ones to address these issues, treating them themselves or calling for emergency services. The minimum age requirement is 18.
Warehouse Associate: The park spans across miles of square feet. Storage is necessary for all the equipment used for upkeep. Warehouse Associates keep track of this equipment and make sure all of the Park’s tools and vehicles are accounted for at the end of the day. The minimum age requirement is 18.
Electrical Control Specialist: This is one of the only full-time positions the company currently offers. Its responsibilities include supervising the inspection, maintenance, and repair of ride and attraction controls, and making sure that everything operates safely. The candidate for this position must have a thorough knowledge of all of the tools and equipment necessary for the job.
Ride Mechanic: This is the other full-time position currently offered by the company. The position is responsible for making sure that all of the park’s rides operate and run properly and safely. Other duties include regularly inspecting the rides and performing maintenance if necessary. The candidate for this position must have a thorough knowledge of mechanics and the tools necessary for the job.
Lifeguard: Swimming pools include some of the many attractions at the park. Lifeguards monitor these pools during swimming times in case emergencies arise. Lifeguards must have training and certification before work. They must react quickly to situations and be friendly when interacting when guests. The minimum age requirement is 16.
Park Services Attendant: Because of all that the park offers—rides, swimming pools, food, entertainment—much upkeep is necessary. Park Services Attendants work throughout the park performing various upkeep tasks such as taking care of garbage, sweeping sidewalks, cleaning bathrooms, and many other things. They also interact with guests and help them find attractions. The minimum age requirement is 14.
Merchandise Associate: So that guests can remember their trip to the park, the company offers souvenirs at its gift shops. Merchandise Associates work at these shops and help guests pick out the perfect souvenir. They must be friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the merchandise sold. The minimum age requirement is 16.
Dorney Park Application
Interested candidates can apply for work at the park online for seasonal positions, and by email or mail for full-time positions.
An online application form is available for seasonal jobs only. The form is simple and easy to fill out. Applicants will also have to create an account on the website so they can save their application and other documents to access later.
If applying for a full-time position, candidates should make sure that they apply both via email and by written mail. This will increase the chances of the company taking notice of their application.
On their résumés, applicants should make sure to be friendly and caring workers. The company highly values these qualities in their employees.
If invited to interview, an applicant should make sure that they know about the history of the park. This will show that he cares about the park where he is applying to work.
Facts about Dorney Park
The culture of the company is definitely a unique one. The park attracts people of all cultures, so it’s typical for employees at the park to hear numerous different languages. The company promotes a positive and helpful work ethic, attitudes fitting for the amusement and waterpark.
In 1860, the original owner of the park, Solomon Dorney, built it as a fish hatchery to supply fish local markets and fishermen. In its 157 year history, the park has definitely changed a lot. It now offers instead of fresh fish, over 100 different rides, shows, and attractions.
Dorney Park is a great benefit for Pennsylvania’s economy. It attracts around 1.5 million visitors every year and hires thousands of workers each year!
The company runs the Booster Bucks Fundraising program to support non-profit organizations. The company donates $80 to $125 per each person from the non-profit organization that comes and volunteers at the park. Volunteers can get donations for their organization while having a day of fun, fulfilling work!