Park Support Center - Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. 

The Operations Intern role will be involved in key projects being undertaken by the company regarding labor management and operations performance. This position gets up close and personal with the complex and exciting daily responsibilities of operating an amusement or water park, lodging resort, or aquarium. Key functions of this position include assisting with data analysis, labor optimization, and project management across all Herschend Family Entertainment operating locations. The Operations Intern position will provide invaluable work experience in many aspects of the business. Some of the professional skills development that will benefit from this role include public speaking, data analytics, Power BI, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, problem-solving, process optimization, Lean & Six Sigma, expense tracking, and effective communication with leadership.Due to the close working relationship that this role has with park operations leaders, significant travel to the U.S. parks will be required during the summer months. Additionally, the ideal candidate will also be able to work a flexible schedule, which includes weekends, evenings, and holidays during the summer months.This position currently reports to the Director, Workforce Management at the Park Support Center.

We are currently looking for a:

Park Support Center - Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

Roles & Responsibilities:

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Analyze historical data to identify key trends and indicators on top of which future labor management practices will be based.
• Prepare action plans for gaining labor efficiencies and institute follow-up procedures to ensure execution through Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes.
• Assist the Director, Workforce Management with overseeing and managing the overall project.
• Prepare project status update presentations on regular cadence for Director, Workforce Management and Senior Leadership.
• Work with stakeholders at all levels including but not limited to front line team members, park operations managers, park GMs, and Park Support Leadership.
• Assist with system training and functionality presentations to park employees of all ranks.
• Analyze compliance data and identify potential risks in key regulatory areas of park operations, including child labor, IROC, and Ellis lifeguarding standards; recommend and implement measures to control compliance violations
• Quickly understand processes to identify optimization possibilities.
• Other responsibilities are assigned on an as-needed basis by support center leadership.

Education and Experience:

• Must be currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Economics, or Business Management, while maintaining a good academic record.
• Previous work or internship experience involving data analytics, project management, or similar duties highly desired
• Previous hospitality, amusement park, theme park, or waterpark experience is a plus

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including many evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to frequently travel to domestic US park locations throughout the summer (70-80% expected travel)
• Ability to frequently work hours that extend beyond 9 AM to 5 PM during the operating season
• Understanding of demand-based planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint required
• Some experience with Microsoft Power BI or similar data analytics tool is a plus.
• Ability to think creatively while maintaining accordance with business constraints.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines for several stakeholders.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of large groups.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations, meet the demands of constant deadlines and coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills is a must
• Strong self-leadership and evidence of being a self-starter.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to audiences of varying skill and knowledge levels.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time
• Ability to remain seated and use computer for several hours of the workday
• Ability to walk long distances throughout the park
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor setting for long periods of time
• Ability to withstand heat, humidity, direct sun, cold, and other weather elements

Working Conditions:

• This role will be based in both park operations and corporate office settings
• Frequent travel to U.S. parks may be required
• Frequent sedentary motion, while sitting and using computer
• Frequent exposure to outdoor and indoor areas of park locations
• Exposure to the variable outside and inside temperatures, including high heat, cold, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions
• Fast-paced environment with constantly shifting priorities and challenges

Relationships:

Internal: Workforce Management team members and leaders; Park Operations team members and leaders; Park General Managers; Executive Leadership

External: Guests

Team member benefits:

Working at Herschend Family Entertainment is about making people happy. It’s about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra money while doing so.

As a Herschend host, you will get to enjoy many awesome perks, including free admission to our parks, as well as invitations to exciting and exclusive company-hosted events!

We’ve got great jobs for people just starting out in the workforce, looking for a second job or staying active after retirement. If you want a fun, flexible job with an innovative company, look no further than Herschend Family Entertainment. Apply today!