Quick Answer: Great Wolf Lodge is the largest family-oriented indoor water park resort chain in North America, with locations across the United States. Apply online at greatwolf.com/careers. Positions include lifeguards, front desk agents, food service workers, housekeeping staff, and entertainment team members. Many roles are open to applicants as young as 16 and pay between $14 and $22 per hour depending on position and location.
About Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge operates a chain of family resort hotels built around large enclosed water parks that operate year-round regardless of outdoor weather. Each resort includes multiple water slides, a wave pool, activity pools, and dry entertainment areas featuring arcade games, bowling alleys, ropes courses, and themed dining experiences. Resorts range from approximately 400 to 900 suites and employ hundreds of team members per property across operations, food service, recreation, housekeeping, and management functions.
How to Apply at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge manages hiring at the resort level through its centralized online careers portal.
- Visit greatwolf.com/careers and search by location and job category.
- Create an account and submit your application for a specific role and location.
- Qualified applicants receive a call or email from resort HR to schedule an interview.
- Interviews are conducted at the resort or via video call.
- A background check is required for all positions.
- New team members attend paid orientation and role-specific training.
Great Wolf Lodge Positions and Pay
| Position | Pay Range | Age Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguard | $14–$18/hr | 15+ (varies by state) |
| Front Desk Agent | $15–$20/hr | 18+ |
| Food & Beverage Team Member | $14–$18/hr | 16+ |
| Housekeeping Attendant | $15–$20/hr | 18+ |
| Entertainment / Activities Staff | $14–$18/hr | 16+ |
| Shift Supervisor | $18–$24/hr | 18+ |
| Department Manager | $50,000–$70,000/yr | 18+ |
Application Requirements
Most entry-level Great Wolf Lodge positions require applicants to be at least 16 years old, though front desk, housekeeping, and supervisory positions typically require candidates to be 18 or older. No prior hospitality or resort experience is required for most associate-level roles. Lifeguard positions require either a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification or the ability to pass a swim test, as Great Wolf Lodge provides paid certification training. Food and beverage roles may require a food handler’s permit depending on state law. All positions require a background check.
Benefits at Great Wolf Lodge
Full-time Great Wolf Lodge employees receive access to a benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Eligible employees may participate in a retirement savings plan. Team members receive resort perks including discounts on stays, dining, and merchandise at Great Wolf Lodge properties. Paid time off and holiday pay are provided for qualifying full-time positions. Aquatics team members benefit from free lifeguard certification training, which is a portable industry credential valued at over $100 in most markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Great Wolf Lodge hire teenagers?
Yes. Many positions including lifeguard, food service, and entertainment roles are open to applicants as young as 15 or 16, depending on the state and role. Front desk and housekeeping positions typically require applicants to be at least 18.
Does Great Wolf Lodge provide lifeguard certification?
Yes. Great Wolf Lodge pays for American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification training for hired candidates who are not yet certified. You must pass a swim test to qualify for the training program.
Are Great Wolf Lodge jobs year-round or seasonal?
Great Wolf Lodge resorts operate year-round because the indoor water parks are not weather-dependent. Full-time positions are available year-round, though some additional seasonal staffing occurs during summer and school break periods.
Can I get a discount on resort stays as an employee?
Yes. Team members receive discounts on resort stays, dining, and merchandise at Great Wolf Lodge properties. Discount terms vary by property and employment status.