Great Wolf Lodge is a fast growing entertainment hotel that has 11 established locations throughout North America.
Our lodges’ main focus is to “Create family traditions one family at a time,” which we successfully do on a daily
basis. Extensive training is provided to all of our pack members to encourage and empower them to seek continuous
improvement in the operation of our lodges both individually and together as a team. Part of our training is to make
time for each guest, which can be as simple as taking a family picture for our guests, so no one is left out. Creating
these wonderful memories can only be done through our pack of employees.
The Great Wolf Lodge encourages a fun and camaraderie atmosphere in many different ways to our pack members.
At the Great Wolf Lodge we offer a fun and friendly environment to both our guests and our pack members. The
atmosphere is relaxing with a high energy level as pack members are dressed in casual uniforms that compliment the
great outdoors. As such, it shows through our pack members smiles and caring ways while at work. We foster a
work environment where our pack members are viewed as a “Family,” giving each other HIGH PAWS (high fives)
for a job well done. A contagious passion is evident in the lodge ensuring our guests are having a HOWLING
GOOD TIME!
The Great Wolf Lodge has developed a strong relationship with local agencies such as The N.C. Division
Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Deaf Connections and Forerunner Services, Inc. These agencies deal in looking
for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Since our opening in 2009, we have filled positions
in our Laundry department with people that are hard of hearing. We have had to ensure that communication
barriers were removed by installing fire alarms with flashing lights, providing interpreters, captioning on televisions
and kits for telephones. In addition, we use a large dry erase board in Laundry for daily communication. Certain
etiquette such as speaking directly to the employee and not the interpreter slowly and clearly as many can read lips,
and loudly for those partially impaired. The uses of gestures, exchange of written notes/text messages, as well as,
body language are other key factors used as communication. Smiling a lot goes a long way compared to crossing
your arms or a frown on your face which is seen as a negative message.
It is imperative when hiring hearing impaired staff that you know the difference between a Certified Sign Language
Interpreter versus a Signer. Interpreters use terminology that can be much more advanced, are able to keep up with
the speaker, and can render the message faithfully, conveying the content and spirit of the speaker. Signers present
in more of a natural conversation by discussing day-to-day events and chatting with friends, and they control their
own content, pace and message. Great Wolf has chosen to use licensed Sign Language Interpreters to ensure
proficient and ethical interpreting skills, knowledge and expertise to function in a professional capacity, and they do
not sensor any portion of the conversation. We have found that seating and lighting and reserving seats with a clear
view of both the speaker and interpreter works the best for our hard of hearing pack members. If the interpreting is
more than an hour in length, non-stop or intense in conversation, it is best to have a team of interpreters to take turns
signing.
Great Wolf offers special programs to help pack members balance their work lives with their personal and/or family
lives. Flexible work schedules and competitive pay allows our staff to work their schedules within their obligations.
We are committed to our pack members!