We’d love to have you on our team!
Looking to join a fun, fast-paced, professional workplace? With millions visiting the Smokies each year—many of whom filter through its visitor centers—bookstore employees are some of the park’s most important ambassadors.
Available Positions
Sales Assistant
Job Statement: Under general supervision, performs administrative and clerical duties in operation of sales outlet managed by Smokies Life. Is responsible for assisting customers with purchases and inquiries about the Park and Smokies Life. Is responsible for sales transactions and for ensuring proper inventory of sales shelves. Will be expected to travel to other stores located in a specific area.
Duties: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Operates visitor center sales outlet; performs opening/closing procedures; operates media player to showcase video media available for sale; secures sales outlet at end of workday.
- Provides customer service in person or by telephone; provides assistance/information related to park/visitor center services, facilities, activities, locations, distances, merchandise, charges/fees, procedures, or other issues; directs visitors to points of interest within park; provides information regarding programs of Smokies Life and the National Park Service (NPS); provides interpretive information to assist visitors with identification of indigenous wildlife, flora, and fauna; refers inquiries to proper Smokies Life officials, NPS officials, Gateway Regional Visitor Center partners, or other personnel as appropriate.
- Performs retail sales work; assists customers with selection of merchandise for purchase; conducts sales transactions; operates computerized cash register; process credit card payments, accepts cash payments, and makes change for items purchased.
- Promotes the benefits of Smokies Life membership to visitors; recruits and processes new members and renewal members.
- Records/secures moneys received; collects money deposited by visitors into brochure/leaflet dispensers; sorts, counts, and records money; balances cash register drawers; prepares bank deposits.
- Maintains/stocks vending machines; collects, records, and secures money; coordinates service/repair when needed.
- Maintains/displays shelf inventory of merchandise for sale; stocks shelves, brochure/leaflet dispensers, and display tables; places, moves, or removes stock items; replenishes items as necessary; obtains items from stock room.
- Initiates requests for new/replacement materials from warehouse; inspects deliveries to verify accuracy and completeness of order; identifies incorrect or damaged items; packages items for shipment; communicates with warehouse personnel regarding status of orders, discrepancies, or problems; assists in conducting periodic inventories.
Minimum training and experience: Graduation from high school and 1 to 2 years of experience in retail sales, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Must have general knowledge of the programs, goals and objectives of the Great Smoky Mountains Association and the National Park Service.
Type: Seasonal, 20-40 hours per week
Hiring Rate: $15.75/hr. + incentive pay. $20 travel stipend per day for Cades Cove Visitor Center and Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
Hire Date: As Needed
Supervisor: Senior Store Manager
Deadline: Until position is filled, 3-4 spots available
Available Locations: For more information regarding the Sales Assistant position, feel free to contact any of our Sales Team Managers.
- Clingmans Dome Visitor Center, Mingus Mill, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, or Swain County Visitor Center & Museum — Matt Drauszewski, (865) 436-7318 ext. 327, matt@SmokiesLife.org
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center or Sugarlands Visitor Center — Judy Bowman (865) 436-7318 ext. 323, judyB@SmokiesLife.org
- Cades Cove — Trish Lumpkin, patricia@SmokiesLife.org
Please submit a completed job application, cover letter and current resume to Leah Ayers, Human Resources Assistant, (865) 436-7318 ext. 234
Information Assistant
Do you enjoy meeting and talking to people? Do you love Great Smoky Mountains National Park and have a wealth of knowledge you would like to share? Smokies Life has the position for you. We are looking for outgoing people to staff the information desk at Sugarlands Visitor Center. You would be working for Smokies Life in a supporting role to the National Park Service to orientate and help some of the 12 million visitors who pass through the doors every day.
Job Statement: The purpose of this position is to assist in providing information to Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors and to answer any questions that visitors have about the park, park-related activities, and surrounding communities.
Duties: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Works closely with National Park Service and Smokies Life store staff and volunteers to accomplish the mission of informing and educating the public about Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Greets park visitors in a friendly and professional manner. Orients visitors to park themes, activities, and facilities.
- Provides accurate visitor information concerning the natural and cultural history of the park, recreational and educational opportunities, hiking trails and safety protocols, area attractions, directions, and locations of area accommodations. Information will be given in person, by telephone or by email. The ability to use a computer and telephone is required.
Knowledge and skills required:
- Ability to work independently when required.
- Skilled in clear oral communication with NPS, volunteers, association store staff, and especially in dealing with the public.
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully in written form when required.
- Ability to acquire and communicate accurate knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its significance.
- Ability to acquire and communicate accurate knowledge of communities surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Ability to work assigned schedule, which includes weekends and holidays, and may include some evenings.
- Ability to respond to telephone and email inquiries.
Physical requirements:
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Ability to hear and speak clearly.
Minimum training and experience:
- High school diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving retail sales, customer service, or clerical work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. May require possession and maintenance of a valid driver’s license.
Type: Seasonal, 20-40 hours per week
Hiring Rate: $15.75/Hr
Hire Date: As needed
Deadline: Until position is filled, 4-5 spots available
Available Locations: For more information regarding the Sales Assistant position, feel free to contact any of our Sales Team Managers.
- Gatlinburg, TN — Judy Bowman (865) 436-7318 ext. 348, judyB@SmokiesLife.org
- Oconluftee Visitor Center — Matt Drauszewski, (865) 436-7318 ext. 327, matt@SmokiesLife.org
Please submit a completed job application, cover letter and current resume to Leah Ayers, Human Resources Assistant, (865) 436-7318 ext. 234
Warehouse Assistant
Smokies Life is a hiring team member who loves Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoys a fast-paced retail environment!
We seek an hourly warehouse assistant to work at our warehouse in Gatlinburg, TN. This is a seasonal position.
Duties: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Assists with product operations by receiving delivery orders, unpacking and storing incoming goods, removing goods from shelves, affixing price labels and tags to merchandise.
Assists with the pulling and packing of store transfers.
Assists mail-order by pulling and packing orders, answering phones, retrieving messages, and processing orders through the register.
Assists in conducting inventory of department stock; uses computer to conduct inventory checks.
Operates a forklift, hand truck, personal computer, delivery van or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
Tasks require the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that generally involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (75-100 pounds).
Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving related merchandise and warehouse operations duties; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
Type: Seasonal through November, 20-40 hours per week
Hiring Rate: $15.75/hr.
Hire Date: As Needed
Supervisor: Assistant Retail Director
Deadline: Until position is filled. For more information regarding the Warehouse Assistant position, feel free to contact Brenda Ownby, (865) 436-7318 ext. 352, brenda@smokieslife.org
Please submit a completed job application, cover letter and current resume to Leah Ayers, Human Resources Assistant, (865) 436-7318 ext. 234
