Employment Opportunities

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. We’d love to have you on our team!

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.


Please submit a completed job application, cover letter and current resume to Leah Ayers, Human Resources Assistant, (865) 436-7318 ext. 234

After selecting a position for application from the list above, use the Application button in the menu above to complete and save the job application. Then send the application, a cover letter and current resume to Human Resources Assistant Leah Ayers at leah@SmokiesLife.org

Great Smokies

Welcome Center

Hours of Operation

(subject to change)

Open year round (closed December 25)


January - February

Open Daily 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

March - November

Open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
December

Open Daily 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

The Great Smokies Welcome Center is located on U.S. 321 in Townsend, TN, 2 miles from the west entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can get information about things to see and do in and around the national park and shop from a wide selection of books, gifts, and other Smokies merchandise. Daily, weekly, and annual parking tags for the national park are also available.

Physical Address

7929 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Townsend TN 37882

Contact

865.436.7318 Ext 320