We would 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.Â
Available Visitor Center/Book Store Positions
 Thank you for your interest in working for Smokies Life. We are currently hiring for sales and information assistants. See below for job descriptions and information on how to apply.
Available Administrative Positions
Thank you for your interest in working for Smokies Life. We are currently hiring for a human resources assistant.Â
Smokies Life Human Resources Assistant
Smokies Life is seeking a detail-oriented and people-focused Human Resources Assistant to support our team and help advance our mission in partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The HR Assistant manages day-to-day payroll operations and supports a wide range of HR functions, including onboarding, benefits administration, personnel file management, audits, unemployment documentation, and employee training. This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to confidentiality and high ethical standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPayroll & Timekeeping
- Manage timekeeping and payroll processing with accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality.
- Review and post payroll entries, pay rates, deductions, bonuses, and related data.
- Train supervisors and team leads on effective, compliant timekeeping practices.
Personnel & Benefits Administration
- Support the personnel tracking system and process HR documentation.
- Coordinate new-hire paperwork and onboarding; orient employees on Smokies Life benefits.
- Maintain personnel files and digital HR records.
- Assist with administering employee benefits, including health insurance and other programs.
Compliance & Reporting
- Assist with unemployment insurance audits; prepare and submit required separation or unemployment documentation.
- Maintain required employment records and complete employment censuses.
- Uphold strict confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and all employment regulations.
Recruitment & Employee Support
- Partner with the HR Director and supervisors to recruit, interview, hire, and retain a mission-driven workforce.
- Support employee orientation, training activities, and recognition events.
- Stay current on HR best practices by attending training as needed.
General Organizational Support
- Provide clerical and administrative assistance to staff and the general public.
- Operate computers, office equipment, and common software tools.
- Maintain regular in-person attendance at headquarters and travel as needed
Qualifications
- Experience in payroll processing, HR administration, or a related field preferred.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Proficiency with computers, HRIS/timekeeping systems, and common office software.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
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Why Work at Smokies Life?
- Meaningful work that supports the mission of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- A collaborative, mission-driven workplace
- Opportunities for professional growth
- Employee benefits offered (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.)
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Send your application, resume, and cover letter to kelli@smokieslife.org. Applications accepted through April 24, 2026. Complete job description found here.
Sales Assistant
Job Summary
Under general supervision, this position supports daily operations of a Smokies Life visitor center sales outlet. Responsibilities include assisting visitors, completing sales transactions, maintaining merchandise displays, and ensuring accurate cash handling. Travel to other stores within the assigned area may be required.
Key Duties
- Open and close the visitor center; secure the location at the end of the day.
- Provide friendly, accurate customer service in person and by phone, including information about park services, activities, fees, and Smokies Life/NPS programs.
- Assist customers with merchandise selection and complete sales using a computerized register; process cash and card payments.
- Promote Smokies Life memberships; process new and renewal memberships.
- Handle cash accurately: sort and record funds, balance drawers, prepare deposits, and collect money from brochure/leaflet dispensers.
- Stock and maintain merchandise displays, brochure racks, and vending machines; report service needs.
- Request and receive inventory from the warehouse; verify deliveries, identify issues, and assist with periodic inventory counts.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma and 1–2 years of retail experience, or equivalent training/experience.
- General knowledge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokies Life, and the National Park Service is preferred.
Type:Â Seasonal, 20-40 hours per week
Hiring Rate:Â $16.00/hr. + incentive pay. $20 travel stipend per day for Cades Cove and Kuwohi Visitor Centers
Hire Date:Â As Needed
Supervisor:Â Senior Store Manager
Deadline:Â Until position is filled, 3-4 spots available
Available Locations:Â For more information regarding the Sales Assistant position, feel free to contact any of our Sales Team Managers.
- Kuwohi Visitor Center, Mingus Mill, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and Swain County Visitor Center & Museum — Matt Drauszewski, (865) 436-7318 ext. 327, matt@SmokiesLife.org
- Gatlinburg Welcome Center and Sugarlands Visitor Center — Margaret Mungus (865) 436-7318 ext. 348, margaret@SmokiesLife.org
- Cades Cove Visitor Center and Great Smokies Welcome Center – Trish Lumpkin (865) 436-7318 ext. 320, patricia@SmokiesLife.org
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Please submit a completed job application, cover letter and current resume to Human Resources, (865) 436-7318 x228
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:Â 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.Â
Type: Seasonal, 20-40 hours per week
Hiring Rate: $16.00/Hr
Hire Date: As needed
Deadline: Until position is filled, 4-5 spots available
Available Locations: For more information regarding the Information Assistant position, feel free to contact any of our Sales Team Managers.
- Sugarlands Visitor Center — Margaret Munkus (865) 436-7318 ext. 348, margaret@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 Human Resources, (865) 436-7318 x228
Webstore and Warehouse Assistant
Smokies Life is hiring a team member who loves Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoys a fast-paced retail environment!
We seek an hourly Webstore and Warehouse Assistant to work at our warehouse in Gatlinburg, TN. This is a seasonal position.
Duties:Â 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.
Manage all activities in relation to webstore sales. This includes but is not limited to:
- Retrieving sales from the website, fulfilling, packing, and shipping these sales.
- Answering the phone, fielding questions, and taking call-in orders.
- Retrieving messages from the phone system and replying to messages as needed.
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As a warehouse assistant, you will — assist with product operations by receiving delivery orders, unpacking and storing incoming goods, removing goods from shelves, and affixing price labels and tags to merchandise.
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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).
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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: $17.00/hr.
Hire Date:Â As Needed
Supervisor: Warehouse Operations Manager
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 Human Resources, (865) 436-7318 x228