Jobs

Working in the Smokies

Imagine waking up each day in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, the most visited national park in the United States. Just a day's drive from most of the U.S. population, this natural and cultural wonder attracts those who feel a deep connection to its rich history and incredible biodiversity. In one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, the Smokies are alive with stories of the Cherokee people and the Appalachian families who called this land home.

Working in the Smokies offers you the chance to be part of something greater: protecting and sharing the wonders of nature with millions who seek solace and adventure in these peaks. It’s more than a job; it’s a calling to be a steward of the environment and a storyteller of its heritage.

Join us on this rewarding journey, where each day is an opportunity to inspire and connect with others—and, most importantly, to help preserve the legacy of these mountains for generations to come.

Applying for Federal Jobs

All job opportunities are announced on USAJOBS. Applicants must submit an application for every advertised position they are interested in. There is no general application for positions, nor is there a "standing file" for positions. Only United States citizens may be considered for government positions with the National Park Service. Learn more about working for the National Park Service.

Applying for a federal job is not the same as applying for a job in the private sector. Certain information is needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the legal requirements for federal employment. If your resume or application does not provide all of the information requested in the job vacancy announcement, you may lose consideration for the job.

To be successful in applying for a position within the National Park Service, take a deep dive into the help center on USAJOBS.

Disability Employment Program

Schedule A

Schedule A refers to a special hiring authority that gives federal agencies an optional and potentially quicker way to hire individuals with disabilities. You can apply for jobs using Schedule A if you are a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability. To be eligible for Schedule A, you must provide a proof of disability letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. Applicants must also meet the qualifications and/or education requirements for the position.

Learn more about this unique hiring path on USAJobs.

Internships

The Smokies is committed to fostering a welcoming work environment. We offer a variety of internship opportunities that cater to different interests and career paths within the park.

Positions Available

Internships vary by role, allowing participants to gain experience in various fields such as field work, education, visitor services, and more.

Career Advancement

Many of our former interns have transitioned into permanent positions, not only in the Smokies but also in other national parks across the country. These internships serve as a steppingstone for those passionate about the National Park Service.

Housing

May be provided.

Apply

Our positions are advertised through partner organizations such as the ones listed below. Most summer positions are listed January through March, while longer term positions are listed periodically. We encourage interns to research all of the opportunities available and choose what best fits their interest.

• CAC Americorps

• Americorps

• American Conservation Experience EPIC

• American Conservation Experience CREW

• Southeast Conservation Corps

Contact us for more information on internships.

Skillbridge

Great Smoky Mountains also works closely with the DOD SkillBridge program. This program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service.

Want to volunteer?

Get more information about how you can help the Smokies on the volunteer page.