Park Ambassador Member - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking ONE Park Ambassador Member to support the Volunteer-In-Park (VIP) Program of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: February 23, 2026

Estimated End Date: December 19, 2026 (or 43-weeks after start date)

*a 43-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based out of Sugarlands Visitor Center, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unique among America's National Parks; located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its rich diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of the ancient mountains and forests, and its preservation of the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

For more information regarding Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit the parks website.

Position Overview: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) works with Volunteers to preserve its diverse natural and cultural resources while providing for public enjoyment in ways that leave these abundant but fragile resources unimpaired for future generations. The Park Ambassador member will work both indoors and in the field. They will assist daily with administrative oversight and communications for GRSM's Volunteer-In-Park (VIP) Program which is the largest, most operationally integrated service program in the national park system. The member will also plan and lead volunteer activities and field projects throughout the park.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: GRSM's 800 miles straddle TN & NC. Both sides of the park are in the Eastern Time Zone. In winter/spring, the member will work 5 days per week (M – F) with the shift typically being 9:00am – 5:30pm. March through April is our volunteer recognition event season. During this time, the shift may be significantly longer. The member must be available to work up to 2 weekends per month in summer/fall, when they organize and lead 'Smokies Service Day' volunteer projects in the field.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of their term.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include Volunteer Program Management, Operational Leadership, Resource Education may be led by park staff. Intern participation in all developmental opportunities is encouraged, and includes offerings by Park Partners (Discover Life in America; Smokies Life; Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont) as well as community organizations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements. Mountainous terrain in the Smokies is winding and steep. The intern will need to be comfortable operating a passenger van and other government vehicles on occasion.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an undergrad or advanced degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as outdoor recreation, event planning, administrative assistance, public speaking, group motivation, product promotion, environmental studies, psychology, physical fitness, conservation stewardship, outdoor education, project collaboration, media outreach, project development, program / staff management, leadership studies, previous experience as a volunteer, reception or secretarial experience, grant writing, data entry and analysis, database management, web page management, performing arts, creative writing, language studies, nature exploration, hiking, photography, office management, warehouse organizing, human resources, staff recruitment, stage management, visual arts, hiking/camping, safety planning, interpersonal & written communications, high-level spelling / grammar skills

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel & Powerpoint); the candidate should be articulate, with strong written and verbal communication skills. An ideal candidate will also demonstrate attributes including but not limited to the following: reliability / professionalism / self-discipline; maintain civility in all communications (even under duress); confidence navigating online recruitment and onboarding platforms (volunteer.gov); interest in developing leadership and program management skills; enthusiasm about outreach / recruitment / leadership; good organizational skills; ability to work independently or with a team; interest in improving ability to motivate and provide clear direction (and safety oversight) for volunteers; has affinity for people and backgrounds; seeks to instill confidence in others ability to grow and learn; appreciates an opportunity to learn from people of varying ages / interests / abilities / backgrounds

• Ability and willingness to perform daily administrative duties in an office setting. All tasks require consistent attention to detail and focused follow-through. Responsibilities include oversight of online platforms for volunteer recruitment and onboarding; data entry and analysis; spreadsheet management; email and in-person communications; uniform/supplies inventory; assistance with event planning/facilitation. In summer and fall, the intern will plan and lead outdoor service projects for volunteers. Ideal candidate is a reliable, service-driven individual who strives for excellence in work assignments and civility in interpersonal communications. Must be comfortable working alone and with others. Should be comfortable driving a six-passenger van and other government vehicles.

• Deep interest in helping facilitate rewarding service-learning opportunities for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds in a national park setting

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires [frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, lifting and carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing]. Manual dexterity required for [use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment]. Required to [lift and carry, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch].
• Vision Requirements: Requires [close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus / ability to work in bright sunlight as well as more dimly lit areas].
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to [8] lbs., ability to move up to [25] pounds.
• Environmental: [Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.] [Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.]
• Noise Environment: [Moderate to high noise such gas-powered leaf-blowers and other hand and power tools.] [Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.]
• Travel: [This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: A vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties. One will be provided by the NPS. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification, safety protocol is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Program Manager, Molly Nash.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.