Internship Purpose:

This program provides an exclusive opportunity to gain relevant work experience in the world of Smoky Mountain Resorts (SMR) Waterpark Management. As your mentor, the Aquatics Manager (AQM) will meet with you on a weekly basis to discuss related topics and information in addition to those encountered by the intern on the job. During these discussions, the intern can learn more about other aspects of the Company’s operation, opportunities and specific challenges. During this internship, the Intern will learn more about the Company culture by attending Company Events and interactions with team members from different departments and properties.

Punctuality, timeliness, consistently reporting to work as scheduled and valid reasons for absences is extremely important in our business operations.

Benefits / Pay/ Perks ~

Our interns receive a competitive wage starting at $17 per hour, paid on a weekly basis. But the benefits don’t stop there! We are located in one of the largest tourist industries in the United States, and there is always something exciting to do around the corner. That’s why our perk program provides our employees with free and reduced admission to some of the largest attractions in the area. It’s the perfect place to work and explore!

Who We Are:

Smoky Mountain Resorts (SMR) is a family-focused, collaborative and goal-driven hospitality resort company. Our Great Smoky Mountains community is significant to us. As a third generation, family-owned, and operated business, we embrace a strong commitment to SMR ‘Spirit of Hospitality’ and our Smoky Mountain community.

Primary Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Interns typically work 8-hour shifts, based on resort occupancy and staffing demand. Holidays and weekends are affected by peak demand which means all team members must work together during those days to keep the SMR property running efficiently. Within their respective assignments the Intern will:

1. Learn about the industry of aquatics and recreation and gain hands-on experience in the field of Resort Waterpark Management by working at two different waterpark resort properties throughout their 14-week semester.
2. Develop both written and oral communication skills through interactions and observance with vendors, management and team members on a regular basis throughout the duration of the internship.
3. Document notes and information in a journal for discussion with AQM.
4. Be assigned an ‘aquatics project’ to develop and present in the final week of the internship.
5. Train and be coached in Resort Waterpark Management.
6. Develop a minimum of 3 new skills gained.
7. Compliance with TOSHA certification, biohazards procedures and responsibilities for safety in handling.
8. Knowledge and ability to comply with all company operating policies and procedures.
9. Perform other incidental and related duties as required and/or assigned.
10. Management reserves the right to change, remove or add to these duties as necessary.

Team Members:

1. Interact with team members and guests in a positive and friendly manner, in all situations.
2. No team member will pose a direct threat to the health/safety of self or others.

Quality of Work Statement:

1. Monitor and utilize the approved 14-week semester outline to achieve a successful internship.
2. Internship Project is developed in written form and presented in a PowerPoint format to Executive Management in the final week of the internship.
3. Maintain strict confidentiality and excellent judgment regarding privileged information.
4. Ensure my work areas are safe, organized and maintained.

Position Requirements:

Personality / Attitude

• Energetic, flexible, cooperative, good listener, friendly, and caring.

• Enjoy working with people and providing excellent service.
• Willingness to learn best practices and adapt to procedural changes.
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Appearance, hygiene and dress represent the company’s image.

Skills / Knowledge:

• Must be prompt and willing to work as scheduled.

• Ability to communicate effectively and use the English language fluently: speak, understand, read, and write. Adapt Spanish interpretation when necessary.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Multi-tasking and organizational skills with excellent attention-to-detail (ATD).

• Ensure accuracy of information combined with the ability to proofread.

• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate ideas clearly.

Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Enrolled in an accredited University or College, (or recent graduate, up to 2-years) is required.
• Pursuing a degree related to hospitality management is preferred.

• Aquatic experience is required in addition to one or more of the following industries which includes: Hospitality, Resort or Theme Park is preferred.

• Certification for ‘Shallow Water Lifeguarding’ is required within the first week of the internship semester.
• Certification for Pool Operator (CPO) is required or the ability to obtain within 30 days from work start date. (These professionals are responsible for pool safety, maintenance, cleaning, management, expansion, and more).
• Ability to work within a diverse workforce.
• Reliable transportation is required.