Internship Purpose:

Real-life experience and resume credentials: Retail, supply chain and activities are key attributes for the Country Cascades Retail & Activities Intern, which means you can bring the FUN to our guest’s experiences.  Have you ever thought about what goes on behind-the-scenes in a resort? This intern position is a unique opportunity for a real-life work experience in the world of hospitality and tourism. Host kid dance parties, create crafts, organize game time, and have a chance to embrace your energetic side as a costume character. Build retail skills and join the adventures at the Outpost Gift Shop, offering branded retail products and interactive experiences including; Beary Bear’s Build-A-Buddy, Gem Mining and leather bracelet engraving. You will sharpen your communication skills as you interact and build relationships with our guests on a daily basis.

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.

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!

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 properties running efficiently. Within their respective assignments the Intern will:

1. Assist and coordinate activities to include:
   1. Organize and present a festive and detailed activities schedule, in a timely manner.
   2. Host and lead dance parties and story time for ‘kids of all ages’ in a FUN, entertaining atmosphere.
   3. Participate with and instruct guests on how to create various arts and crafts.
   4. Organize game times for guest participants.
   5. Transition to a costumed ‘Mascot’ for playful guest interactions, appearances and photos. The Intern will be assigned to mascot work for a duration of 30 minutes or less, once or twice per shift. Costume size is medium for an average build with a maximum height of 6 feet.
2. Retail locations: Outpost Gift Shop and Waterpark Marketplace.
   1. Ensure a helpful and welcoming environment.
   2. Provide exceptional guest service, assisting with product selections, upselling opportunities and accessories.
   3. Learn transaction sales procedures and systems.
   4. Use the Agilysys POS system for customer service transactions such as; purchases, returns and exchanges. Ensure transactions are completed accurately and efficiently.
   5. Receive new inventory and verify deliveries.
   6. Maintain the cleanliness standards and creative visual appeals. This includes regular cleaning and organization of retail product and displays.
3. Host a safe and interactive environment where all guests can have fun and enjoy their stay.
4. Knowledge and ability to comply with all company operating policies and procedures.
5. Perform other incidental and related duties as required and/or assigned.
6. Management reserves the right to change, remove or add to these duties as necessary.

Team Members:

1. Multitask alongside fellow team members.
2. Collaborate with fellow team members to bring energy and fun to newly created and themed activities spaces.
3. Interact with team members and guests in a positive and friendly manner, in all situations.
4. No team member will pose a direct threat to the health/safety of self or others.

Quality of Work Statement:

1. Bring FUN to guest experiences.
2. Recognized as a contributor, who is eager to learn and demonstrates enthusiasm as a member of the team.
3. Maintain strict confidentiality and excellent judgment regarding privileged information.
4. Ensure my work areas are safe, organized and maintained.

Position Requirements:

Personality / Attitude

• FUN and energetic, flexible, cooperative, good listener, friendly, and caring.
• Outgoing personality and ability to interact with ‘kids’ of all ages.
• 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.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Multi-tasking and organizational skills with excellent attention-to-detail (ATD).
• Ensure accuracy of information.
• 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 retail, hospitality and tourism is preferred.
• Ability to work within a diverse workforce.
• Reliable transportation is required.