Internship Purpose:

Real-life experience and resume credentials: The Merchandise Intern position is a unique opportunity for resume building work experience, as you learn how to become a professional and friendly representative for our company. Immerse yourself in the Hospitality and Hotel Resort world as you maintain clear and open communication with SMR guests. Within your respective shift assignment(s), perfect your customer service and listening skills while you work alongside other team members to create a welcoming environment for the entirety of the guests stay. Build retail skills and join in the adventures at the Outpost Gift Shop and Waterpark Marketplace, offering branded retail products and interactive experiences including; Beary Bear’s Build-A-Buddy, Rowdy Rabbit’s Gem Mining and leather bracelet engraving.

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 property running efficiently. (The Corporate Director of Operations has the authority to modify intern work schedules based on semester and hours requirements). Within their respective assignments the Intern will:

1. Recognize my role is important to impact guest excellence initiatives and repeat visits for future hotel stays.
2. Be a professional, who is courteous and a friendly representative to SMR guests, vendors and other visitors.
3. Retail locations: Outpost Gift Shop, Waterpark Marketplace, Beary Bear’s Build-A-Buddy, Rowdy Rabbit’s Gem Mining and leather bracelet engraving.
   1. Be helpful and ensure an inviting shopping environment.
   2. Provide exceptional guest service, assisting with product selections, upselling opportunities and accessories.
   3. Learn transaction sales procedures and systems.
   4. Train to use the Agilysys POS system for proficient customer service transactions such as; purchases, returns and exchanges. Ensure transactions are completed accurately and efficiently.
   5. Conduct routine inventory checks to inform my supervisor of stock levels and potential orders to ensure products are in stock, to support revenue goals.
   6. Train to use the Yellow Dog Inventory system to conduct inventories, receive new inventory, verify deliveries and restock items.
   7. Maintain the cleanliness standards and creative visual appeals. This includes regular cleaning and organization of retail products and displays.
   8. Ensure communication is accurate when addressing guest inquiries and responding to questions.
4. Host a safe and interactive environment where all guests can have fun and enjoy their stay.
5. Compliance with TOSHA certification, biohazards procedures and responsibilities for safety in handling.
6. Knowledge and ability to comply with all company operating policies and procedures.
7. Perform other incidental and related duties as required and/or assigned.
8. Management reserves the right to change, remove or add to these duties as necessary.

Team Members: 

1. Collaborate with other team members and my supervisor to communicate issues and coordinate tasks to ensure retail areas operate cohesively and efficiently.
2. Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
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. High standard of accuracy in all aspects of the job and other project assignments.
2. Respond to guest related items and issues promptly and professionally in a manner that is consistent with SMR core values.
3. Maintain strict confidentiality and excellent judgment regarding privileged information.
4. Ensure my work areas are safe, organized and maintained.

Position Requirements:

Personality / Attitude:

• Clearly distinguishes between right and wrong.
• Energetic, flexible, cooperative, patient, good listener, friendly, and caring.
• Enjoy working with people, helping others and providing excellent guest 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 organizational skills with excellent attention to detail (ATD).
• Digitally savvy with the ability to learn and use Paycor system, Agilysys POS system and Yellow Dog system for inventory. Software systems may be deleted and/or added with innovations in new technology.

Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrolled in an accredited University or College, (or recent graduate, up to 2-years) is required.
• Pursuing a degree related to Hospitality or Business is preferred.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas/industries is preferred which includes: Retail, Merchandise Sales and Hospitality/Tourism.
• Ability to deal within a diverse workforce.
• Reliable transportation is required.