Internship Purpose:

Real-life experience and resume credentials: Resort Hotel Operations & Hospitality are key attributes for a Rooms Division Intern. The Rooms Division is responsible for the operations of the Housekeeping Team and Grounds Department in its entirety. You will gain experience in Hotels and Hospitality that will prove meaningful in whatever career path you choose. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to grow and learn through hands-on exposure in day-to-day operational tasks within your assigned areas. Providing excellent guest service and learning to utilize leadership skills as important skills learned in real-life work experiences. Bonus: You will also have a great time networking with other team members and professionals within our industry.

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 significant to impact guest excellence initiatives and repeat visits for future hotel stays.
2. Become productive in the most hard-working department within the hospitality industry.
3. Compliance with onboarding training to consistently clean and supply assigned guest rooms and other areas. As assigned, daily operations services include: housekeeping, linen, inventory, and supplies.
4. Perform duties which involve, but not limited to: cleaning and sanitizing rooms, hallways, stairways, windows, changing bed linens and replacing towels/amenities.
5. Work independently or collaboratively in a team setting and independently within guest housekeeping, grounds and back-of-house areas.
6. Report maintenance issues and repairs needed.
7. Maintain / organize supply cart and restock at end of shift.
8. Communicate with Front Desk team members for efficiency in early check-ins and late check-outs to accommodate and exceed guest expectations.
9. Compliance with TOSHA certification, biohazards procedures and responsibilities for safety in handling.
10. Knowledge and ability to comply with all company operating policies and procedures.
11. Perform other incidental and related duties as required and/or assigned.
12. Management reserves the right to change, remove or add to these duties as necessary.

Team Members:

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

Quality of Work Statement:

1. Handle guest concerns and know when to refer information to management.
2. Offer assistance to guests in a friendly, genuine and courteous manner.
3. Recognized as a contributor, who is eager to learn and demonstrates professionalism.
4. Maintain strict confidentiality and excellent judgment regarding privileged information.
5. 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.
• Must be motivated and self-disciplined.
• Must be able to prioritize and complete assignments within the designated times.
• Ability to communicate effectively and use the English language fluently: speak, understand, read, and write.                      Adapt Spanish interpretation when necessary.
• 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 Hospitality, Management or Business is preferred.
• Ability to work within a diverse workforce.
• Reliable transportation is required.