Park Ambassador Member - Smoky Mountains National Park

Park Ambassador Member - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Join to apply for the Park Ambassador Member role at American Conservation Experience
.

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.

Start Date:

February 23, 2026

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

• A 43‑week minimum commitment is required.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based out of Sugar lands Visitor Center, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

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

Great Smoky Mountains National Park works with volunteers to preserve its diverse natural and cultural resources while providing public enjoyment. The Park Ambassador member will work both indoors and in the field, assisting daily with administrative oversight and communications for the Volunteer‑In‑Park (VIP) Program— 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 placement facilitates professional development and networking with land‑management agencies and professionals.

Member will work 5 days per week (Mon‑Fri) 9:00 am–5:30 pm. In March‑April the shift may be longer. Member must be available to work up to 2 weekends per month in summer/fall to organize and lead “Smokies Service Day” volunteer projects.

Living Allowance
:
The ACE member is expected to contribute ~40 hours per week and will receive a living allowance of $600 per week, dispersed bi‑weekly.

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, prohibited activities, and support networks.

Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of their term and 640 hours of service. Eligibility includes age 16‑30 (veterans up to 35) and citizenship.

• Internship

• Full‑time

• Other

• Authorized to work in the United States; ACE does not provide visa sponsorship.
• Willing and able to represent ACE positively, professionally, and enthusiastically.
• Ability to work independently and as a positive team member.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record; must be 21+ to drive due to ACE’s insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑of‑term feedback forms, end‑of‑term evaluations, and for longer terms a mid‑term evaluation.
• May not participate in prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• See eligibility requirements on the ACE website.

• Competitive applicants may hold or pursue an undergraduate or advanced degree and/or have relevant experience in 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 or staff management, leadership studies, volunteer experience, 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,…