If you enjoy hiking, living “off the grid,” and value the opportunity to serve thousands who share a common appreciation for the outdoors, then this is the job for you!
LeConte Lodge is a rustic backcountry hiking lodge operating as a concession within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Accessible only by hiking trails, it's the highest overnight lodge east of the Mississippi River. We provide a range of hospitality services, including overnight lodging, retail, food and beverage.
Atop Mt. LeConte (elev. 6,593') in the Great Smoky Mountains. Surrounded by spruce-fir forest and high elevation meadows with access to various scenic vistas offering grand views.
About LeConte Lodge Limited
LeConte Lodge® is a unique operation with a rich history located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Accessible only by hiking one of five approach trails, it is the highest overnight lodge east of the Mississippi River. It has been a popular destination for hikers for over ninety years. The lodge is supplied once a year by helicopter and three days a week by Llama. There is limited electricity for staff but no wi-fi. Propane heaters and kerosene lamps are provided in the cabins. Cooking, hot water, and limited refrigeration are made possible by LP gas.
Employment as Crew available in-season, from March to November, with commitments to work the entire 8 month season preferred. Crew duties include meal service, basic food prep, dishwashing, retail sales, cleaning of cabins and facilities, guest check-in, and all other guest related services.
COVID-19: As a concession of the National Park Service (NPS), LeConte Lodge adheres to and abides by all federal laws and regulations set forth by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At this time, LeConte Lodge employees are NOT required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (defined as two weeks after the final dose), although the NPS could change these requirements at any time during the season. Masking and physical distancing practices, also enforced per NPS guidance, are in place at this time.
The Employee Experience
The driving force behind our operation is the common bond and experiences we share with our guests...our fondness of nature and appreciation for time spent in the outdoors. We are the mechanism that brings first timers and repeat visitors together in the backcountry, and in the process encouraging outdoor exploration, environmental responsibility, and creating lasting memories and friendships with guests and fellow crew mates.
Ideal Candidate
This is a job that requires one to be physically fit, and able to work well with others, function as a team player, and follow a chain of command. We are in the hospitality business, so the attention given to our guests is a top priority. Having a team mentality, a great work ethic, an outgoing personality, and the ability to relate well with the people we serve are important qualifications for the job. We firmly believe in the work hard/play hard mantra.
Room and Board
Crew are provided with individual or shared housing (depending on what is available at time of hiring). Crew quarters come with basic amenities such as a full-size bed, table, shelving, storage, lamps, linens, blankets, pillows. All rooms are equipped with propane heaters. Shower/laundry and restroom facilities are located in buildings separate from the housing.
Cooks prepare all meals for Crew. The Crew eats its meals together and has the luxury of eating meals different from what is routinely served to our guests. The Cook can accommodate many different diets, but it is difficult to offer food for completely raw food or vegan diets.
Crew are charged for nightly Room & Board/Meals but employees working the entire season have the potential to earn charges back in an End Of Season bonus.
Employee Perks
Various sales incentive bonuses are offered throughout the season. Employees are able to purchase lodge merchandise at discounted prices. Also available are discounts at our sister properties, local discounts at various dining and entertainment establishments throughout Sevier County, and discounts at local outfitters.
Getting Here and Getting Around
LeConte Lodge is a hike-in only destination, even for its employees. Crew are able to leave a vehicle at any Mt. LeConte trailhead, free of charge and no permit required. Spaces are first come-first served as they are shared with guests and day hikers. Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicles as they are parked overnight for weeks at a time. Trailheads are not suited for bicycles being kept overnight.
If you do not own a vehicle, you will be responsible for getting yourself to and from the trailhead. The shortest trail to Mt. LeConte is 5 miles, but it’s a 9 mile drive to town from its trailhead. There are longer trails with shorter road walks directly into town. There are guide/shuttle services available in the area that charge per mile.
For Fun
Access to miles upon miles of trails, rivers, and roads across Southern Appalachia. Nearby outdoor playgrounds include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. Rivers popular for rafting/kayaking include the Pigeon, Nantahala, and French Broad Rivers. Famous nearby roadways outside of the Smokies include the Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherohala Skyway.
Outdoor destination hubs surround the Smokies varying in size, from major cities like Knoxville, TN, and Asheville, NC to smaller tourist towns like Gatlinburg, TN and Bryson City, NC.
Sevier County is home to innumerable tourist destinations, few more popular than Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.
How to Apply
To apply, follow the link below to our employment opportunities page and submit an online application. Only fully completed applications will be considered.