JOB SUMMARY: This position is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the Superintendent's Office. THIS IS A MERIT PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT. Open to the first 100 applicants or until 11/14/2024 whichever comes first. All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration. MAJOR DUTIES: The National Park Service seeks a detail-oriented, creative communicator and spokesperson to share park information and stories and through the news media and digital media to connect people to the many opportunities for recreation and learning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Major Duties Great Smoky Mountains National Park serves diverse local communities, attracts visitors from around the world, and reaches millions more through digital media. The Public Affairs Specialist will represent the National Park Service and support park staff in sharing information and stories with these many audiences, through the news media, web, and social media. The Public Affairs Specialist will develop and implement communication strategies for the park to connect people with opportunities to have fun and learn in the park, to share information on topics such as visitor safety and park resources, and more. This position will serve as a spokesperson for the National Park Service and will provide on-the-record responses to media inquiries, pitch story ideas, and guide park staff as they communicate with the media. This position supports event planning in parks and organizes media tours and availabilities. The Public Affairs Specialist will research, write, edit, and distribute content for news releases, web and digital media, and more, and support and advise park staff as they create content. The position will also draft remarks for park leadership and share information internally with park staff. The position also collaborates with park partners on strategic communication efforts. The Public Affairs Specialist reports to the Chief of Staff for Great Smoky Mountains National Park within the Office of the Superintendent. Area/Duty Station Information This position serves as the Public Affairs Specialist at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM). At 522,427 acres, GRSM is one of the largest parks in the eastern United States. The Park contains 384 miles of roads; 930 miles of backcountry trails; 104 designated backcountry campsites; over 300 miles of boundary; 66 species of mammals; 200 species of birds; 39 species of reptiles, 43 species of amphibians; 68 species of fish; 730 miles of fishable streams; 342 structures, 97 of them historic; 10 auto campgrounds; and 3 major developed areas with concession operations. The park also manages the Foothills Parkway, used by millions of non-recreational motorists. The park is located in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina and is surrounded by five counties and National Forest land. Duty station is near Gatlinburg, TN, located within an hour drive of Knoxville. The area provides a wide range of residential communities, good schools and recreational opportunities. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
