Come live, work, and play in the Great Smoky Mountains!

River Rat Tubing

Since 1995, our River Rat crew has provided a unique way for families and adventure buddies alike to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Smoky Mountains- by tubing through them! Nestled along the Little River in the historic “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”, River Rat Tubing is the ultimate summer vacation destination for nature-lovers, adventure-seekers, and relaxation-enthusiasts.

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This is the number one visited national park in America! This area has all the outdoor adventures you possibly want from land to water activities.

Location
Tennessee
Season
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Staff size
80-100
Housing
Employer housing is not available, but resources are provided to help staff find housing in our area.
Housing details
We currently have RV/camper sites available for our work camper program that can last up to 8 months. All other staff will be expected to make their own housing arrangements.
Family housing available
Yes
Single occupancy housing available
Yes
Pet friendly
Yes
Meals
Some meals / discounts
Cell phone service
Yes, most carriers
Internet access
Good

About River Rat Tubing

Looking to splash into something more exciting?! Join our top-rated Rat Pack for our 2024 season! Since 1995 we've been making the best memories for our guests. While tubing down mother nature's beautiful Little River in Townsend, Tennessee our guest is surrounded by The Great Smoky Mountains. We are a family-owned and operated business that you can become part of!

The Employee Experience

Since 1995, our River Rat crew has provided a unique way for families and adventure buddies alike to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Smoky Mountains- by tubing through them! Nestled along the Little River in the historic “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”, River Rat Tubing is the ultimate summer vacation destination for nature lovers, adventure-seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts. We are family-owned and operated, so no matter the occasion, River Rat is a perfect, wholesome way to let loose in the great outdoors. We offer the ultimate summer vacation destination and YOU can be a part of delivering that experience!

Ideal Candidate

Our staff are self-motivators that enjoy delivering exceptional customer service. All positions are front facing with a lot of customer interaction. Being adaptable and comfortable with outdoors elements such as heat, sun, rain, waterways, and thunderstorms. Willing to go above and beyond to provide the best possible experiences to our guests. Successful applicants will receive appropriate training (depending on interest & experience)

Room and Board

We do not offer room and board to our employees. Employees must provide their own transportation and housing. We do have 3 camper sites that are offered to our Couple Work-Camper program. These sites are available for a 6-8 month term and are assigned according to first hired. RV, Camper, or van is not included in the sites and must be provided by employee.

Employee Perks

Discounts and rewards

  • $1000 College scholarship program for employees
  • Competitive pay
  • Season bonus 
  • 10% discount on retail for River Rat employees
  • 10% discount at Burger Master for River Rat employees
  • 50% for Burger Master employees on one meal during a full shift
  • Complimentary tubing and rafting tickets
  • Free and discount passes to popular area attractions
  • Employee uniform

Getting Here and Getting Around

Townsend, Tennessee offers plenty of activities and conveniences. Numerous campgrounds are within walking distance of the property and hundreds are available within 20 miles or less. Cycling is a great option for transportation and exercise if you stay in Townsend. There are miles of concrete bike trails and walkways covering from one side of town to the other. The Great Smoky Mountain entrance is only 1 mile from our property as it is known for its breathtaking views and activities.

The best form of transportation is a vehicle in order to explore what this area has to offer. Public transportation, uber, and taxi services are very limited in Townsend and are not recommended to depend on. 

For Fun

There are miles of concrete bike trails and a 14 mile adventurous mountain bike resort Vee Hollow located in Townsend. River Rat offers tubing in Townsend,TN and rafting on the other side of the Smoky Mountains in Hartford,TN about 1 hour away. The Great Smoky Mountain entrance is only 1 mile from our property as it is known for its breath taking views, hiking, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, and many historic sites to visit. Townsend is only a 20 minutes drive away from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville which are some of the United States biggest tourist areas. Enjoy the thrill of award-winning coasters at Dollywood, museum attraction, mini-golf, go-karts, shopping, indoor skydiving, and dinner theaters, this area is bursting at the seams with fun for all ages. There are many events hosted in the area each year from Sasquatch festivals, car shows, hot-air balloon festivals, and inheritance events.

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Current Job Openings

    Inside operations

    Front Desk

    $10.00 - $12.00 / hour
    Townsend

    The Customer Service Front desk positions support our operational sales and check-in. Answering phone calls, answering questions about policies and procedures, checking in guests, booking reservations, assisting with inventory in the retail shops, and assisting the management team with day-to-day tasks.

    Inside operations

    Reservationist

    $12.00 - $14.00 / hour
    Townsend

    The Reservationist positions support our operational sales and check-in. Answering phone calls, responding to emails, knowledgeable in policies, checking in guests, booking reservations, assisting with inventory in the retail shops, and assisting the management team with day-to-day tasks.

    outside operations

    Shuttle Driver

    $12.00 - $14.00 / hour
    Townsend

    The Driver will help coordinate outside operations by shuttling guests, assisting guests with rental equipment, staging and inspecting equipment, assisting guests out of the river, and following all safety protocols. Driver’s must have a clean record and valid license.

    outside operations

    River Staff

    $10.00 - $12.00 / hour
    Townsend

    The River staff will help coordinate outside operations by monitoring guest while in the river, assisting guests with rental equipment, staging and inspecting equipment, assisting guests out of the river, grounds management, and following all safety protocols. 

    outside operations

    Tunnel Guard / River Entry Monitor

    $12.00 - $14.00 / hour
    Townsend

    The Tunnel Guard will help coordinate outside operations by monitoring all guest, upholding guest to policies, assisting guests with rental equipment, staging and inspecting equipment, assisting guests out of the river, and following all safety protocols. 

    outside operations

    Driver

    $12.00 - $14.00 / hour
    Townsend

    The Driver will help coordinate outside operations by shuttling guests, assisting guests with rental equipment, staging and inspecting equipment, assisting guests out of the river, and following all safety protocols. Driver’s must have a clean record and valid license. CDL is not required.

How to Apply

To apply, click below and complete and submit our online application.

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Contact Info

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