Below is a news release from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation helped restore elk to their native North Carolina range in 2001.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking individuals to join the elk rover volunteer team for the upcoming 2025 season. Elk rovers share information with visitors about safe wildlife viewing and help keep elk and visitors safe. They will be stationed at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, N.C.
Volunteer duties include:
- Standing and walking for extended periods
- Assisting with traffic management along U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road
- Assisting and guiding visitors
- Educating visitors about wildlife safety and etiquette
- Answering general questions about the park
Interested volunteers should commit to one, four-hour afternoon shift per week on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday starting in July and continuing through mid-November.
All new elk rovers are required to attend a mandatory in-person training session in July. Additionally, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn alongside a dedicated team of experienced rovers and park rangers who will provide on-the-job training.
Interested in joining the team? Reach out to Justin Cosmo, Elk Rover Project Lead, for more information.
(Photo credit: Great Smoky Mountains National Park)