Outdoor Leadership Internship - 2027 Season

Nantahala Outdoor Center; Bryson City (NC); On-site; USD 14,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC offers an Outdoor Leadership Intern program—a 400-hour field-based leadership development track. Interns specialize in Rafting, Aerial Adventure, or Mountain Biking while receiving structured leadership training by senior managers.

This internship blends guiding responsibilities with risk management education and operational exposure across departments, preparing participants for outdoor recreation careers.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program related to Outdoor Leadership, Parks & Recreation, Environmental Studies, Recreation Management, Hospitality & Tourism, Experiential Education, or a related field
• Willingness to work outdoors in physically demanding environments
• Availability for seasonal schedule including weekends and holidays
• Commitment to NOC safety standards and guest service expectations

Responsibilities

• Support in guiding and guest safety across Raft, Aerial, or Mountain Biking tracks
• Participate in leadership development sessions and department rotations
• Engage in cross-department exposure to Guest Services, Food & Beverage, Lodging, and Operations

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Outdoor Leadership-related degree program

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Seasonal Employee Bryson City, NC, US

Salary Range: $10.00 To $14.75 Hourly

For 54 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as unmatched retail service, foodservice, lodging, and trip planning services. NOC career opportunities offer a rare combination of work in beautiful locations, a chance to grow skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation.

Job Summary

Join the team at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) as an Outdoor Leadership Intern and gain immersive, hands-on experience inside one of the country’s most established outdoor recreation organizations.

The Outdoor Leadership Internship is a 400-hour, field-based leadership development program designed for students pursuing careers in outdoor recreation, parks & recreation, adventure education, and related fields. Interns specialize in one primary discipline: Rafting, Aerial Adventure, or Mountain Biking, while participating in structured leadership training led by NOC department managers and senior leaders.

This internship blends real-world guiding responsibilities with professional development, risk management education, and operational exposure across departments.

Requirements

Enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program related to Outdoor Leadership, Parks & Recreation, Environmental Studies, Recreation Management, Hospitality & Tourism, Experiential Education, or a related field

Willingness to work outdoors in physically demanding environments

Availability for seasonal schedule including weekends and holidays

Ability to participate in leadership development sessions and department rotations

Commitment to NOC safety standards and guest service expectations

Qualifications

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Interest in leadership development and outdoor recreation careers

Ability to remain calm and professional in dynamic or high-risk environments

Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and teamwork

Positive attitude and willingness to receive and apply feedback

1. Core Guiding Experience (Approximately 310 Hours)

Interns select one primary track:

Raft Guide Track

River operations and logistics

Guest safety briefings and on-water leadership

Equipment preparation, maintenance, and breakdown

Aerial Adventure Track

Course operations and inspections

Guest orientation and facilitation

Safety systems, belays, and rescue procedures

Managing group dynamics and individual challenges

Mountain Biking Track

Trail operations and maintenance support

Guided ride facilitation

Guest skill assessment and coaching

Risk management and environmental stewardship

2. Leadership & Management Development (Approximately 20 Hours)

Structured sessions led by department managers and senior leaders covering:

Risk management and organizational safety culture

Communication, guest experience, and conflict resolution

Team leadership and staff motivation

Planning, logistics, and daily operations

Personnel supervision and professional development

Marketing, branding, and storytelling

Budgeting, equipment, and resource management

Interns participate in biweekly leadership debrief sessions to connect field experience with professional growth.

3. Cross-Department Exposure (Approximately 70 Hours)

Operational rotations or shadow experiences in:

Guest Services & Reservations

Food & Beverage or Lodging

Operations & Logistics

This provides a comprehensive understanding of how a large outdoor organization delivers safe, high-quality guest experiences.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands changes, so too may the essential functions of this position.

Please note that as an employer with over 100 employees, NOC will be required to comply with any OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard should that standard be enacted.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.