Outdoor Leadership Internship (2026 Season)

For 53 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taken more guests whitewater rafting and taught 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. 

Internship 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

Internship Curriculum

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:

• Leadership in high-risk outdoor environments

• 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

• Retail & Outfitting

• 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.