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 SummaryJoin 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.RequirementsEnrollment 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 fieldWillingness to work outdoors in physically demanding environmentsAvailability for seasonal schedule including weekends and holidaysAbility to participate in leadership development sessions and department rotationsCommitment to NOC safety standards and guest service expectationsQualificationsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsInterest in leadership development and outdoor recreation careersAbility to remain calm and professional in dynamic or high-risk environmentsDemonstrated initiative, reliability, and teamworkPositive attitude and willingness to receive and apply feedbackInternship Curriculum1. Core Guiding Experience (Approximately 310 Hours)Interns select one primary track:Raft Guide TrackRiver operations and logisticsGuest safety briefings and on-water leadershipEquipment preparation, maintenance, and breakdownAerial Adventure TrackCourse operations and inspectionsGuest orientation and facilitationSafety systems, belays, and rescue proceduresManaging group dynamics and individual challengesMountain Biking TrackTrail operations and maintenance supportGuided ride facilitationGuest skill assessment and coachingRisk management and environmental stewardship2. Leadership & Management Development (Approximately 20 Hours)Structured sessions led by department managers and senior leaders covering:Leadership in high-risk outdoor environmentsRisk management and organizational safety cultureCommunication, guest experience, and conflict resolutionTeam leadership and staff motivationPlanning, logistics, and daily operationsPersonnel supervision and professional developmentMarketing, branding, and storytellingBudgeting, equipment, and resource managementInterns 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 & ReservationsRetail & OutfittingFood & Beverage or LodgingOperations & LogisticsThis 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.