Outdoor Leadership Internship - Season Job Northern Kentucky USA,Outdoor/Nature/Animal Care

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, food service, 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…