Lake & Raft Rentals Guide (2026 Season)

Nantahala Outdoor Center•Bryson City, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

For 53 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. The NOC Lake and Rentals Guide works across two dynamic areas on the Nantahala campus: Lake Fontana and the NOC Raft Center. On the lake, Guides lead and supervise flatwater activities including guided tours, rentals, and group-based experiences, using a variety of watercraft in the peaceful setting of Fontana Lake just steps from the main campus. At the Raft Center, Guides support the daily river rental operation by welcoming guests, preparing them for their Nantahala River rafting experience, and working closely with fellow guides to manage equipment and ensure smooth, efficient operations in a fast-paced environment. This role requires teamwork, organization, and a positive, guest-focused attitude.

Requirements

Highschool diploma or GED
Current CPR and First Aid certifications will be required upon hire
Willing and able to commit to seasonal nature and demands of this position including start date, end date, and scheduling variability throughout.
Capable of maintaining composure under stress and working with others to complete tasks.
Capable of maintaining a professional appearance and attitude always.
Capable of working responsibly while unsupervised for short periods of time.
Willing and capable to learn and instruct basics of whitewater safety.
Able to lift up to 70 lbs. repetitively
Able to bend, stoop, and twist
Able to carry heavy equipment over long distances

Nice To Haves

Background or experience in team building, experiential education, or facilitation
Wilderness First Aid

Responsibilities

Quickly becoming knowledgeable about Lake and Flatwater activities as well as other NOC products
Developing proficiency with NOC’s reservation software as needed for lake activities
Leading and Logistically coordinating guided kayak trips and team-building activities
Documenting guide or guest incidents
Maintaining a clean, organized, visually pleasing work area
Maintaining accurate inventory of all NOC lake crafts, tools, supplies, and assets
Other tasks as qualified and needed
Facilitating lake kayak/SUP rentals (gearing up guests with appropriate paddles, PFDs, and boats as well as assisting in launching and receiving guests at the lake access point)
Greet and check-in guests for appropriate trip times.
Assist rafting guests with the gear-up process (life jackets, wetsuits, paddles, etc)
Conduct viewing of informational video and general verbal overview of equipment, hazards, landmarks, rules and regulations.
Ensure gear is efficiently processed throughout the day (washed, moved, and stored in proper areas)
Aid and Assist NOC guests as needed