Raft Guide (2025 Season)

Nantahala Outdoor Center • Bryson City, NC

419d • $23,400 - $23,400

About The Position

The Raft Guide position at Nantahala Outdoor Center is a seasonal role responsible for leading guests on rafting trips, ensuring their safety and enjoyment while navigating various rivers. Guides must possess both technical skills for river navigation and strong interpersonal skills to engage with guests. The role is physically demanding and requires a commitment to providing excellent guest service throughout the rafting experience.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age by the agreed upon start date for the 2025 season.
• Active CPR/First Aid certification is required prior to beginning work, obtained through a classroom setting.
• Strong sense of guest service and enthusiasm about teaching outdoor activities.
• Good judgement in decision-making and ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to speak clearly and with authority while guiding.

Nice To Haves

• Wilderness First Aid or higher certification is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Guide through rapids with crews of varying size, age, and number, understanding and implementing risk-reduction in navigation, communication, and decision-making.
• Communicate with guests about local area information, other NOC activities and offerings, river and trip information, and providing general entertainment.
• Provide top-notch guest service to all guests, before, after, and during their trip.
• Participate in off-the-water tasks, including moving, loading and unloading rafts, assisting guests with gear, delivering instructional talks, and washing and organizing gear and equipment.

Benefits

• Seasonal employment from March to October with peak demand between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
• Education Level: No Education Listed