Spend Your Summer on the Lake — Join NOC’s 2026 Lake Guide Team!

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.

JOB SUMMARY

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.

Lake 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)

Raft Center Responsibilities

• 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 

Qualifications

Required

• Highschool diploma or GED 

• Current CPR and First Aid certifications will be required upon hire 

Preferred

• Background or experience in team building, experiential education, or facilitation 

• Wilderness First Aid 

Applicants must be:

• 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. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Able to lift up to 70 lbs. repetitively 

• Able to bend, stoop, and twist 

• Able to carry heavy equipment over long distances

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 change, 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.