Title: Lodging Operations Internship Location: Bryson City, NC, USA Posted Date: 2026-09-29T11:10:00.000-04:00 Employment Type: Seasonal Employee Compensation: USD 16 - 20
Job Description: 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, 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 Lodging Operations Internship at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) provides hands-on experience in housekeeping, public area operations, guest services, and hospitality management at an outdoor adventure resort. Interns will progress from learning frontline lodging responsibilities to understanding daily operations, leadership, and management through structured training, mentorship, and job shadowing. This internship is designed to develop well-rounded hospitality professionals while providing exposure to future career opportunities in lodging operations. This Internship is an 8 - 12 week program that runs from May to August. Responsibilities - Participate in hands-on housekeeping and guestroom operations, including cleaning, room turnovers, inspections, and maintaining quality standards. - Assist with public area operations to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming guest environment. - Develop an understanding of guest service standards and how lodging operations contribute to the overall guest experience. - Learn the operational aspects of lodging, including occupancy planning, room assignments, staffing, scheduling, inventory, and quality control. - Build communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills through mentorship and practical learning experiences. - Shadow the Lodging Manager to gain exposure to management responsibilities, operational planning, employee coaching, and departmental decision-making. - Identify opportunities to improve lodging operations and the guest experience through a culminating capstone project and presentation. Qualifications - Interest in hospitality, tourism, resort management, or a related field. - Interest in pursuing a career in lodging operations, hospitality management, or resort leadership. - Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. - Willingness to learn hands-on housekeeping and public area responsibilities. - Strong attention to detail and commitment to guest service. - Ability to adapt to a dynamic, team-oriented outdoor resort environment. - Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and a willingness to receive feedback and develop new skills. - Valid driver's license with a clean driving record. - Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and remain active throughout the workday. - Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. - Dependable, punctual, and self-motivated. 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.
About Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nantahala Outdoor Center operates as an outdoor recreation company based in Bryson City, North Carolina. Founded in 1972, the organization manages a variety of whitewater rafting and land-based activities. It maintains multiple resort amenities including four restaurants and lodging facilities. The company also operates retail stores and a paddling school.
How to get in at Nantahala Outdoor Center
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