About the role#
The Outdoor Leadership Internship is a 400-hour program for students pursuing careers in outdoor recreation and adventure education. You will gain hands-on experience by specializing in one primary track: Rafting, Aerial Adventure, or Mountain Biking. This role combines field-based guiding with professional development, risk management education, and operational exposure across the organization.
What you'll do#
- Participate in structured leadership training led by managers and senior leaders.
- Gain hands-on experience in your chosen track of Rafting, Aerial Adventure, or Mountain Biking.
- Manage equipment preparation, maintenance, and breakdown.
- Facilitate guest safety briefings and orientation.
- Participate in risk management education.
- Complete operational rotations in Guest Services, Retail, Food & Beverage, or Lodging.
- Participate in biweekly leadership debrief sessions to connect your field work with professional growth.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in or recent completion of a degree related to Outdoor Leadership, Parks & Recreation, Environmental Studies, Recreation Management, Hospitality & Tourism, or Experiential Education.
- Willingness to work outdoors in physically demanding environments.
- Availability for a seasonal schedule, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-risk environments.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and teamwork.
- A positive attitude and willingness to receive and apply feedback.
- Commitment to safety standards and guest service expectations.
Location & details#
- Location: Bryson City, North Carolina.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Status: Full-time, paid, on-site seasonal position.
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
Applying early gives you a significant advantage at Nantahala Outdoor Center because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first before the candidate pool grows. You gain a better chance of being seen when you are not buried at the bottom of the pile. Reaching out to the right person often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to inquire about the position or request a referral. This direct approach materially improves your response rates compared to standard applications.
