Whitewater Raft Guide (2026 Season)

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

Raft guides are responsible for providing an enjoyable experience for our guests via trips down our rivers. Raft guides will need to have the technical knowledge to navigate the river but also have the personality to engage the guests in a professional and enjoyable manner. This position is physically demanding. This is a seasonal position that operates from March 2026 to end of October 2026 with our peak demand being between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You do not have to have the entire season available to be considered for employment, however candidates with more availability will be prioritized higher.

Nantahala Outdoor Center has rafting operations on the following rivers: Nantahala (NC), French Broad (NC), Pigeon (TN), Ocoee (TN) and Chattooga (SC/GA)

Applicants must be 18 years of age by the agreed upon start date for the 2026 season.

Applicants are required to have an active CPR/First Aid certification.

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

Qualifications

Applicants for a River Guide position at NOC should display:

• A strong sense of guest service
• Enthusiasm about teaching and sharing outdoor activities with others
• Good judgement in decision-making
• The ability to work well under pressure and be able to respond quickly to emergencies with appropriate judgement
• The ability to speak clearly and with authority while guiding

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be physically capable of maneuvering rafts for the duration of the season both on the water by steering and guiding and on land by carrying and lifting
• Applicants should be able to lift 50lbs repetitively
• Applicants should be comfortable sitting in raft for long periods of time and standing for long periods of time as well as able to bend, stoop and twist
• Applicants should be comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain)
• Due to the seasonal nature of this position, hours and schedule will vary from week to week based on business demands

Certifications and other qualifiers:

• Must be 18 years of age by the agreed upon start date.
• Basic First Aid & CPR are required prior to beginning work and this certification must be obtained through a classroom setting (please note, online First Aid & CPR are not acceptable as per our river permit agreements)
• Wilderness First Aid or higher is encouraged
• Prior commercial guiding experience or attendance of a Guide School Course

** Attendance at NOC Guide School is voluntary and not a requirement for employment with Nantahala Outdoor Center. Completion of the Guide School does not guarantee a position with NOC. Graduates may receive priority consideration for employment opportunities once they have formally applied. Guide School is a vocational training program designed to teach transferable river guiding and safety skills that can be applied throughout the outdoor recreation industry. **

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.