Aerial & Zipline Guide

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 for Aerials

Aerial Guides work in multiple adventure activities which include our zip line adventure park, mountaintop zip line, team building challenge course, treetop adventure nets and our alpine tower. Our guides train on each of these activities and continue building their skill set and knowledge of aerial adventures. This position is a seasonal position and reports to the aerial manager. The busiest season for our Aerial team is Memorial Day - Labor Day, however we also have shoulder season opportunities in the spring and fall. Aerial Guide applicants must be at least 18 years of age prior to their start date and have current First Aid and CPR certification (or higher) prior to beginning work. 

Please note, online First Aid & CPR certifications are not acceptable.  

Job Summary for Bikes 

NOC Bike Guides will assist guests in fitting for proper bike & helmet size. Applicants who are 21 and up will be eligible to train as a shuttle driver. NOC Bike Guides will review basic mountain biking techniques with guests in our skills park and answer any guest questions and provide necessary feedback for a great guest experience. With guided and unguided biking trips, no two days will feel the same. Operating at the base of our 5 mile, Flint Ridge Trail system, Guides help describe trail conditions, provide maps for guests, and complete necessary trail maintenance as needed. This is a seasonal role with NOC beginning in Mid-April and lasting through Mid-October. 

Responsibilities for Aerials 

• Guide groups of varying size, age and number through zipline and/or rope elements 

• Understand and implement risk-reduction in their use of equipment, attention to operating procedures, communication and decision-making 

• Communicate with guests about their trip and activities, local area information and other NOC activities and offerings 

• Provide top-notch guest service to all guests, before, after, and during their activity 

• Participate in other operational tasks, including but not limited to:

  1. Assist guests with gear 

  2. Delivering instructional talks 

  3. Clean and organize gear and equipment 

  4. Complete course and gear inspection daily before each use 

  5. Set up gear prior to each trip 

• Other tasks, such as driving vehicles, repair and maintenance of gear or facilities, guest check-in, or assisting other NOC departments, as qualified and as assigned 

Responsibility for Bikes

• Fit guests with proper size bikes and helmets 

• Educate guests on bike usage and techniques 

• Inform guests with trail location, conditions, and hazards 

• Lead guided bike trips as necessary 

• Assisting guests with technical questions regarding the appropriate bike, equipment, gear and fit 

• Promote the adventures that NOC has to offer, and providing local area information, especially local trails and directions 

• Assisting other Adventure Center operations as needed, including helping with guest trip preparation and customer service for zip line and biking guests 

• Other tasks, such as driving vehicles, repair and maintenance of gear or facilities, guest reservations and check-in, bike tour guiding, or assisting other NOC departments, as qualified and as assigned 

• Assist in the maintenance of our Flint Ridge trail system and Specialized bike fleet as necessary 

Qualifications 

• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or higher) 

• Great communication skills 

• Strong sense of guest service 

• Strong interpersonal skills 

• Enthusiasm about outdoors and sharing outdoor experiences with others 

• Sound decision making skills and judgement 

• Previous experience working ziplines or aerial obstacles preferred but not required Basic First Aid     and CPR or higher medical certification 

• Prior mountain biking experience 

• Ability to sustain productive work with little supervision 

• A love for the outdoors and an enjoyment for mountain biking 

• Ability to speak clearly and concisely 

• Comfortable working in a teamwork-based environment 

• Able to take direction well and exhibit good judgment 

• Willing to take ownership 

• Capable of providing an excellent guest experience 

• Willingness to learn and perform basic bike maintenance 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Able to carry up to 30lbs repeatedly 

• Able to carry heavy equipment over long distances and upstairs 

• Be comfortable working at heights of 60+ feet above the ground 

• Being comfortable in a harness for extended periods of time 

• Must be physically capable of assisting guest retrieval 

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time 

• Must be able to belay participants between 60-250lbs 

• Must be able to effectively perform self-rescue 

• Must be able to bend, stoop and twist 

• Comfortable working in various climates (heat, cold, wind, rain) 

• Comfortable leading mountain bike trips 

• Able to ride at least 5 miles on mild to strenuous terrain 

• Comfortable working alone in a fairly remote location 

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. 

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.