What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bike Guide (2026 Season) position at Nantahala Outdoor Center?
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
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
- Fit guests with proper size bikes and helmets
- Educate guests on bike usage and techniques
- Inform guests on 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, 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/Fuji bike fleet as necessary
Qualifications
- 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
- 21 years of age
- Willingness to learn and perform basic bike maintenance
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Ability to move and lift up to 30lbs repeatedly
- 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
- Comfortable working in various climates (heat, cold, wind, rain)
- Ability to bend, stoop, twist
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.
Salary : $12 - $16