Outdoor Adventure Job Opportunities in Asheville!
Now accepting applications for Summer! The ACA is a popular destination for Outdoor Adventure Job Opportunities!
The Adventure Center of Asheville is not only Asheville’s premier destination for outdoor adventures but also an incredibly fun and rewarding place to work. While each position at ACA plays a unique role in our organization, we have identified the following competencies that we believe all employees should demonstrate:
- Respect and Empathy for Others -Treat all people with dignity, demonstrate compassion and caring to others, and contribute to an environment where differences and diverse backgrounds are valued and encouraged including a valued attempt to understand all points of view with compassion and caring.
- Teamwork – Cooperate with colleagues to achieve common goals; appropriately give and be open to receiving feedback; plus balance individual and team goals.
- Guest Service – Insist on and provide a high-quality experience for Guests of ACA; respond to the needs, questions, and concerns of Guests in a timely, positive, and results-oriented manner
- Communication – Share and receive information in a clear, correct, concise, and positive manner with others; actively listen and seek others’ perspectives.
- Risk Management – Evaluate and mitigate risk to self, guests, and the company; manage own health and wellness and make appropriate choices to maintain and improve physical, mental, emotional, and social health of self and others.
- Dependability/Attendance – Available for work on a consistent and timely basis; conscientious, thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks.
All of these competencies support our Mission Statement: The Adventure Center of Asheville provides a variety of adventure experiences that promote bonding, personal challenge, and growth, and nature appreciation, between families, groups, and fun-seeking individuals.
Prior experience guiding or participating in adventure recreation activities is always welcomed but not required. We are committed to train the right individual on the technical skills necessary to do the job and to assist in building on interpersonal skills needed to succeed. Employees who work at ACA feel more empowered with strengthened leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that translate to any future work/life experience.
ACA is committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicapping condition. However, specific positions have specific physical requirements. This applies to all relations, including but not necessarily limited to hiring, promotion, training, disciplinary actions, termination, and benefits, between ACA and each staff member.
Employee Compensation, Perks, and Benefits: Our hourly positions range from $13-$15 per hour, depending on the position and candidate experience. Training is provided for all positions. Aerial Guides who work at the Zipline Tours, Kid Zip, and the Treetops Park typically receive gratuity. Employees at ACA also receive discounts at our retail store, and pro deals such as Astral, Second Gear, and discounted/free tickets to attractions such as Dollywood, Cataloochee, etc. Employees also get free trips to all of our adventure activities, and with our sister company, Wildwater, Ltd.
Building a Team: At ACA we are committed to building a team with members who work well and play well together. Throughout the year we offer opportunities to build on your career with extra training opportunities and the potential to add hours with special events. We also have FUN with seasonal staff appreciation events, staff outings, and adventure trips.
Opportunities for ages 18+
**Please submit your application through our website
Overview of Organization
The Adventure Center of Asheville provides adventure activities and fun for guests of all ages. Located just five minutes from downtown Asheville, the Adventure Center features a zipline canopy tour, aerial adventure park, bike park and more. During the summer, we offer three different day camps: Kolo Bike Camp, Kolo Kiddie Camp, and Adventure Camp.
Job Description
Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper at the Adventure Center of Asheville Day Camps. The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, carrying out activities, and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills. Counselors are expected to stay engaged with campers throughout the duration of the day and to engage with the parents at the beginning and end of the day. All counselors are also responsible for working with their co-counselors to coordinate camper activities, and work with various other departments at the Adventure Center of Asheville to ensure campers reach their intended outcomes of personal challenge and growth, a sense of community, and fun!
*Adventure Camp: During Adventure Camp, youth ages 8-13 participate in a different adventure activity every day including ziplining, rafting, tree climbing, biking, and exploring an aerial obstacle course. Counselors lead campers to assigned adventure activities and assist guides with facilitation. Before and after daily adventure activities, counselors lead campers in games and other activities.
*Bike Camp: Kolo Bike Camp Counselors will deliver mountain biking lessons daily to help campers achieve confidence on and off the bike. We have two different Bike Camps at the Adventure Center of Asheville: Kolo Flow Camp (age 8-13) and Kolo Kiddie Camp (age 6-8). Both Kolo camps participate in various riding and bike skills progression lessons throughout the week. Flow campers are divided into riding groups at the beginning of the week ranging from green level to black level riders. Coaches/Counselors at Kolo Camp will work with their groups on skills progression and will facilitate rides across the different features of Kolo Bike Park. Outside of riding times counselors will be responsible for escorting campers to Treetops Adventure Park, and facilitating group games, mealtimes and other camp activities.
Season/Dates of Employment
Our day camp runs from June 15th – August 21st, 2026, Monday through Friday. Mandatory summer camp training will be June 8th – 12th, 2026. The ideal candidate has full time availability for the entire season, however, applicants not able to commit to all weeks are still considered and encouraged to apply.
*Time obligation: weekdays June 8th – August 21st, 2026.
Responsibilities
Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
- Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
- Assure campers are properly supervised at all times, and be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
- Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.
- Actively participate in all activities as assigned.
- Provide for a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
- For Adventure Camp: Assist in activities such as mountain biking, Treetops Adventure Park, ziplining, rafting, and tree climbing. Includes helping with gearing up campers in harnesses, helmets, and equipment when necessary, and participating in activities up at heights.
Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
- Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
- Be alert to campers’ and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; provide basic first aid and discuss with the Program Lead/Camp Director when appropriate.
Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
- Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
- Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
Represent the camp when interacting with parents or community members.
- Provide parents with appropriate feedback and information as needed for their campers to have a successful camp experience.
- Provide supervision for campers while campers are transported to and from camp or during scheduled field trips off of the camp property.
Minimum Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Be able to pass a criminal background check
- Have a current certification in First Aid and CPR, or the ability to obtain once hired
- Must be in good physical condition for outdoor activities, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency situation (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
- For Adventure Camp: Able to participate at heights of up to 70ft and in all weather conditions
- Able to stand for long periods of time, and must be able to lift 50lbs
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
Desired Competencies
- All ACA Core Competencies, listed on our website
- Teaching & Facilitating – can plan and lead lessons and activities appropriately planned that are fun, engaging, and lead to improved social or technical skills in campers.
- Problem Solving/Judgement – mediate and assist campers and other staff with conflicts, either internal or interpersonal; make thought-out decisions that benefit all parties involved
- Adaptability – accept and readily adapt to changing plans, priorities, and situations; display the flexibility to new perspectives, ideas, and mindsets of others.
- Positive Attitude – approach others in a pleasant and upbeat manner; maintain enthusiasm when faced with adversity.
- Patience – displays understanding, kindness, and acceptance of difficulties or difficult situations while maintaining an even temperament.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Professional development assistance
**Please submit your application through our website
At the Treetops Adventure Park, we offer 7 different aerial obstacle courses in the trees with varying difficulty levels. KidZip is a 9-zipline circuit specifically created for kids 4 years old and up. This is a customer-facing position and includes preparing the park each day for Guests and guiding them through their experience at both parks. You would be offering tips and instructions to Guests as they navigate the courses of their choice and ensuring Guests use the equipment correctly and safely, which could range from coaching from the ground to an aerial rescue. This position is a great entry-level position to the outdoor industry, but will also provide experience and growth in many skills that are transferable to other industries.
The Guides work as a team each day to ensure that everything runs smoothly by supporting each other through being detail-oriented, self-motivated, positive, and friendly. Above all, it is the Guides’ responsibility to help our Guests have a positive and memorable experience at the Treetops Adventure Park and KidZip.
Dates of Employment
The Treetops Adventure Park and KidZip are open year-round and hire for full-time and part-time positions in mid-February. Full-time positions are available from March to August, with the possibility to extend the contract through November. Training typically occurs at the beginning of March and mid-May. Hourly wages are dependent on experience, with starting wages between $13-$15. There is also opportunity for gratuity and upward growth in your position, such as becoming a Lead Ranger or cross-training.
Responsibilities:
- Comply with staff core competencies
- Assist in the daily operations of the Treetops Adventure Park and KidZip.
- Be aware of industry standards and local operating procedures and operate in compliance with those. Identify potential risks and manage them appropriately.
- Work with co-Guides and staff to facilitate park activities in a safe, timely, and professional manner.
- Complete daily inspection of park facilities and equipment and submit reports on time.
- Fit harnesses and helmets correctly during gear-up and supervise the use of all personal safety equipment during activities.
- Provide excellent guest service and communicate clearly and effectively with Guests.
- Conduct participant ground school that emphasizes important park rules.
- Give clear instructions on how to complete any and all elements and respond promptly to any emergency situations that arise.
- Assist Guests in choosing courses so they are able to achieve their goals in the allotted time.
- Be efficient in the transition time between tours by resetting the park equipment, sanitizing gear, etc.
- As a small business we expect every employee to help maintain Adventure Center of Asheville facilities and equipment.
- Attend ongoing in-service training and staff meetings.
Minimum Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain before the first day of work.
- Willing to work weekends, holidays, long hours, and irregular shifts
- Must enjoy working with children and families.
- Able to work at heights and in all weather conditions.
- Capable of completing park training to the satisfaction of trainers and supervisors.
- Able to stand for long periods of time.
- Able to lift 50 lbs.
- Excellent powers of observation
**Please submit your application through our website
Guides assist the Adventure Center of Asheville Guests going on our Zipline Canopy Tour. You’ll work as part of a professional but fun-loving team of folks who enjoy working outdoors and helping diverse individuals meet new challenges and face their fears.
Zipline Canopy Guides must:
- Provide exemplary guest service to all Guests visiting the Adventure Center of Asheville
- Operate canopy tour in accordance with ACA and industry standards
- Work with co-rangers to facilitate canopy tours in a safe and professional manner
- Complete daily inspection of course facilities and equipment and submit reports on time
- Fit harnesses and helmets correctly during gear-up and supervise the use of all personal safety equipment during tour
- Conduct participant ground school and assess each guest’s ability to complete tour
- Engage Guests with interpretative information about local ecology and area history during tours
- Respond promptly to any emergency or rescue situations that may arise
- Help to maintain Adventure Center of Asheville facilities and equipment
- Attend ongoing inservice trainings and staff meetings
Qualifications:
Experience in the outdoor industry is preferred but not necessary. What is most important is that you enjoy working with people!
- High school diploma or GED required
- Must be at least 18 years of age and eligible to work in the United States
- Excellent guest service and communication skills
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Capable of providing leadership and helpful guidance to guests
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain before first day of work
- Must pass initial ranger training and maintain skills to satisfaction of supervisor
- Risk management experience and understanding of risk reduction strategies
- Comfortable speaking in front of large groups
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays, long hours, and irregular shifts
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work at heights of up to 80 feet and in all weather conditions
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Dates of Employment/Remuneration: Training will occur in Spring and early Summer. Full-time and part-time seasonal positions available March – August and June – August, with the possibility to extend the contract through the Winter.
Hourly wages $13-$15/hr. Additionally, staff can receive pro deals and free or discounted rates for passes with industry partners. And we offer the opportunity to cross-train to other adventure activities to develop yourself as an outdoor professional.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- Excellent guest service, communication skills, and ability to work well with co-workers.
- Capable of providing leadership and guidance to others.
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain before first day of work.
- Ability to complete park trainings to satisfaction of trainers
- Excellent time management and risk management skills.
- Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and working with participants of all ages.
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays, long hours and irregular shifts.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Must be in good physical condition for outdoor activities
- Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
Job Requirements:
- Daily trail inspections.
- Assist in routine shop activities.
- Clean, Inspect, and Tune rental bikes.
- Able to multitask during peak season.
- Trail work / maintenance when needed.
- Be a bike guide/instructor when needed.
- Customer service skills
- Responds promptly to any emergency situations that arise.
- Misc support responsibilities.
- Able to take direction well.
- Must wear company Ts while on the job.
- Part-Time Seasonal.
Ideally, this job will be part-time in the spring and fall and full-time during the summer, with the option for more hours if desired. The job’s main responsibilities will be handing out rental bikes, maintaining our rental fleet, checking in riders, and communicating with the bike park manager about further tasks. Trail work will be required at times as well
Off-Road ORV Guides must:
- Provide exemplary guest service to all guests visiting Adventure Mountain Resort Off-Road Tours
- Operate off-road tours in accordance with industry and company standards
- Work alone or with a co-guide to facilitate off road tours in a safe and professional manner
- Complete daily inspection of trails and equipment and submit reports on time
- Fit helmets correctly prior to/during tour times and supervise the use of all personal safety equipment during the tour
- Conduct participant driving training and assess each guest’s ability to complete the tour
- Engage guests with interpretative information about local ecology and area history during tours
- Respond promptly to any emergency or rescue situations that may arise
- Help to maintain Adventure Mountain Resort facilities and equipment
- Attend ongoing in-service trainings and staff meetings
Qualifications:
Experience in the outdoor industry is preferred, but not necessary. What is most important is that you enjoy working with people!
- High school diploma or GED required
- Must be at least 21 years of age and eligible to work in the United States
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Excellent guest service and communication skills
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Capable of providing leadership and helpful guidance to guests
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain before the first day of work
- Must pass initial guide training and maintain skills to the satisfaction of supervisor
- Risk management experience and understanding of risk reduction strategies
- Comfortable speaking in front of large groups
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays, long hours, and irregular shifts
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in all weather conditions
- Ability to stand/sit for long periods of time
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Dates of Employment/Remuneration: Training will occur in the spring to the summer season (March-August) and summer (June-August) with the possibility of extending the contract through the Winter. Hourly wages DOE.
How To Apply:
ONLINE APPLICATIONS:
Summer Camp Counselor Application
Zipline Canopy Tour & Treetops Adventure Park /KidZip Guide Application
Kolo Bike Park Trail Maintenance, Bike Technician & Customer Service Application
Adventure Mountain Off-Road Tours Guide Application
PAPER APPLICATIONS:
If you would like to request a paper application, please email manager@adventurecenterofasheville.com or drop by our Welcome Center when we are open.
Should your qualifications and background match our needs, we will contact you soon to schedule an interview.















