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Adventure Guide Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Davenport, IA · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Davenport, IA

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

Diventures

Swim Teacher

North Liberty, IA · On-site

Whether it's helping a toddler conquer their first float, guiding a teen to swim like a pro, or engaging parents in their child's aquatic journey, we turn learning into an adventure. Join a team ...

Diventures

Swim Teacher

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Whether it's helping a toddler conquer their first float, guiding a teen to swim like a pro, or engaging parents in their child's aquatic journey, we turn learning into an adventure. Join a team ...

Diventures

Swim Teacher

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Whether it's helping a toddler conquer their first float, guiding a teen to swim like a pro, or engaging parents in their child's aquatic journey, we turn learning into an adventure. Join a team ...

Sportsman's Warehouse

Part Time Store Outfitter

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Be a Knowledgeable Guide: Share your passion and expertise about outdoor activities, products, and destinations. Help customers find exactly what they need for their next adventure, whether it ...

Breakout Operations, LLC

Game Master

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Game Masters are the face of our company, welcoming and guiding each guest with a smile. You should ... Health/ Dental Insurance Breakout Operations LLC provides a real-life escape room adventure for ...

Capstone Health

RN

Fairfield, IA · On-site

... adventure? Do you thrive in high-pressure environments where your skills make a life-saving ... You'll also guide patient education and oversee the activities of ancillary personnel, ensuring the ...

Brownells

Retail Associate (Part-Time)

Grinnell, IA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Guide customers through returns, exchanges, and firearm compliance paperwork with professionalism ... A chance to work with passionate people who live for adventure, independence, and firearms Why ...

Breakout Operations LLC

Game Master

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Game Masters are the face of our company, welcoming and guiding each guest with a smile. You should ... Health/ Dental Insurance Breakout Operations LLC provides a real-life escape room adventure for ...

Medical Talent

Travel ICU Registered Nurse

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

... adventure. With positions available across all 50 states and specialties ranging from ICU to ... A culture built on teamwork, accountability, loyalty, and transparency -- values that guide ...

Medical Talent

Travel Labor & Delivery RN

Pella, IA · On-site

... adventure. With positions available across all 50 states and specialties ranging from ICU to ... A culture built on teamwork, accountability, loyalty, and transparency -- values that guide ...

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Adventure Guide information

See Iowa salary details

$6

$14

$19

How much do adventure guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure guide in Iowa is $14.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adventure guide?

An adventure guide is a type of tour guide who takes a group of people out to do recreational and adrenaline-filled activities. In this career, an excursion you lead is usually one that is more exciting and interactive than a typical tour. You may go out on ATV's into the mountains of a foreign country, whitewater raft through the Grand Canyon, or canoe down the Amazon River, leading the way. Creating an exciting recreation environment is only one of the duties of an adventure guide. You must also keep groups safe, keep the trip educational and interactive, and sometimes even cook for your groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adventure guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adventure Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local terrain and safety protocols. Familiarity with GPS navigation devices, rescue equipment, and communication radios is typically required. Leadership, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure both the safety and enjoyment of participants, as well as effective management of unexpected situations during excursions.

What are some common challenges adventure guides face when leading groups in the outdoors?

Adventure Guides often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, ensuring safety in unpredictable outdoor conditions, and adapting activities to suit varying skill levels. Effective communication and quick decision-making are crucial when dealing with unexpected weather, injuries, or changes in itinerary. Guides must also balance providing an enjoyable experience while strictly adhering to safety protocols and environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Adventure Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectAdventure GuideTour Guide
CertificationsFirst aid, outdoor activity certificationsTourism or history certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, active, often remote locationsIndoor and outdoor, urban or rural settings
Industry UsageAdventure tourism, outdoor recreationTravel, sightseeing, cultural tours
Common Search IntentOutdoor adventure activities, extreme sports guidesCity tours, historical sites, sightseeing

Adventure Guides focus on outdoor, active experiences like hiking, rafting, or zip-lining, requiring outdoor certifications and working in natural environments. Tour Guides typically lead groups through city landmarks or cultural sites, often needing tourism-related certifications. Both roles involve guiding groups, but Adventure Guides emphasize outdoor adventure, while Tour Guides focus on cultural and historical education.

How much money do adventure guides make?

Adventure guides typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of activities they lead. Many guides supplement income through tips from clients and may need certifications such as first aid or wilderness training to increase earning potential.

How to get a job as an adventure guide?

To become an adventure guide, you typically need relevant outdoor experience, strong communication skills, and certifications such as first aid or wilderness survival. Many employers also require a valid driver's license and knowledge of safety protocols, and some roles may require specialized training depending on the activity, such as rock climbing or rafting.
More about Adventure Guide jobs

What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in Iowa?

For Adventure Guide jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in IA?

For Adventure Guide jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Adventure Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adventure Guide job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,205 per year, or $14 per hour.

Travel Director

American Cruise Lines

Davenport, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks
American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for engaging guests in each destination through a series of explorations and adventures throughout the National Parks. As a Travel Director you are responsible and accountable for all land exploration, transfer operations, and brand ambassadorship & representation. The Travel Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere while always engaging guests and socializing throughout the land exploration.
This role has a very high level of guest interaction and can be very demanding, with long hours. The role requires an energetic and creative person with extraordinarily polished communications & social skills, a collaborative team spirit and a passion for guest satisfaction.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Available Regions:
  • National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary: Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton
  • Great Smoky Mountains
  • Northwest National Parks: Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park
  • Alaska National Parks

Responsibilities:
  • Lead guests through their daily National Parks explorations while acting as a company representative and brand ambassador.
  • Provide narration and commentary throughout the National Parks, giving accurate and relevant information and facts about the parks, history, nature, and wildlife.
  • Effectively communicate with guests about the schedule, weather, and activity levels.
  • Create daily programs to give to guests to explain what each day entails.
  • Create and execute entertainment, such as trivia and games, on board the motorcoach.
  • Assist guests with minor medical attention.
  • Accommodate all reasonable guest requests.
  • Socialize with guests at every opportunity.
  • Communicate with home office frequently, including completing weekly reports, relaying information about early guest departures (if applicable), or changes in schedule/plans.
  • Prepare materials for turnaround day.
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, and guides and send feedback to home office.
  • Candidates will be required to work onboard as an Excursions Director for 4-6 weeks prior to their assignment as a Tour Director in order to become fully assimilated with the company and onboard operations.

Attributes for Success:
  • Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
  • Superior time management.
  • Ability to manage and solve problems.
  • Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
  • Previous National Parks Tour Guide experience preferred.
  • Significant experience in hospitality, tourism, and/or event management.
  • Strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can-do attitude.
  • Strong public speaking skills.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:
  • 6-8 weeks working / 1-2 weeks off.
  • 7 days per week while working.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12-14 hours per day, and be on call at all times for any guest emergencies.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an emergency including:
    • Assisting with minor medical issues, including altitude sickness or minor injuries.
    • Identify and arrange medical assistance in remote areas.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to walk around 10 miles at high altitude, sometimes up to 7600 ft, in various types of terrain and weather conditions.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to work outside during inclement weather, staying agile, and maintaining balance over wet terrain.
  • Ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure.
  • Ability to live and work in a constantly moving environment, including changing hotels every 2-3 nights.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training from industry experts.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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