Freelance River Rafting Guide Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Description

Position Type: Part-time Seasonal, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Supervisor: Rafting Senior Manager

Location: Moab, UT

Schedule: Variable; weekends, nights and holiday work as required

Compensation: Day and overnight rates (starting at $110/day and $150/overnight); hourly rates (starting at $20 an hour) depending on experience

Guide whitewater. Empower people. Live the river life.
The National Ability Center is looking for adventurous, mission-driven Raft Guides to lead inclusive whitewater trips on the Green and Colorado Rivers. This seasonal role blends outdoor leadership, adaptive recreation, and unforgettable canyon experiences in Moab, Utah. As one of the largest non-profit outdoor therapeutic recreational programs in the world, our team is dedicated to the national movement of building an Adaptive Nation. From day trips to multi-day canyon expeditions, you'll help participants push boundaries, build confidence, and experience the magic of the river - often for the first time.

UPDATE 5/19/2026: We are looking for additional part-time raft guides. All full-time seasonal raft guide positions have been filled.

Job Summary:

Raft Guides are responsible for guiding one to five-day whitewater rafting trips on class I-IV rivers for people with disabilities. Guides will work in a team to facilitate all aspects of the trip experience, including trip preparation, river guiding, facilitation of activities, environmental education, and trip de-rigging. The season runs through mid-October depending on water conditions.

Essential Duties:

• Lead paddle and oar rig crews rafts through class I-III rapids on sections of the Green and Colorado rivers including but not limited to: The Fisher Towers, Ruby/Horsethief, Desolation Canyon, Gates of Lodore, Cataract Canyon, and Westwater Canyon.
• Lead instructional talks regarding safety and leave no trace camping techniques.
• Teach participants about the natural and human history of the Colorado Plateau and Colorado River.
• Ensure that trips utilize above par safety procedures.
• Assist with food packing, preparation and clean up.
• Organize, maintain, and help repair program equipment.
• Adapt equipment to enable participants with special needs to fully participate.
• Drive and help maintain trucks with trailers.
• Assist in trip preparation, planning, implementation, and follow-up.
• Attend outreach and special events when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be able to start April 15, 2026 and work through mid-October 2026.
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED (through ARC or AHA) certifications.
• Current driver's license with clean driving record.
• Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical, paid for by the NAC.
• Be able to pass a background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in the outdoor industry or adaptive recreation.
• Experience or basic knowledge of white-water rafting.
• Experience working with people with disabilities.
• Ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer.
• Experience working with volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to lead groups in an outdoor setting.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem solving basic issues & ability to work independently.
• Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Demonstrated history of responsibility, dependability, and maturity.
• Strong work ethic to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a quick-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to positively receive and provide job coaching for personal development.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to a positive, fun, and team-oriented working environment while promoting the NAC Values.

Working Conditions:

• Able/willing to work long hours in temperatures which regularly exceed 100 degrees.
• Able/willing to lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Able/willing to work irregular hours with a schedule that changes often.

Benefits:

• Potential for complimentary housing in Moab, UT (full-time positions only)
• ACA Swiftwater Rescue Training
• Partial certification reimbursement
• Access to Pro deals