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Full Time River Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides Location(s): Moab Utah Work Season: Full time and Part Time, ... Have River Experience? AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If ...

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How much do full time river rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time river rafting guide in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time river rafting guide?

Full time river rafting guides are professionals who lead groups on rafting expeditions down rivers, ensuring their safety and providing instruction and information about the river and surrounding environment. Their responsibilities include navigating the raft, giving safety briefings, instructing guests on paddling techniques, and responding to emergencies. They typically work for outdoor adventure companies or tour operators, and may also help with equipment maintenance and trip logistics. Full time guides often possess certifications in first aid and swiftwater rescue, and have strong knowledge of local river systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time river rafting guide?

To thrive as a Full Time River Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, safety and rescue training, and in many cases, certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or Swiftwater Rescue. Familiarity with river navigation equipment, communication devices, and knowledge of local waterways are typically required. Excellent leadership, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help guides stand out when managing diverse groups and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure guest safety, deliver an enjoyable experience, and handle unpredictable river conditions effectively.

What are the typical challenges a full time river rafting guide faces during a busy season?

Full Time River Rafting Guides often experience long hours and physically demanding days, especially during peak season when trip volume is high. Managing the safety and enjoyment of diverse groups—ranging from beginners to experienced rafters—requires strong communication and adaptability. Guides must also be prepared to respond to changing weather and river conditions, which can impact trip planning and safety protocols. Teamwork with other guides and support staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and a positive experience for guests.
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Full Time River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time River Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT • On-site

The Outlaw Group
See more jobs at The Outlaw Groupexternal

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!
At the Outlaw Group, we believe in working hard, playing hard, and constantly striving for excellence.
Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado's outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.
Job Description:
AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides
Location(s):
Moab Utah
Work Season:
Full time and Part Time, June 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:
Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee campgrounds for accommodations.
Pay Rate:
Starting pay for experienced guides is 15.56 an hour, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.
AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides for the upcoming season. As a Raft Guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swiftwater rescue techniques as needed.
Have River Experience?
AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If you are looking for new water and great people we are the company for you! If you have experience in class III+ whitewater, apply today.
*Experienced raft guides will need up-to date and verifiable river miles upon employment start and will be required to perform checkout runs for each stretch of river to be commercially guided with AVA*
*NOTE* This job does require onsite location in Utah, the company does have options areas for employees to live during the summer
What You'll Do
  • Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!
  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.
  • Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.
  • 2 -3 trips a day typically ~9-hour workdays
  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!
What we Look For
  • Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.
  • Strong teamwork skills.
  • People with an emphasis on customer care.
  • Experience on class III to class V whitewater.
  • Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!
Work Availability
  • Part Time < ~30 hours
  • Full Time ~ 40 hours
  • Holidays (4th of July)
Benefits
  • The job is a service industry job meaning guest are encouraged to tip.
  • Base pay is, with tipped income commonly adding an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour.
  • Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as North face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

Why Apply Today?
Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide!
Apply on Indeed or directly with our website,
Careers | AVA Rafting: https://www.coloradorafting.net/about-us/employment/
If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation.
AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

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