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Interpretive Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Return

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

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 ...

State of Colorado

CO

$18 - $19.50/hr

... interpretive programs. Programs include, but are not limited to, youth outings and school field trips, archery and fishing programs, campfire talks, and guided hikes. The Naturalist may also be ...

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Interpretive Guide information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$15

$23

How much do interpretive guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for interpretive guide in Colorado is $15.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.31 and $18.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Interpretive Guides face when engaging diverse audiences, and how can they overcome them?

Interpretive Guides often encounter groups with varying ages, backgrounds, and interests, which can make it challenging to keep everyone engaged. To overcome this, guides typically use a mix of storytelling, interactive activities, and adaptive communication techniques to connect with different learning styles. Flexibility and strong observation skills are key, allowing guides to adjust their approach on the spot for maximum impact. Building rapport and encouraging questions also helps ensure that all visitors feel included and engaged throughout the experience.

What are interpretive guides?

Interpretive guides are professionals who lead visitors through parks, museums, historical sites, or natural areas, providing educational and engaging information about the location’s natural, cultural, or historical significance. They use storytelling, demonstrations, and interactive activities to help guests connect with and understand the subject matter. Interpretive guides often tailor their presentations to different audiences and play a key role in conservation and public education efforts.

What is the difference between Interpretive Guide vs Naturalist?

AspectInterpretive GuideNaturalist
CredentialsOften requires interpretive or environmental education certificationsTypically has naturalist or environmental science background, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentGuides visitors, leads tours, educates the public in parks, museums, or nature centersConducts research, observes wildlife, educates about ecosystems, often in field settings
Employer & IndustryFound in parks, zoos, museums, eco-tourismFound in parks, research institutions, conservation organizations

While both roles focus on environmental education, Interpretive Guides primarily lead tours and engage visitors, whereas Naturalists often conduct research and provide in-depth ecological education. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary focus and activities differ.

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

To thrive as an Interpretive Guide, you need a solid understanding of natural or cultural history, excellent communication skills, and often a background in education or environmental science. Familiarity with audio-visual presentation tools, interpretive planning software, and certifications like Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to engage diverse audiences set top guides apart. These skills are vital for delivering informative, memorable experiences that connect visitors with the site’s significance and foster stewardship.
What are popular job titles related to Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado? For Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado are:
Interpretive Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Guide job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,621 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
River Fishing Guide - Whitewater Guide -> Fishing Guide

River Fishing Guide - Whitewater Guide -> Fishing Guide

The Outlaw Group

Kremmling, CO

Full-time

Posted 24 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:Work Season:

Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:

Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? Kremmling offers much public land for camping and campers with the Kremmling outpost featuring facilities for guides to utilize.

Pay Rate:
Starting pay for first year rookie guides is 15.16 an hour + tips, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.

Basic Breakdown:

AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides and Fishing Guides for the upcoming season. This is a dual role where you will train and start your season on the river as a raft guide while doing regular training throughout the summer as a Fly Fishing guide. You will assist on trips with experience fly fishermen from walk and wades to river float trips. A river 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.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
The job is a perfect summer opportunity for work, with the season lasting typically from May to September. No previous experience is required but we do require an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. As a fishing guide on the river, we do require raft guide training at the start of the season. Througout the season you will develop your fishing skills and begin to work as a fishing guide. We also offer CPR/First Aid courses for those in need of up to date certifications.

*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Colorado, 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!

  • Assist in fishing operations such as walk and wades and fishing float trips. Teach guest to fish and follow state fishing regulations.

  • 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.

  • Fishing experience.

  • Strong teamwork skills.

  • People with an emphasis on customer care.

  • 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 and Fishing Guide!

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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