ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kayaking Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Thompson & Litton Inc

Senior Architect

Radford, VA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Guide junior staff and interns, fostering a culture of professional growth and design excellence ... premium kayaking, fishing, hiking, and extensive trail systems right out your back door.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsKayaking Guide JobsKayaking Guide Jobs in Virginia

Kayaking Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$17

$29

How much do kayaking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayaking guide in Virginia is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Kayaking Guides?

Kayaking Guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and sharing knowledge about the local environment. They are responsible for planning routes, supplying equipment, and teaching proper paddling techniques. Kayaking Guides also often share information about wildlife, natural features, and local history, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable. Their primary goal is to create a safe, memorable, and fun adventure for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by Kayaking Guides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Kayaking Guides often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying skill levels among clients, and ensuring group safety on the water. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-trip briefings, continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, and adapting plans as needed to prioritize safety. Effective communication and strong situational awareness are essential, as is maintaining certifications in first aid and water rescue. Building experience through regular training helps guides handle unexpected situations confidently.

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

To thrive as a Kayaking Guide, you need strong paddling proficiency, water safety knowledge, and typically a relevant certification such as ACA or BCU. Familiarity with GPS devices, rescue equipment, and first aid/CPR certification are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and crisis management skills help guides effectively instruct and reassure diverse groups. These abilities are vital for ensuring client safety, providing memorable experiences, and responding calmly to emergencies in dynamic outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Kayaking Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectKayaking GuideCanoe Guide
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, calm or whitewaterRivers, lakes, calm or whitewater
Industry UsageAdventure tourism, outdoor recreationAdventure tourism, outdoor recreation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both kayaking guides and canoe guides work in outdoor water environments, often in adventure tourism. They require similar certifications and serve similar industries. The main difference lies in the type of watercraft they specialize in—kayaking guides focus on kayaks, while canoe guides work with canoes. Their roles are comparable, with overlapping skills and work settings, making them common points of comparison for those interested in water-based guiding careers.

What are popular job titles related to Kayaking Guide jobs in Virginia? For Kayaking Guide jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kayaking Guide jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Kayaking Guide jobs in Virginia are:
Kayaking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayaking Guide job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,611 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Lake Forest Animal Hospital - Veterinarian

Lake Forest Animal Hospital - Veterinarian

VetEvolve

Forest, VA • On-site

$140/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago

VetEvolve rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Who is VetEvolve?
VetEvolve is a network of veterinary practices built to support the people delivering care and the practices they lead. We combine clinical insight with operational strength to give our teams the support, tools, and structure they need to thrive, without losing what makes each practice unique. We are intentionally focused on growth, not as an end in itself, but as a way to strengthen our practices, expand access to care, and create more opportunities for our teams.
Guided by our values: Care First. Better Together. Grow Forward. Own It. We create an environment where veterinary professionals can do their best work, build meaningful careers, and deliver exceptional care. Growth with intention. Care without compromise.
Veterinarian - Lake Forest Animal Hospital | Lynchburg, VA
Discover a fulfilling career in a scenic, supportive community.
Lake Forest Animal Hospital, nestled on the outskirts of Lynchburg, Virginia, is seeking a dedicated Veterinarian to join our friendly and experienced team! Located just off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, our practice offers the perfect blend of quality veterinary care and access to outdoor adventure in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Why Lake Forest Animal Hospital?
At Lake Forest, we pride ourselves on fostering a positive, collaborative culture. Our veterinary and support teams are highly tenured, fun to work with, and deeply committed to patient care. Our efforts haven't gone unnoticed-we're proud recipients of the Lynchburg Living Bronze Award for excellence in veterinary services.
What You'll Find Here:
  • A supportive team of 3 full-time veterinarians, seeking a 4th to complete the crew
  • A brand-new, state-of-the-art dental suite
  • Recently built, separate kennel facility to reduce hospital noise and stress
  • A leadership team passionate about mentorship, professional development, and optimizing hospital flow
  • Easy access to outdoor recreation-from hiking and biking to kayaking and camping

Who We're Looking For:
  • A full-time or part-time Veterinarian
  • Open to both new graduates and experienced clinicians
  • A team player with a growth mindset and a commitment to high-quality medicine

About VetEvolve
Lake Forest Animal Hospital is part of VetEvolve, a network of veterinary practices built to support the people delivering care and the practices they lead. We combine clinical insight with operational strength to give our teams the support, tools, and structure they need to thrive, without losing what makes each practice unique. We are intentionally focused on growth, not as an end in itself, but as a way to strengthen our practices, expand access to care, and create more opportunities for our teams. Guided by our values: Care First. Better Together. Grow Forward. Own It. We create an environment where veterinary professionals can do their best work, build meaningful careers, and deliver exceptional care. Growth with intention. Care without compromise.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary for experienced veterinarians: $140-175K (based on skillset, experience, and schedule)
  • Additional earning potential: $180K+ via a no-negative-accrual bonus plan (optional)
  • Relocation stipend and multi-year commitment bonus available (negotiable)
  • Comprehensive benefits package including:
    • Paid vacation & sick leave
    • Health, dental, vision insurance (generous employer contribution)
    • Supplemental insurance options
    • Full coverage of licensing, liability, and professional dues
    • 401(k) with employer contribution
    • 100% paid short-term disability premiums

Growth & Development
  • Customized continuing education packages + 1 full week paid CE time annually
  • Support From the Start wet lab-based mentorship for new grads
  • Access to MentorVet, Vet Specialists On Demand, and wellness coaching resources
  • Internal CE including annual retreats, webinars, and local hands-on events

We'd love to learn about your goals and show you how we can support them. Whether you're just starting out or looking for your next career move, we welcome the chance to talk.
Apply here or contact Thea Dziubczynski at thea@vetevolve.com for more information and a confidential, exploratory conversation!
Ready to Learn More?
We look forward to learning about your unique priorities and goals and working together with our local hospital teams to support you.

What VetEvolve employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply