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On Call River Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rafting Guide

Donnelly, ID ยท On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

SUMMARY Rafting guide will lead guests on a full day rafting trip, including providing guests a ... The trip consists of rafting down the North Fork Payette River on the Cabarton stretch. Trip ...

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC ยท On-site

$15/hr

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 ... Learn to read whitewater, use river signals, maneuver, and rig rafts, tie knots, work with guests ...

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 ... Learn to read whitewater, use river signals, maneuver, and rig rafts, tie knots, work with guests ...

Raft Guide

Moab, UT

$110 - $150/hr

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 ...

Raft Guide

Moab, UT ยท On-site

$110 - $150/hr

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 ...

Raft Guide

Moab, UT

$110 - $150/hr

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 ...

Raft Guide

Moab, UT ยท On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT ยท 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 ...

Whitewater Raft Guide - Return

Kremmling, CO ยท On-site

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

AVA Rafting & Zip Line: Raft Guides Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO ... Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience! * Maintain equipment, gear ...

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On Call River Rafting Guide information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do on call river rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for on call 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an On Call River Rafting Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an On Call River Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling ability, water safety knowledge, and often a certification in CPR/First Aid or swiftwater rescue. Familiarity with rafting equipment, river navigation tools, and emergency communication systems is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for managing groups and unexpected situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure client safety, deliver memorable experiences, and effectively handle emergencies on the river.

How does the on-call nature of a river rafting guide position affect work-life balance and scheduling?

As an on-call river rafting guide, your work schedule can be highly variable and dependent on customer bookings, weather conditions, and river safety. This flexibility can be beneficial if you prefer irregular hours or are balancing other commitments, but it may require you to be available on short notice, especially during peak season. Effective communication with your outfitter and proactive planning are key to managing your personal time around fluctuating work demands. Many guides enjoy the dynamic environment and the opportunity to work with different teams and clients, which can also help build a diverse skill set.

What are On Call River Rafting Guides?

On Call River Rafting Guides are trained professionals who lead and assist rafting trips on rivers, but they work on an as-needed basis instead of a set schedule. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of guests, providing instructions, and navigating rafts through various river conditions. These guides are typically contacted when extra help is needed due to high demand, special events, or staff shortages. Their flexible role requires extensive knowledge of river safety, first aid, and customer service skills.

What is the difference between On Call River Rafting Guide vs Full-Time River Rafting Guide?

AspectOn Call River Rafting GuideFull-Time River Rafting Guide
CertificationsRequired (CPR, First Aid, Guide Certification)Required (CPR, First Aid, Guide Certification)
Work EnvironmentAs needed, flexible schedule, variable hoursConsistent schedule, seasonal or year-round
Employer UsageHired by outfitters for specific tripsEmployed full-time by outfitters or companies
Search IntentCompare flexible, part-time, or seasonal work optionsSeek stable, ongoing employment in river guiding

In summary, an On Call River Rafting Guide works on a flexible, as-needed basis, often for specific trips, while a Full-Time River Rafting Guide has a regular schedule and ongoing employment. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same industry environment, but differ mainly in work hours and employment stability.

More about On Call River Rafting Guide jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of River Rafting Guide jobs? The most popular types of River Rafting Guide jobs are:
What job categories do people searching On Call River Rafting Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for On Call River Rafting Guide jobs are:
Infographic showing various On Call River Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Rafting Guide

tamarackresort

Donnelly, ID โ€ข On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

SUMMARYย ย 

Rafting guide will lead guests on a full day rafting trip, including providing guests a riverside lunch midway through the trip.ย  The trip consists of rafting down the North Fork Payette River on the Cabarton stretch.ย  Trip includes class II and III rapids.

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE

Working at Tamarack is an incredibly rewarding and magical experience. Not only will you be working in a beautiful mountain environment, but you will also receive amazing employee perks like a season pass for you and your family, resort discounts, free childcare and more!

Mountains, meadows and lakes are for everyone, and our resort community is no different. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in hiring, training, and career advancement. We celebrate and respect our diverse team members and guests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned, including weekend work.

  • Prepare rafts with proper safety equipment; i.e., paddles, life preservers, throw ropes, etc.
  • Prepare Food & Beverages prior to trip
  • Prepare Food & Beverages (Lunch) midway through trip on a riverside beach
  • Greet and check in rafting guests
  • Be familiar with rapid conditions, river flows and daily weather
  • Provide excellent customer service to guests, property owners, homeowners and fellow employees
  • After rafting trip perform daily chores as assigned to keep rafting gear in top condition
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

  • Must enjoy working and interacting with the public
  • Must be highly organized, energetic, positive attitude, and the ability to get the job done.
  • Capable of maintaining a positive & professional attitude among your team.
  • Clear communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Highly responsible and reliable.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Requires knowledge of computer hardware, word-processing, spreadsheet and data base software, prefer experience with Microsoft Office.ย  Requires knowledge of business letter writing and business forms; office procedures, business English, including vocabulary, correct grammatical usage and punctuation, filing systems; and common office machines and their operation.

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Previous work experience in the outdoors and/or recreation preferred

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Requires possession of a valid Driverโ€™s License with a driving record that meets the standards required by Tamarack Food & Beverage

  • CPR/1st Aid Certified
  • Ability to obtain Idaho Guides License for rafting

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

  • Fluent in English

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

  • Ability to do basic arithmetic

ย 

REASONING ABILITY:

  • Ability to identify problems and derive possible solutions

ย 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:ย 

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Frequent bending, climbing, kneeling squatting, twisting/turning from waist and pushing/pulling objects.
  • Will be working with hands and fingers, lifting and moving objects up to 40 pounds horizontally and vertically on a regular basis.
  • Near and far vision as well as good depth perception and color vision are important. Frequent use of senses.
  • Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • able to stay calm and swim Whitewater rapids
  • able to work in fluctuating temperatures

ย 

ย 

WORK ENVIROMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are reprehensive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

  • Weekend and holiday work will be required
  • Hazardous Weather
  • Whitewater swimming