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On Call River Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PRP

Overnight Cooks

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

Wing Group

Heat Seam Sealer Operator

Arcata, CA

$20.50/hr

At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay safe while ...

PRP

Server - IHOP 1772

Pocatello, ID · On-site

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

PRP

Overnight Servers IHOP 3625

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

PRP

Be Seen First

Cooks - 1765

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

PRP

Be Seen First

Cooks - 690

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19.99 - $22/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

PRP

All shifts' Servers - 1774

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

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All JobsOn Call River Rafting Guide Jobs

On Call River Rafting Guide information

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

As of Jul 21, 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.

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 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.

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:
On Call River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various On Call River Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Day-Trip Raft Guide

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA • On-site

$195/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced paddle raft guides to join our team on the Class III-IV White Salmon River!
Our team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and gain an appreciation for our natural environment through half-day and full-day paddle raft trips on the Northwest's classic Wild and Scenic White Salmon River. With continuous, technical Class III-IV whitewater, it is essential that our day trip raft guides prioritize guest care and risk management to create seamless experiences for guests. As the face of Wet Planet, our guides enjoy working with a team of fellow river professionals to make sure our guests have amazing experiences out on the river.
The bulk of our day trips are Class III-IV paddle rafting on the White Salmon River. Due to the technical nature of the White Salmon, all guides we hire must have previous guiding experience on Class III-IV. In addition to the White Salmon, we offer day trips on the Class III Klickitat River, Class III Tieton River, Class IV Hood River, and Class V Wind River. Our guides enjoy this variety and the opportunity to hone their skills and guide Class IV/V if desired. Kayakers enjoy the opportunity to support kayak on small trips and Class V trips.
Wet Planet
Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Our headquarters is located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest.
Qualifications & Experience:
  • Previous commercial paddle raft guiding experience on Class III whitewater at a minimum; Class IV experience preferred
  • Professional appearance, excellent communication skills, and team player
  • You love guiding rafts and sharing the river with guests, including your knowledge on natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current First Aid & CPR required at a minimum; Wilderness First Responder preferred
  • Current River Rescue Certification preferred (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Day Trip Season: We offer day trips from April 1-September 30.
Availability:
  • Full-time, full season: Mid-May (or earlier) through September
  • Full-time, peak season: June-August
  • Part-time, peak season: June-August

Many of our staff combine work in multiple disciplines and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available from April to September by combining day trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.
Wet Planet Perks:
  • Access to free trips and courses as well as discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross-training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase Program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Access to local housing options
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:
  • $85-195 per trip, based on certifications, experience, role, and type of trip (half-day or full-day, first year guide to Senior Trip Leader with all required experience, trainings and certifications)
  • Simple IRA savings plan option after 2 years

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience - join our team!

Apply