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Raft Guide Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Raft ( is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S ... Your day will be a dynamic mix of guiding Agile software development cycles, engaging directly with ...

Raft Guide information

See Massachusetts salary details

$7

$18

$32

How much do raft guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for raft guide in Massachusetts is $18.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a raft guide?

Raft guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people on river rafting trips. They are responsible for the safety of their passengers, steering the raft, giving instructions, and ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience. Raft guides are knowledgeable about river conditions, first aid, and rescue techniques. They often work for outdoor adventure companies and must have strong communication and leadership skills.

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

To thrive as a Raft Guide, you need strong paddling skills, river navigation knowledge, and first aid/CPR certification, often supported by completion of professional guide training. Familiarity with safety equipment, rescue techniques, and communication radios is essential. Leadership, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills for guiding diverse groups safely. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring client safety, managing emergencies, and providing enjoyable outdoor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by raft guides during a typical season?

Raft Guides often encounter rapidly changing river conditions, unpredictable weather, and the varying skill levels of guests. Managing safety while ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience requires strong communication and quick decision-making. Additionally, guides need to maintain physical stamina for long days on the water and may be expected to assist with equipment maintenance or camp setup, depending on the outfitter. Teamwork and adaptability are essential to handle the dynamic nature of the job and to support both guests and fellow guides.

What is the difference between Raft Guide vs Kayak Instructor?

AspectRaft GuideKayak Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting guides licenseWilderness First Aid, CPR, kayaking instructor certification
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor water bodies, group settingsRivers, lakes, indoor/outdoor training facilities
Industry UsageTourism, adventure sports, outdoor recreationOutdoor sports education, adventure tourism
Common Search/ComparisonRaft Guide vs Kayak Instructor

Both roles involve water-based outdoor activities and require certifications like First Aid and CPR. Raft Guides typically work on larger group trips on rivers, focusing on safety and navigation, while Kayak Instructors often teach individuals or small groups, emphasizing technique and skills. The work environments overlap but differ in equipment and focus, making them related but distinct roles within outdoor water sports.

How do you become a raft guide?

To become a raft guide, individuals typically need to complete safety training, learn river navigation skills, and obtain certifications such as First Aid and CPR. Gaining experience through training programs or working as a trainee helps develop the necessary skills for guiding and ensuring safety on the water.

How much do raft guides make?

Raft guides typically earn between $200 and $400 per day during the peak season, with annual salaries ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and the number of trips guided. Many guides also receive tips from clients, which can significantly increase their overall income. Certifications in water safety and swiftwater rescue can enhance earning potential.

Is it hard to be a raft guide?

Being a raft guide requires physical fitness, strong swimming skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations on the water. It often involves early mornings, long hours, and working in outdoor conditions, but training and certifications like CPR and swiftwater rescue can help prepare for the job. The difficulty varies based on experience and the complexity of the river environment.

What are popular job titles related to Raft Guide jobs in Massachusetts?

For Raft Guide jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Raft Guide job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,228 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Product Manager

Hanscom Air Force Base, MA • On-site

Raft
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees

$140K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

This is a U.S. based position. All of the programs we support require U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment. All work must be conducted within the continental U.S.

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

About the role:

As a Product Manager, you will take complete ownership of program health-balancing execution, strategy, and relationship management to drive mission success. You will be responsible for leading a fast-moving software development team, ensuring contract deliverables are met while navigating evolving priorities and customer needs. This role requires someone who thrives in ambiguity, is comfortable wearing multiple hats across program, project, and product management, and can effectively bridge the gap between technical teams and customer stakeholders.

Your day will be a dynamic mix of guiding Agile software development cycles, engaging directly with DoD stakeholders to grow customer intimacy, and adapting to shifting requirements to keep the team on track. You will manage product roadmaps, oversee delivery execution, and provide strategic leadership to ensure program success. While deep technical expertise is not required, a strong technical acumen and the ability to learn the product deeply are critical to your effectiveness in this role.

Additionally, you will be a key player in driving future opportunities collaborating on RFI/RFP responses, shaping long-term strategic initiatives, and positioning the team for sustained success. This is not a narrowly defined or rigid role; instead, it requires someone who is adaptable, proactive, and ready to take ownership of all aspects of program execution.

What we are looking for:

  • 3- 5 years of experience in program, project, or product management with a focus on Agile software development
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and drive clarity where needed
  • Proven leadership in software development teams, ensuring execution and alignment with customer needs
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience engaging with senior DoD stakeholders
  • Ability to balance execution and strategy, ensuring both day-to-day success and long-term growth
  • Familiarity with Agile methodologies, product roadmapping, and program execution
  • STEM degree or equivalent technical acumen must be able to understand and communicate technical concepts

Highly preferred:

  • Experience working with DoD customers
  • Track record of managing program financials, including P&L ownership
  • Agile certification(s)
  • Experience in a software factory environment
  • Familiarity with ATO and RMF processes

Clearance Requirements:

  • Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI security clearance

Work Type:

  • Onsite at Hanscom AFB, MA
  • May require up to 25% travel

Salary Range:$140,000.00-$180,000.00

What we will offer you:

  • Highly competitive salary
  • Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) and company match
  • Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
  • Education & training benefits
  • Generous Referral Bonuses
  • And More!

Our Vision Statement:

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission.

Our Customer Obsession:

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there?

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm.

Raft's core philosophy isUbuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our"nadi"by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.