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Rafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamarack Resort

Rafting Guide

Donnelly, ID · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

SUMMARY Rafting guide will lead guests on a full day rafting trip, including providing guests a riverside lunch midway through the trip. The trip consists of rafting down the North Fork Payette River ...

tamarackresort

Rafting Guide

Donnelly, ID · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

SUMMARY Rafting guide will lead guests on a full day rafting trip, including providing guests a riverside lunch midway through the trip. The trip consists of rafting down the North Fork Payette River ...

Tamarack Resort

Rafting Guide (Part Time)

Donnelly, ID · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

SUMMARY Rafting guide will lead guests on a full day rafting trip, including providing guests a riverside lunch midway through the trip. The trip consists of rafting down the North Fork Payette River ...

tamarackresort

Rafting Guide (Part Time)

Donnelly, ID · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

SUMMARY Rafting guide will lead guests on a full day rafting trip, including providing guests a riverside lunch midway through the trip. The trip consists of rafting down the North Fork Payette River ...

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How much do rafting jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for rafting 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 a Rafting Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, thorough river safety knowledge, and often certifications in first aid, CPR, and swiftwater rescue. Familiarity with rafting equipment, local river systems, and navigation tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and crisis management skills help guides effectively lead groups and respond to emergencies. These abilities ensure the safety, enjoyment, and confidence of clients during rafting excursions.

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

Professional rafting guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing river conditions, ensuring guest safety, and managing diverse groups with varying experience levels. Guides must be highly adaptable, able to make quick decisions in dynamic environments, and skilled at providing clear instructions to participants. Additionally, they collaborate closely with other guides and support staff to coordinate trip logistics and maintain equipment, all while delivering an enjoyable and memorable experience for guests.

What are rafting guides?

Rafting guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people down rivers using inflatable rafts. They ensure the safety of participants, provide instructions on paddling techniques, and share knowledge about the river environment. Rafting guides are skilled in swiftwater rescue, first aid, and risk management, making sure the adventure is both enjoyable and safe. They often work for outdoor adventure companies, guiding various levels of whitewater trips.

What is the difference between Rafting vs Whitewater Kayaking?

AspectRaftingWhitewater Kayaking
Required CredentialsBasic safety training, rafting guide certificationWhitewater kayaking certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentLarge rivers, group settings, outdoor adventureFast-moving rivers, individual or small group, outdoor
Employer & Industry UsageAdventure tour companies, outdoor recreationAdventure tour companies, outdoor recreation
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for outdoor adventure jobs, safety, and skills

Rafting involves guiding groups on large inflatable boats through rivers, focusing on teamwork and safety. Whitewater kayaking requires individual skill in maneuvering a small kayak, emphasizing precision and agility. Both roles are popular in outdoor adventure tourism, but they differ in equipment, techniques, and work environment.

More about Rafting jobs
What cities are hiring for Rafting jobs? Cities with the most Rafting job openings:
What states have the most Rafting jobs? States with the most job openings for Rafting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rafting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rafting jobs are:
Rafting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rafting job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Rafting Guide

Rafting Guide

Tamarack Resort

Donnelly, ID • On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

SUMMARY
Rafting guide will lead guests on a full day rafting trip, including providing guests a riverside lunch midway through the trip. The trip consists of rafting down the North Fork Payette River on the Cabarton stretch. 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. 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 Driver'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

REASONING ABILITY:
  • Ability to identify problems and derive possible solutions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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

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

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