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Rafting Guide 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

French Broad Adventures

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC · On-site

$15/hr

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

French Broad Adventures

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC · On-site

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

National Ability Center

Raft Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Rafting Senior Manager Location: Moab, UT Schedule: Variable; weekends, nights and holiday work as ... Guides will work in a team to facilitate all aspects of the trip experience, including trip ...

National Ability Center

Raft Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Rafting Senior Manager Location: Moab, UT Schedule: Variable; weekends, nights and holiday work as ... Guides will work in a team to facilitate all aspects of the trip experience, including trip ...

National Ability Center

Raft Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Rafting Senior Manager Location: Moab, UT Schedule: Variable; weekends, nights and holiday work as ... Guides will work in a team to facilitate all aspects of the trip experience, including trip ...

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How much do rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

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

To thrive as a Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and first aid/CPR certification, often supported by swiftwater rescue training. Familiarity with rafting equipment, river navigation tools, and communication systems like radios is essential. Outstanding leadership, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help deliver safe and enjoyable experiences for clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring guest safety, handling emergencies, and providing exceptional outdoor adventures.

What are some common challenges faced by Rafting Guides during a typical trip, and how can they be managed effectively?

Rafting Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying river conditions, and managing the safety and expectations of diverse groups of participants. Effective communication, thorough pre-trip briefings, and strong situational awareness are key to addressing these challenges. Guides must be prepared to adapt routes, provide clear instructions, and maintain a calm demeanor under pressure to ensure both safety and a positive guest experience. Being proactive in equipment checks and staying updated on river conditions also help mitigate risks and keep trips running smoothly.

What are rafting guides?

Rafting guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people on whitewater rafting trips. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing instructions on paddling techniques, and reading river conditions to avoid hazards. Rafting guides also enhance the experience by sharing information about the local environment and wildlife. Their expertise is crucial for making rafting adventures both exciting and safe.

What is the difference between Rafting Guide vs Kayaking Instructor?

AspectRafting GuideKayaking Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting guides licenseCPR, First Aid, kayaking instructor certification
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor adventure settings, group toursRivers, lakes, outdoor classes, individual or group instruction
Industry UsageTour operators, adventure companiesOutdoor recreation centers, adventure schools

Rafting Guides and Kayaking Instructors both work in outdoor water environments and often require similar safety certifications. However, rafting guides typically lead larger groups on rivers using rafts, while kayaking instructors focus on teaching individuals or small groups how to kayak. Both roles are essential in the outdoor adventure industry, but they differ in equipment, techniques, and specific job responsibilities.

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What states have the most Rafting Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Rafting Guide jobs include:
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Rafting Guide jobs near you
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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