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River Guide Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

... Rivers, and Great Lakes. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests ... These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland Rivers, and Great Lakes. American Cruise ... These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

S. coastal and river waterways. Our Third Mates are team-oriented, self-disciplined, and hands-on ... These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

S. coastal and river waterways. Our Third Mates are team-oriented, self-disciplined, and hands-on ... These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to ...

ST CROIX HOSPICE LLC

Music Therapist

Independence, MO · On-site

Like the river that inspired our name and takes great skill to navigate, St. Croix Hospice guides patients and their families through the end-of-life journey. We are committed to ensuring the highest ...

New

St. Croix Hospice

Music Therapist

Arnold, MO · On-site

Like the river that inspired our name and takes great skill to navigate, St. Croix Hospice guides patients and their families through the end-of-life journey. We are committed to ensuring the highest ...

St. Croix Hospice

Music Therapist

Independence, MO · On-site

Like the river that inspired our name and takes great skill to navigate, St. Croix Hospice guides patients and their families through the end-of-life journey. We are committed to ensuring the highest ...

New

St Croix Hospice

Music Therapist

Independence, MO · On-site

Like the river that inspired our name and takes great skill to navigate, St. Croix Hospice guides patients and their families through the end-of-life journey. We are committed to ensuring the highest ...

New

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All JobsRiver Guide JobsRiver Guide Jobs in Missouri

River Guide information

See Missouri salary details

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How much do river guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for river guide in Missouri is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $14.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between River Guide vs Kayak Instructor?

AspectRiver GuideKayak Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, River Guide CertificationCPR, First Aid, Kayak Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor water settings, group toursIndoor/outdoor pools, lakes, rivers, teaching sessions
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, tour operatorsRecreation centers, outdoor schools, adventure companies

River Guides and Kayak Instructors both require water safety certifications and work in outdoor water environments. However, River Guides typically lead group trips on rivers, focusing on navigation and safety, while Kayak Instructors teach kayaking skills in pools or lakes. Both roles are essential in the outdoor recreation industry but differ mainly in their work setting and primary responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a River Guide, you need strong knowledge of river navigation, safety procedures, and first aid, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Responder or Swiftwater Rescue. Familiarity with rafting equipment, GPS devices, and communication systems is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and customer service skills help build trust and enhance the guest experience. These abilities are crucial for ensuring both the safety and enjoyment of clients in dynamic and potentially hazardous river environments.

What does a river guide do?

As a river guide, you assist people on rafting trips down rivers and rapids. During each trip or tour, you must maneuver the craft on water safely. River guides frequently work with inexperienced passengers, so the ability to manage their behavior and keep the entire group safe is essential in this role. Most river guides work with tour companies and provide several trips each day. Other duties include loading and preparing rafts and handling reservations. Fulfilling the responsibilities of this job requires attention to detail as well as strong interpersonal, leadership, and wilderness skills.

What is a river guide?

River guides are professionals who lead and assist individuals or groups on river trips, such as rafting, kayaking, or canoeing excursions. They are responsible for the safety, instruction, and overall experience of the participants while navigating rivers, often in remote or challenging conditions. River guides possess knowledge of river routes, safety procedures, and rescue techniques, and they typically provide insights about the natural environment and local history. Their job also includes preparing equipment, giving safety briefings, and sometimes cooking or setting up camp during multi-day trips.

What are some of the most common challenges river guides face during a typical trip?

River Guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, fluctuating river levels, and ensuring the safety of guests with varying experience levels. Effective communication and strong leadership are crucial, especially when navigating technical rapids or responding to unexpected situations. Guides must also balance providing an enjoyable experience with managing the logistical aspects of trips, such as meal preparation and equipment maintenance.
More about River Guide jobs

What cities in Missouri are hiring for River Guide jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most River Guide job openings:

What are popular job titles related to River Guide jobs in MO?

For River Guide jobs in MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

River Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Guide job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,526 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Mate

American Cruise Lines

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Mate
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland Rivers, and Great Lakes. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Mates are skilled team and time managers, supervising daily deck teams while also developing piloting expertise on our coastal and river routes. Our Mates are prudent decision-makers continually reducing risk by keeping our crew tasks ahead of daily and weekly schedules. Our Mates are people-oriented leaders and meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Execution of Vessel cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Execution of Crew orientation, training, watch standing, and emergency drills.
  • Teamwork with Hotel Officers and Service Crew ensuring five-star guest service.
  • Administrative documentation of cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Leadership of safe, secure, clean, and comfortable onboard environment for passengers and crew.

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Mate's license: minimum 100T, desired license 1600T.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Mate experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Basic marine engineering knowledge of diesel machinery, hydraulics, and liquid load management.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Mate: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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