ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

River Guide Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Paws Up Montana

Activities Runner

Greenough, MT · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Shuttle guide vehicles for river activities (fishing and floating), and occasionally others. * Assist in the setup and breakdown of guided activities * Maintain a professional demeanor when greeting ...

Valley Veterinary Hospital

Medical Director

Missoula, MT · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

As our Medical Director, you'll help guide the continued growth of the practice while maintaining ... Surrounded by mountains, rivers, trails, and pristine lakes, the area is a haven for outdoor ...

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

Medical Director

Missoula, MT · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

As our Medical Director, you'll help guide the continued growth of the practice while maintaining ... Surrounded by mountains, rivers, trails, and pristine lakes, the area is a haven for outdoor ...

Three Rivers Bank of Montana

Teller I

MT · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Teller is a frontline ambassador of Three Rivers Bank and plays a critical role in delivering a ... guiding them through our 7-Step Sales Process to ensure they receive the right products and ...

Three Rivers Bank of Montana

Teller I

Kalispell, MT · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

The Teller is a frontline ambassador of Three Rivers Bank and plays a critical role in delivering a ... guiding them through our 7-Step Sales Process to ensure they receive the right products and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRiver Guide JobsRiver Guide Jobs in Montana

River Guide information

See Montana salary details

$9

$14

$20

How much do river guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for river guide in Montana is $14.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $13.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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.

More about River Guide jobs

What cities in Montana are hiring for River Guide jobs?

Cities in Montana with the most River Guide job openings:

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

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

River Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Guide job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,848 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Activities Guide

Knightsbridge Capital Corporation

Greenough, MT • On-site

$18/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

We Inspire People to Be More Alive  

About Paws Up Montana:  

Paws Up Montana is America's premier luxury ranch resort.  Paws Up embodies the spirit of the American West.  It's a family owned and award-winning destination that truly inspires.

Paws Up Montana is seeking Activities Guides to add to our team. The role of the Activities Guide is to provide and lead guests on recreational expeditions via off roading, shooting, electric biking, ropes challenge courses, go-karting, and water activities. 

This position starts at $18 an hour and goes up from there depending on experience.

The Primary Functions are: 

  • Lead guests on go-karts, archery, electric biking, challenge courses, off-roading, skeet shooting, river, and lake expeditions. 
  • Preform safety and instruction of each guided activity to participants. 
  • Lead expeditions independently for maximum of four to eight attendees; Co-lead expeditions for a maximum of twenty-four attendees. 
  • Operate company vehicles properly and provided proper operation instruction to guests. 
  • Pilot a river raft down Class II and (very limited) Class III whitewater. 
  • Operate and give instruction in inflatable kayaking Class II & III rapids and flat-water canoeing.  
  • Operate and pilot a ski/powerboat while, towing a water-skier (wake boarder, etc.) on a medium sized lake.
  • Provide safety and operation instruction on riding a Personal Watercraft (jet ski) and behind ski/powerboat to guests.
  • Lead and ride on single-track, jeep trails, log roads, and dirt roads as well as giving instruction to all ability levels on mountain bikes, Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). 
  • Instruct and preform firearm safety with guests 20-guage & 12-guage shotguns, .22 Long Rifles, and compound bows for archery.
  • Guide hikes, with an emphasis on naturalism on property and Lubrecht Experimental Forest. 
  • Instruct and guide guests on ropes courses and a 150-foot rappel.
  • Perform physical and administrative duties for the preparation and end of each activity expedition. 
  • Keep attention to guests in relation to health-related matters such as physical exertion, sunstroke, and reminding guest to hydrate and to apply sunscreen. 
  • Work with a variety of personalities and ages to make clients feel safe and comfortable, while delivering information in an understandable manner with respect to individual learning preferences.
  • Remain calm under pressure; handle crisis management as it unfolds and remain flexible to change as events happen.
  • Be organized and detail oriented, utilizing checklists or other systems to ensure no task is left undone; anticipate events and plan; prepare for the unexpected; remain focused on the result.
  • Be helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
  • Assist guests in filling out appropriate departmental forms.
  • Possess strong customer service focus striving for high guest satisfaction and going out of the way to be helpful and pleasant.
  • Assist in managing inventory of Activities Department equipment and supplies.
  • Assist with on-site set up and clean up for activities.
  • Maintain equipment.
  • Work closely with Activities management, co-workers and other departments on providing effective communication, planning, and organization to ensure all activity needs are met. 
  • Promote property activities to guests. 
  • Maintain up-to-date awareness of property information and amenities.
  • Perform department opening and closing duties.
  • Interact with children, parents, co-workers, guests, and management in a professional and caring manner.
  • Answer phones in a timely and courteous manner while following the company’s phone etiquette standards.
  • Converse with the guests at a high level, being aware of their needs and fulfill special guest requests as instructed by management or the guest directly.
  • Ensure confidentiality of guests before and throughout their stay. 

Apply