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River Guide Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

CLIMB HQ LLC

Indoor Guide

Nashville, TN

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Develop knowledge of offerings and connect the customer with the appropriate product to guide them through their journey * Monitor activities of participants to correct unsafe behavior and provide ...

CLIMB HQ LLC

Indoor Guide

Murfreesboro, TN

$12.75 - $14.50/hr

Develop knowledge of offerings and connect the customer with the appropriate product to guide them through their journey * Monitor activities of participants to correct unsafe behavior and provide ...

CLIMB HQ LLC

Indoor Guide

Nashville, TN

$13 - $15/hr

Develop knowledge of offerings and connect the customer with the appropriate product to guide them through their journey * Monitor activities of participants to correct unsafe behavior and provide ...

CLIMB NASHVILLE LLC

Indoor Guide

Nashville, TN

$13 - $15/hr

Develop knowledge of offerings and connect the customer with the appropriate product to guide them through their journey * Monitor activities of participants to correct unsafe behavior and provide ...

CLIMB KRAFT LLC

Indoor Guide

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Develop knowledge of offerings and connect the customer with the appropriate product to guide them through their journey * Monitor activities of participants to correct unsafe behavior and provide ...

Biltmore Company

$18.25/hr

The starting pay range for this position begins at $18.25/hour and is based on the level of qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements. Reserve: a position working an ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to ...

Jbeez Incorporated

Canoe/Kayak River Crew

Silver Point, TN · On-site

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

This position requires crew members to spend several hours outdoors, going to and from the river, loading and unloading boats and may include guiding river trips and waterfall excursions. We are ...

Jbeez Incorporated

Canoe/Kayak River Crew

Silver Point, TN · On-site

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

This position requires crew members to spend several hours outdoors, going to and from the river, loading and unloading boats and may include guiding river trips and waterfall excursions. We are ...

Jbeez Incorporated

Canoe/Kayak River Crew

Silver Point, TN · On-site

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

This position requires crew members to spend several hours outdoors, going to and from the river, loading and unloading boats and may include guiding river trips and waterfall excursions. We are ...

West Cancer Center

Pharmacist - PRN - Wolf River

Germantown, TN · On-site

$52.25 - $62.75/hr

Pharmacist - PRN - Wolf River Germantown, TN Pharmacist At West Cancer Center, we are dedicated to ... Be part of an organization guided by compassion, integrity, and innovation. If you are a dedicated ...

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All JobsRiver Guide JobsRiver Guide Jobs in Tennessee

River Guide information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do river guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for river guide in Tennessee is $14.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $13.75 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 Tennessee are hiring for River Guide jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most River Guide job openings:

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

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

River Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Guide job openings in Tennessee 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 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,504 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Indoor Guide

CLIMB HQ LLC

Nashville, TN

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Climb is headquartered in Nashville, TN with 5 total locations: Nashville, TN (3), Murfreesboro, TN (1) and Bentonville, AR (1). We value a healthy work/life balance that encourages our employees to pursue personal endeavors while displaying a strong commitment to our mission, To be a catalyst for community through personal transformation and vision, Connect People + Movement. Weekend and evening shifts are a requirement for this position. 

Curate Culture

  • Emulate a thorough understanding of Climb’s Mission and how it applies to the customer's journey
  • Dedication to customer service, organization, and risk management daily in an effort to enact Climb’s Vision 
  • Ability to adapt to a constantly changing work environment
  • Use the AMGA belay technique at all times
  • Dress according to staff attire standards

Details Matter

  • Greet, check-in and ring up customers/members 
  • Proactively share current events and class information
  • Point of Sale (Redpoint) proficiency 
  • Perform belay lessons and belay approval tests according to Climb standards
  • Monitor and execute Climb's risk management procedures
  • Mitigate and manage emergency situations calmly and professionally according to our incident reporting process
  • Assist in restocking supplies and inventory
  • Develop knowledge of offerings and connect the customer with the appropriate product to guide them through their journey 
  • Monitor activities of participants to correct unsafe behavior and provide excellent customer service
  • Be well versed in gym promotions, memberships, specials, retail and policies
  • Perform daily cleaning procedures to company standards as directed

Scheduling + Compensation

  • Must have weekend availability 
  • Work a minimum of 3 shifts per week
  • Last minute shifts often available 
  • Based upon experience
  • Climb membership
  • Staff discounts 

Supervisor

  • Senior Guide, Head Indoor Guides + General Manager

Climb is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or marital status.

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