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River Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Claire's

Part-Time Manager River Ridge Mall

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$13.94 - $15/hr

Description Part-Time Manager Opportunity at River Ridge Mall - Lynchburg, VA Join the team. Drive ... Become a trusted guide for customers - conducting piercings, educating on aftercare, maintaining a ...

JR Group

Intern - Claims Automation

Richmond, VA · On-site

At James River Insurance, we are committed to providing a stable and rewarding work environment supported by our Core Values and Guiding Principles: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Customer ...

JR Group

Senior Accountant (Investment)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

At James River Insurance, we are committed to providing a stable and rewarding work environment supported by our Core Values and Guiding Principles: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Customer ...

Summit BHC

$18 - $24.50/hr

Intake Coordinator-PT | Stone River Recovery Center | San Antonio, Texas About the Job: PURPOSE ... Generates, guides, and leads independent discussions with referral sources for client support ...

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All JobsRiver Guide JobsRiver Guide Jobs in Virginia

River Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do river guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for river guide in Virginia is $16.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $15.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a raft guide worth it?

Being a raft guide can be a rewarding outdoor job that involves leading groups on river trips, often requiring certifications in water safety and strong communication skills. The job typically offers seasonal work, variable pay, and the opportunity to work in scenic environments, but it can also involve physically demanding conditions and irregular hours.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as experienced river guides working in premium adventure tourism, professional consultants, certain medical specialists, and high-level corporate executives. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and may involve irregular or demanding schedules. Earning this level of daily pay is uncommon and usually associated with high-risk, high-skill, or freelance work in niche markets.

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.

How much money do river guides make?

River guides typically earn between $200 and $400 per day during the peak season, with annual salaries ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and the number of trips they lead. Many guides also receive tips from clients, which can significantly increase their total income. Certifications in first aid and swiftwater rescue can enhance earning potential.

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 are river guides?

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.

How to become a river guide?

To become a river guide, you typically need to complete a water safety certification such as CPR and first aid, gain experience in paddling and rescue techniques, and obtain relevant certifications like a swiftwater rescue certification. Many guides start as apprentices or assistants to build skills before leading trips independently.

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 Virginia are hiring for River Guide jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most River Guide job openings:
What are popular job titles related to River Guide jobs in VA? For River Guide jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
River Guide jobs near you
Senior Underwriter - Underwriting Specialist (Excess Casualty)

Senior Underwriter - Underwriting Specialist (Excess Casualty)

James River Management Company

Richmond, VA • Remote

$97K - $115K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Come grow with James River Insurance!

James River Insurance is an excess and surplus lines segment of James River Group Holdings, Inc. and operates on an approved non-admitted basis in 50 states and Washington, DC. Since 2003, James River has provided thousands of commercial property and casualty customers with innovative and creative solutions for particular insurance needs.

At James River Insurance, we are committed to providing a stable and rewarding work environment supported by our Core Values and Guiding Principles: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Customer Service, Communication, and Teamwork. We are proud of being recognized the past 5 years as one of The Top Workplaces USA.

James River Group Holdings, Inc. is a U.S. insurance holding company which owns and operates a group of specialty insurance and reinsurance companies. The Company operates in two specialty property and casualty insurance segments: Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted Insurance. The Company tends to focus on accounts associated with small or medium-sized businesses in each of its segments. Each of the Company's regulated insurance subsidiaries are rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

Job Summary

The Senior Underwriter is responsible for selecting, reviewing, modeling, analyzing and underwriting complex submissions within the context of applying the division's underwriting guidelines and standards. Determines the proper terms and conditions for acceptable risks including rating the account to develop the appropriate premium. Responds to brokers when particular risks do not meet underwriting guidelines and offers alternative options and cross sell other products. Provides assistance to other team members including the Division Manager in a variety of areas including referrals and identifying new opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Continuously exhibit and uphold Core Values of Integrity, Accountability, Communication and Teamwork, Innovation and Customer Service
  • Analyze new business opportunities and develop renewal strategies
  • Attain quote, premium and division goals as assigned
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers
  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to negotiate with brokers on placements
  • Assist the Underwriting Manager/Division Manager with training, mentoring, and on-boarding of new employees.
  • Travel to meet with brokers within assigned territory at least three times per year
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to effectively and properly select, evaluate, model, determine coverage, rate, document, quote and bind accounts
  • Ability to effectively assess risk
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment to complete assignments
  • within the parameters of instructions given, prescribed processes and standard accepted underwriting practices
  • Solid knowledge of underwriting philosophy and techniques
  • Proven problem solving and decision-making skills
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Ability to multi-task
  • High level of initiative and motivation
  • Strong work ethic with a drive to succeed
  • Solid customer service and relationship building skills
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Internet researching

Experience and Education

Senior Underwriter

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum of 5 years underwriting experience, preferably in Excess and Surplus lines
  • Professional designation is preferred

Underwriting Specialist

  • 15+ years industry experience, 10+ years in Excess and Surplus lines with specialized coverage and product knowledge
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
  • Specific experience in marketing and underwriting of the division related products

Professional designation is preferred

#LI-JB1

#LI-Remote

Please note that this position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future H-1B sponsorship.

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