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River Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Progress Street Builders

Be Seen First

Custom Home Construction Superintendent

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Blacksburg, VA / New River Valley Lead Custom Home Projects from the Field. Progress Street ... You will help guide projects that are personal and meaningful to each homeowner while working with ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Petersburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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

Sentara Healthcare

Palliative Care Physician

Hampton, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guided by our not-for-profit mission of "Improving Health Every Day," we are committed to ... Enjoy stunning waterfront views and endless boating, fishing, and kayaking along the York River and ...

KurzSolutions

Family Medicine Physician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Take a tour of the Elizabeth River harbor on a majestic tall ship, sip on some of the best wines ... Technically guide, perform, or assist in the instruction of other health care professionals seeing ...

Concord Hospitality

Director of Sales & Marketing

Arlington, VA · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Located in the heart of Rosslyn, just across the Potomac River from Georgetown and steps from the ... Guide sales and marketing efforts, including advertising, public relations, and administrative ...

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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 Aug 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.

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 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
Infographic showing various River Guide job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,321 per year, or $16 per hour.

Custom Home Construction Superintendent

Progress Street Builders

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

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Job description

Progress Street Build

Custom Home Construction Superintendent
Location: Blacksburg, VA / New River Valley


Lead Custom Home Projects from the Field.


Progress Street Builders is an award-winning custom home builder serving the New River Valley and Lynchburg areas of Virginia. Our team builds thoughtfully designed custom homes with a focus on quality, collaboration, and a predictable building experience for every client.


Progress Street Builders is seeking a Residential Construction Superintendent to manage daily field operations for custom residential construction projects in the Blacksburg and New River Valley market. This role is best suited for a construction professional who enjoys being on the jobsite, leading people, solving problems, and keeping high-end residential projects organized and moving forward.

This is a primarily field-based position, with most time spent on jobsites and limited time in the office. The right candidate will be a manager of people and details, not a full-time tools-on carpenter. However, someone with a strong field background who is ready to transition into a leadership-focused role may be an excellent fit.


Key Responsibilities


  • Oversee day-to-day jobsite activity for custom home construction projects
  • Coordinate subcontractors, vendors, materials, deliveries, and jobsite schedules
  • Communicate expectations clearly to crews and help ensure work is completed correctly
  • Maintain jobsite quality, safety, cleanliness, and professionalism
  • Identify project issues early and communicate solutions with the internal team
  • Help ensure each project reflects Progress Street Builders' standards for craftsmanship and client service
  • Provide occasional light hands-on support when needed, while staying focused on leadership and supervision


Qualifications


  • Residential construction experience required
  • Custom home, remodeling, superintendent, project manager, construction manager, or lead carpenter background preferred
  • Strong knowledge of building processes, trade coordination, and jobsite sequencing
  • Ability to lead crews and subcontractors with professionalism and confidence
  • Excellent communication, organization, and follow-through
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project locations as needed

Pay and Benefits

  • Full-Time. W-2 Employment
  • Salary range: $70,000-$80,000 per year
  • Two weeks of PTO earned during the first year
  • Healthcare coverage with the company paying 75% of the employee's premium
  • Simple IRA with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 3% of annual salary
  • Mileage reimbursement for approved job-related travel


Why Progress Street Builders


Progress Street Builders offers the opportunity to work with a respected custom home builder that values strong field leadership, quality construction, and an excellent client experience. You will help guide projects that are personal and meaningful to each homeowner while working with a team committed to doing things the right way. If you are ready to step into a leadership role where your construction knowledge and people skills matter every day, we would like to hear from you.


Progress Street Builders encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.