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River Guide Jobs in Moab, UT (NOW HIRING)

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Have River Experience? AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If you are looking for new water and great people we are the company for you! If you have experience in ...

Sorrel River Ranch

Adventure Guide

Moab, UT · On-site

Sorrel River Ranch is a place where guests and staff come together through a shared love of ... Guided adventures including UTV rides, scenic hikes, and bike tours that showcase the ranch and ...

Corrado Properties

Guest Experience Maker

Moab, UT · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

About The Sorrel River Ranch Experience Sorrel River Ranch aspires to welcome guests and staff into ... Knowledge of all available experiences offered at the hotel including spa, hikes, guided Park tours ...

Moab Regional Hospital

RN - Oncology & Infusion

Moab, UT · On-site

$32.92 - $46.88/hr

... guide through education, advocacy, care coordination, and compassionate clinical excellence ... River, mountain biking world-famous trails, or enjoying life in a welcoming community. In Moab ...

Moab Regional Hospital

RN - Oncology & Infusion

Moab, UT · On-site

$32.92 - $46.88/hr

... guide through education, advocacy, care coordination, and compassionate clinical excellence ... River, mountain biking world-famous trails, or enjoying life in a welcoming community. In Moab ...

Moab Regional Hospital

RN - Oncology & Infusion

Moab, UT · On-site

$32.92 - $46.88/hr

... guide through education, advocacy, care coordination, and compassionate clinical excellence ... River, mountain biking world-famous trails, or enjoying life in a welcoming community. In Moab ...

All JobsRiver Guide JobsRiver Guide Jobs in Moab, UT

River Guide information

See Moab, UT salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do river guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for river guide in Moab, UT is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $15.24 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 near Moab, UT are hiring for River Guide jobs?

Cities near Moab, UT with the most River Guide job openings:

River Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Guide job openings in Moab, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,805 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Moab, UT • On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!
At the Outlaw Group, we believe in working hard, playing hard, and constantly striving for excellence.
Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado's outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.
Job Description:
AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides
Location(s):
Moab Utah
Work Season:
Full time and Part Time, June 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:
Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee campgrounds for accommodations.
Pay Rate:
Starting pay for experienced guides is 15.56 an hour, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.
AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides for the upcoming season. As a Raft Guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.
A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swiftwater rescue techniques as needed.
Have River Experience?
AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If you are looking for new water and great people we are the company for you! If you have experience in class III+ whitewater, apply today.
*Experienced raft guides will need up-to date and verifiable river miles upon employment start and will be required to perform checkout runs for each stretch of river to be commercially guided with AVA*
*NOTE* This job does require onsite location in Utah, the company does have options areas for employees to live during the summer
What You'll Do
  • Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!
  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.
  • Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.
  • 2 -3 trips a day typically ~9-hour workdays
  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!
What we Look For
  • Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.
  • Strong teamwork skills.
  • People with an emphasis on customer care.
  • Experience on class III to class V whitewater.
  • Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!
Work Availability
  • Part Time < ~30 hours
  • Full Time ~ 40 hours
  • Holidays (4th of July)
Benefits
  • The job is a service industry job meaning guest are encouraged to tip.
  • Base pay is, with tipped income commonly adding an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour.
  • Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as North face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

Why Apply Today?
Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide!
Apply on Indeed or directly with our website,
Careers | AVA Rafting: https://www.coloradorafting.net/about-us/employment/
If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation.
AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

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