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River Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Park Service

Park Guide - FUL

Natchitoches, LA · On-site +1

$19.52 - $25.37/hr

Summary This position is located at Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Career-Seasonal ... Guide must conduct visitors through the site, telling the story of the events which took place ...

Eleven Experience

Summer Guide

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

River guide license. * In-house gunnison river check off including paddle guide and oar rig. * Mountain Bike Guides: * In-house trail familiarization check off. * In-house ability check off. * In ...

Origins Cannabis

CANNABIS GUIDE

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20.76/hr

Cannabis Guides are the first point of contact for customers and visitors and are responsible for delivering outstanding customer experiences. The primary responsibility of the Cannabis Guide is to ...

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 ...

Camelback Resort

Rescue Guide

Tannersville, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $14.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rescue Guide Department: Camelback Mountain Adventures Reports to: Mountain Aventures Manager The Rescue Guides ensure the safety, training, and support of guests on the Treetop Adventure Course ...

CLIMB FAYETTEVILLE LLC

Indoor Guide

Bentonville, AR

$11.75 - $13.50/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 ...

Camelback Resort

Rescue Guide

Tannersville, PA

$12.50 - $14.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rescue Guide Department: Camelback Mountain Adventures Reports to: Mountain Aventures Manager The Rescue Guides ensure the safety, training, and support of guests on the Treetop Adventure Course ...

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 ...

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Indianapolis, IN

$13 - $14.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Go Ape USA

Adventure Guide (Weekends)

Western Springs, IL

$16 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Discovery Land Company

Outdoor Field Guide

Amenia, NY · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Schedules and guides hunts, fishing excursions, archery and 3D target shooting, and paintball. * Birding, foraging, biking and hiking with members and guests. * Assist in the operation of the Dog ...

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River Guide information

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How much do river guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for river guide in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 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.
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River Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Guide job openings in the United States 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 $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

The Outlaw Group

Buena Vista, CO

$15.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in the adventure, and in living day to day, in what is real and in front of us. 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:

Location(s):

Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO

Work Season:

Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:

Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? AVA does offer employee camping accommodations at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outposts. Employee camping features shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.

Pay Rate:

Starting pay for first year rookie guides is 15.16 an hour + tips, 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.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
The job is a perfect summer opportunity for work, with the season lasting typically from May to September. No previous experience is required but we do require an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. We provide a raft guide training course at the beginning of the season for all rookie raft guides and a CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for those who do not have their certifications.

*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Colorado, the company does have optional areas for employees to stay 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.

  • 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 $15.16, 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 here 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.

Apply