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River Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Guide

New York, NY · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Bathhouse is seeking a friendly and attentive Guide to be the welcoming face of our guest experience. In this role, you'll help guests check in, answer questions, and ensure everyone feels ...

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 ...

Indoor Guide

Nashville, TN · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Rescue Guide

Tannersville, PA

$12.50 - $14.25/hr

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 ...

Rescue Guide

Tannersville, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $14.25/hr

Rescue Guide Rescue Guides ensure the safety, training, and support of guests on the Treetop Adventure Course, including performing rescues when necessary. Department: Camelback Mountain Adventures ...

Indoor Guide

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$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 ...

Indoor Guide

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$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 ...

Climbing & Rappelling Guide

VA · On-site

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

Responsibilities include guiding individuals and groups across exposed ridgelines and vertical drops and ensuring guest safety while fostering confidence, excitement, and environmental appreciation.

Rescue Guide

Tannersville, PA · On-site

$12.50 - $14.25/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Indoor Guide

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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River Guide information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do river guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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 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.

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.
What cities are hiring for River Guide jobs? Cities with the most River Guide job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for River Guide jobs? The top employers for River Guide jobs are:
What states have the most River Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for River Guide jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to River Guide jobs? For River Guide jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various River Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
River Guide- Adventures on the Gorge

River Guide- Adventures on the Gorge

Aramark

Lansing, WV

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,236 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 437 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

The River Guide II is responsible for providing exceptional and safe guide services to whitewater participants during rafting trips at Adventures on the Gorge. This is accomplished in the role through providing exceptional guest experience during their scheduled trips.

Job Responsibilities
  • Arrive at scheduled time dressed and ready to work 
  • Perform pre-trip tasks as assigned by the Trip Leader and River Managers 
  • Prepare equipment at the put-in as designated by gear truck driver/trip sweep boater
  • Provide guests with specific safety instructions regarding equipment and trip plan   
  • Maintain trip order/plan established by the Trip Leader
  • Provide interesting and entertaining information about popular locations or specific points of interest.
  • Assist with post-trip jobs i.e. loading/unloading rafts, washing lunch dishes, etc.
  • Attend post trip video (if applicable)
  • Maintain a working knowledge of all products and services offered by AOTG.
  • Adheres to safety policies and procedures to ensure safety of guests.
  • Guides should test the communications equipment prior to operation.
  • Must be a knowledgeable guide for clients and provide support and reassurance.
  • Ensures security of company assets and a safe work environment through daily maintenance and housekeeping.
  • Works in conditions that involve exposure to unusual elements and extreme temperatures.
  • Maintains excellent customer service and a positive demeanor towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

   Completion of AOTG training program or equivalent  

  • Training in First Aid protocols such as Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Wilderness EMT or EMT/Paramedic preferred  
  • Must have extensive experience guiding in the same or related environment
  • Sit, stand, swim, and walk for varied amounts of time
  • Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Must be available to work flexible hours

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


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About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US