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River Rafting Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wing Group

Heat Seam Sealer Operator

Arcata, CA

$20.50/hr

At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay safe while ...

PRP

Be Seen First

Cooks - 690

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19.99 - $22/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

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Inflatable Solutions

Senior Accountant

Arcata, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

WHO WE ARE At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay ...

Inflatable Solutions

Senior Accountant

Arcata, CA · On-site

$71K - $85K/yr

WHO WE ARE At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay ...

Wing Group

Senior Accountant

Arcata, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

WHO WE ARE At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay ...

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River Rafting Guide information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do river rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for river rafting guide in California is $15.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $14.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a River Rafting Guide job?

A River Rafting Guide is responsible for leading rafting trips on rivers, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants. They navigate the raft, provide safety instructions, and educate guests about the river environment. Guides must be skilled in paddling techniques, swift water rescue, and first aid. Their role also includes assessing river conditions, managing risks, and creating a fun and memorable experience for rafters.

What are some typical challenges faced by River Rafting Guides on the job?

River Rafting Guides often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing weather or water conditions, ensuring the safety of guests with varying experience levels, and responding effectively to emergencies on the river. Working long hours outdoors, guides must also manage group dynamics and provide engaging commentary about the environment. These challenges require quick decision-making and strong communication skills. The ability to stay calm under pressure and foster teamwork ensures both guest safety and a memorable adventure for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the River Rafting Guide position, and why are they important?

Success as a River Rafting Guide requires strong knowledge of river navigation, safety procedures, first aid, and swimming, often backed by certifications such as CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and swiftwater rescue. Guides commonly use technical equipment like rafts, paddles, safety ropes, personal flotation devices, and communication radios. Exceptional interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to remain calm under pressure enable guides to provide clear instructions and a positive experience for diverse groups. These qualifications and qualities are essential to ensure both guest safety and enjoyment while managing the unpredictable nature of outdoor river environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of River Rafting Guide jobs in California? The most popular types of River Rafting Guide jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to River Rafting Guide jobs in California? For River Rafting Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching River Rafting Guide jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for River Rafting Guide jobs in California are:
River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Rafting Guide job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,169 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Heat Seam Sealer Operator

Inflatable Solutions

Arcata, CA • On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are looking to hire 2 Welders for our swing shift team!
Who we are:
At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay safe while performing with lightweight speed and agility on the water.
About the Position:
  • This is a full-time entry level position, we will provide you with the paid training to become a proficient operator, and as your skills advance there are opportunities for increases in salary!
  • We are looking for someone who can work in a team or work independently, and in a fast-paced environment!
  • In this role the machines that you will be utilizing are sewing machines, grommet punches, and a hot-air rotary welders (experience with welding is not required)!
  • You will be working in a smaller tight-knit department, and interacting with various other departments as well.

Click Here to View Testimony From Our Team!
The Process:
You will be creating the shell of our inflatables boats, or sub assembly pieces that go inside or alongside our boats. To do this you will be referencing work instructions, and drawings of our boats. You will be using industrial strength fabrics that are cut to specific shapes. and with our hot-air rotary welders you take the fabric and push it forward similar to sewing, a bubble or bead of molten polyurethane is formed between the two layers of material just before they are rolled through compression wheels and fused together. A thermo-welded seam, as opposed to a glued seam, results in far tougher, longer-lasting tubes. Thermo-welding fuses the over-lapped layers into one solid piece creating a seam that will not fail over time as a glued seam will.
Shift: Full-Time
Schedule: 2:00pm-10:35pm Monday- Friday
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Recent work history preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to use tools/machines; previous fabric or hot air weld work a plus!
  • Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions and use math skills.
  • Ability to carry out detailed instructions, apply common sense, and deal with issues timely.
  • Strong, professional work ethic, deadline drive and quality conscious.
  • Punctual and regular attendance; willingness to work OT; schedules off time in advance.

Benefits:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision!
  • 401(K) with Company Match!
  • EAP
  • Profit Share Bonuses!
  • Paid-Time Off!
  • Paid Holidays!
  • Employee Sponsored Life Insurance!

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