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River Rafting Guide Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides Location(s): Moab Utah Work Season: Full time and Part Time, ... Have River Experience? AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Utah. If ...

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

AVA Rafting & Zip Line: Raft Guides Location(s): Moab Utah, Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena ... Have River Experience? AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Colorado.

Overnight Cooks

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

River Rafting Guide information

See Utah salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do river rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for river rafting guide in Utah is $14.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $13.80 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 Utah? The most popular types of River Rafting Guide jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to River Rafting Guide jobs in Utah? For River Rafting Guide jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching River Rafting Guide jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for River Rafting Guide jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for River Rafting Guide jobs? Cities in Utah with the most River Rafting Guide job openings:
Infographic showing various River Rafting Guide job openings in Utah as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 24% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,597 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Moab, UT • On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 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.