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Seasonal River Rafting Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Hyatt

Seasonal Line Cook

Beaver Creek, CO

$21/hr

The summer brings activities including fly fishing, river rafting and scenic hiking trails - all just outside our doorstep. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is seeking colleagues with unmatched ...

Eleven Experience

Summer Guide

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Work around weather, trail, and seasonal conditions as needed. * Coordinate all shuttle, vehicle ... River guide license. * In-house gunnison river check off including paddle guide and oar rig.

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides. * Handle and assist in customer service ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

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Seasonal River Rafting Guide information

What are some common challenges faced by seasonal river rafting guides and how can they be managed?

Seasonal river rafting guides often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying river flows, and managing the safety of guests with different experience levels. Effective communication, strong situational awareness, and regular safety training are essential to handle these challenges. Guides also need to adapt quickly to group dynamics and maintain a positive, calm demeanor to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Building teamwork with fellow guides is crucial, as they often rely on each other for support during high-stress situations.

What is the difference between Seasonal River Rafting Guide vs Whitewater Kayaking Instructor?

AspectSeasonal River Rafting GuideWhitewater Kayaking Instructor
CertificationsFirst aid, CPR, rafting safety certificationsFirst aid, CPR, kayaking safety certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor adventure settings, seasonalRivers, outdoor settings, seasonal or year-round
Employer & IndustryTour companies, outdoor adventure industryOutdoor recreation centers, adventure tourism

Both roles involve guiding clients on water adventures, requiring safety certifications and outdoor skills. The main difference lies in the activity focus: river rafting guides lead groups on large inflatable boats, while kayaking instructors teach and guide individuals or groups in kayaks. Both are seasonal roles often found in adventure tourism, but they specialize in different watercraft and techniques.

What are Seasonal River Rafting Guides?

Seasonal River Rafting Guides are trained professionals who lead groups of people on rafting trips down rivers, usually during the peak rafting season when demand is highest. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing instructions, and sharing information about the local environment and river features. These guides typically possess strong swimming skills, first aid knowledge, and a deep understanding of river navigation. Most positions are temporary and coincide with the months when river conditions are ideal for rafting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal River Rafting Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal River Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and first aid/CPR certification, often supported by wilderness or swiftwater rescue training. Familiarity with rafting equipment, river navigation tools, and communication devices like radios is essential. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure guest safety, enhance the customer experience, and help manage challenging river conditions.
What are the most commonly searched types of River Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of River Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado? For Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal River Rafting Guide job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Kremmling, CO

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 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.

Apply