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Seasonal River Rafting Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$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 is a seasonal river rafting guide?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a seasonal river rafting guide?

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 challenges do seasonal river rafting guides face 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Colorado are:

Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal River Rafting Guide job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

River Manager

The Outlaw Group

Kremmling, CO • On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 10 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:Outpost Management Team - River Manager

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 some employee living accommodations at Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outpost(s).

Pay Rate: SALARIED POSITION: $16,500 to $19,800 for the summer (May to September)
AVA is seeking enthusiastic, well organized and dynamic individuals with a passion for the outdoors to join our management team across our outpost. In this role you will help maintain a organized and well functioning work environment serving many outdoor adventures to the world.

*NOTE* This job does require onsite location in Colorado, the company does have options areas for employees to live during the summer

What You'll Do

  • Assist in planning and managing outpost operations. (Aerial managers are responsible for managing ziplining and via ferrata operations while river managers are responsible for managing river operations)

  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.

  • Coordinate outpost operations with outdoor guides.

  • Handle and assist in customer service.

  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!

What we Look For

  • Previous management experience.

  • Experience in outdoor tourism and recreational industries.

  • Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.

  • Strong teamwork skills.

  • People with an emphasis on customer care.

  • Individuals with strong customer service skills and previous management skills.

  • Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!

Work Availability

Full Time ~ 40 hours
Holidays (4th of July)

Benefits

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 our jobs portal today!
https://theoutlawgroup.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/theoutlawgroupcareers

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.

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