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Seasonal River Rafting Guide Jobs in Madison, WI

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Seasonal River Rafting Guide information

See Madison, WI salary details

$7

$19

$40

How much do seasonal river rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal river rafting guide in Madison, WI is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of River Rafting Guide jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Madison, WI?

For Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Seasonal River Rafting Guide job openings:

Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal River Rafting Guide job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,299 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Library Director - Jackson County Library District (OR)

Oregon, WI • On-site

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District
See more jobs at Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library Districtexternal

$150 - $200/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Library Director – Jackson County Library District (OR)

The Jackson County Library District (OR) seeks a professional, proactive, and community-centered leader to serve as its next Library Director. The Library Director will bring a strong commitment to public service, sound fiscal leadership, and the ability to inspire staff, strengthen community relationships, and advance forward-thinking strategic priorities for one of Oregon’s vibrant public library systems. Jackson County Library District operating as Jackson County Library Services (JCLS), serves more than 220,000 residents through a network of 15 unique community libraries, including an 84,000-square-foot Main Library. The library employs 133 FTE and operates with a $17 million budget. JCLS offers a diverse collection of physical and digital resources for children, teens, and adults, along with outreach services that extend the library’s reach throughout the county, including book talks for elementary and middle school students, homebound delivery services, and partnerships with local childcare centers.

Reporting to a five-member Board of Trustees, the Library Director will provide strategic, administrative, and operational leadership for the district. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and relationship-focused leader who builds trust with staff, community members, partners, and stakeholders; communicates a clear and compelling vision for library service; listens actively to diverse perspectives; and balances strategic leadership with effective day-to-day management. This leader will guide the development and implementation of the district’s five-year strategic plan while serving as a visible ambassador for JCLS throughout Jackson County and the broader library community.

Located midway between Portland and San Francisco, Jackson County, Oregon enjoys more than 200 days of sunshine each year. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the region’s diverse landscapes such as rafting the Rogue River, hiking the iconic Table Rocks, or exploring Crater Lake National Park. The area offers scenic valleys, mountain lakes, award-winning wineries, and convenient access to the Redwoods and the Oregon coast. The region’s vibrant arts and cultural scene features the Craterian Theater at The Collier Center, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Britt Festival, the Pacific Northwest's premier outdoor summer performing arts festival. The area’s warm, sunny summers and mild winters support a thriving agricultural system, making it a prime destination for world-class wine tasting and artisan food.

Responsibilities:Responsibilities include developing the district's vision, goals, and strategic objectives in partnership with the Board of Trustees; establishing operational priorities aligned with those goals and applicable legislative requirements; administering district policies, recommending policy updates, and providing executive support to the board; cultivating strong relationships throughout the community and with state and national organizations; and collaborating with the Jackson County Library Foundation and Friends of the Library to strengthen fundraising and volunteer engagement. The Library Director will also prepare and oversee the district's annual budget, remain current with emerging library trends and technologies, and ensure that library collections, facilities, and services continue to meet the evolving needs of Jackson County residents. For a full list of responsibilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associatewebsite (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/ ).

Qualifications:The minimum qualifications for this role include a Masters of Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution and seven years of supervisory and leadership experience in a public library.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $150,000 – $180,000, with placement dependent on experience and qualifications, plus an excellent benefits package.

Location

Library Director – Jackson County Library District (OR), Out Of State

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