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Seasonal River Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RIVERSPORT FOUNDATION

RAFT GUIDE

Oklahoma City, OK

This is a seasonal position. Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities: Essential functions may ... the rafting department, including raft guiding and river guarding along the bank. • Ensure ...

Hyatt

Landscaper - Summer Seasonal

Beaver Creek, CO · On-site

$24/hr

The summer brings activities including fly fishing, river rafting and scenic hiking trails - all ... The Seasonal landscaper is responsible for weeding, watering, raking, and planting throughout the ...

Hyatt

Food Runner (Seasonal)

Beaver Creek, CO

$15.50/hr

The summer brings activities including fly fishing, river rafting and scenic hiking trails - all ... This is a seasonal role starting June 1st - mid-October 2026 with the potential to extend. Why Work ...

PRP

Server - IHOP 1772

Pocatello, ID · On-site

... 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 ...

PRP

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 ...

PRP

Overnight Servers IHOP 3625

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

... 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 ...

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 - 1765

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$20/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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All JobsSeasonal River Rafting Guide Jobs

Seasonal River Rafting Guide information

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$7

$19

$39

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

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal river rafting guide in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal River Rafting Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of River Rafting Guide jobs? The most popular types of River Rafting Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs are:
Seasonal River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal River Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Multi-Day Raft Guide

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

Mccall, ID • On-site

$184 - $220/day

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced multi-day raft guides to join our team on the Owyhee River in Oregon, and the Salmon River in Idaho.

Our multi-day raft guide team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the magic of a multi-day wilderness river adventure. In addition to having prior rowing experience, multi-day guides must prioritize guest care and risk management in order to create seamless, memorable and joyful river adventure experiences for our guests. As the face of Wet Planet, our guides enjoy working with a team of fellow river professionals to make sure our guests have amazing experiences both on the river and at camp.

Wet Planet

Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Our headquarters is located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest. Our multi-day trips are operated in Oregon and Idaho.
Qualifications & Experience:

  • Previous commercial multi-day experience on Class III whitewater
  • Professional appearance, great communication skills, a team player with a positive mindset
  • You love to share the river with guests and interpret natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification
  • Current River Rescue Certification (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Multi-Day Season: Our Owyhee season is mid-April through mid-May, and our Main Salmon season is mid-June through mid-September.

Availability:

  • Full-time, full season: Mid April through the second week of September
  • Full-time, peak season: Mid-June through the second week of September
  • Part-time, peak season: Must be available for a minimum of 2 trips in July and/or August

Many of our river team combine work in multiple disciples and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available April-September, combining day-trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.

Wet Planet Perks:

  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Access to local housing options
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:

  • Compensation by day, Range: $184-$220, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (trainee, guide or sr trip leader)

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience join our team!