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Summer Wilderness Rescue Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Wilderness Rescue information

What is a Summer Wilderness Rescue worker?

A Summer Wilderness Rescue worker is a trained individual who assists in locating, stabilizing, and evacuating people who are lost or injured in remote outdoor environments during the summer months. They often work with rescue teams to respond to emergencies in areas such as forests, mountains, and parks. Their responsibilities include providing first aid, navigating challenging terrain, and coordinating with emergency services. These roles require knowledge of survival techniques, outdoor safety, and sometimes specialized skills like rope rescue or wilderness medicine.

What are some common challenges faced by Summer Wilderness Rescue team members during a typical season?

Team members in Summer Wilderness Rescue roles often face challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the need to respond quickly to emergencies in remote locations. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as rescues frequently require coordination with other responders, such as park rangers or medical personnel. Adapting to rapidly changing situations, ensuring personal safety, and maintaining readiness for extended shifts are all important aspects of the job. These challenges make the role both demanding and rewarding for those passionate about outdoor safety and helping others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Wilderness Rescue professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Wilderness Rescue professional, you need a solid background in first aid, wilderness survival, and navigation, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or EMT. Familiarity with GPS devices, two-way radios, rescue equipment, and mapping software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital to ensure quick, effective responses to emergencies, safeguard lives, and operate efficiently in challenging outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Summer Wilderness Rescue vs Wilderness First Responder?

AspectSummer Wilderness RescueWilderness First Responder
CertificationsWilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR, rescue trainingWFA, CPR, AED, rescue skills
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote wilderness areas, rescue operationsOutdoor, remote or wilderness settings, emergency response
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, rescue teams, campsOutdoor education, rescue organizations, outdoor programs

Summer Wilderness Rescue involves active rescue operations in wilderness settings, often requiring advanced rescue skills and certifications. Wilderness First Responder focuses on providing emergency medical care in remote outdoor environments. While both roles require wilderness medical training, Summer Wilderness Rescue emphasizes rescue operations, making it more hands-on in rescue scenarios.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Wilderness Rescue jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs in Colorado?

For Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Summer Wilderness Rescue job openings:

Summer Wilderness Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Wilderness Rescue job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

The Outlaw Group

Idaho Springs, CO

$15.16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in the adventure, and in living day to day, in what is real and in front of us. 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:

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 employee camping accommodations at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outposts. Employee camping features shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.

Pay Rate:

Starting pay for first year rookie guides is 15.16 an hour + tips, 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.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
The job is a perfect summer opportunity for work, with the season lasting typically from May to September. No previous experience is required but we do require an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. We provide a raft guide training course at the beginning of the season for all rookie raft guides and a CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for those who do not have their certifications.

*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Colorado, the company does have optional areas for employees to stay 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.

  • 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 $15.16, 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 here 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