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Volunteer River Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teton County

Seasonal River Monitor

Jackson, WY · On-site

$26.18 - $29.46/hr

Maintains daily records of outfitter use levels, types, and patterns of use; checks guides for ... AND one (1) year of recreation programming experience or river rafting experience; OR an equivalent ...

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$16

$22

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

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer river rafting guide in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer River Rafting Guide vs Paid River Rafting Guide?

AspectVolunteer River Rafting Guide
CredentialsBasic safety training, CPR/First Aid (often provided by organizations)
Work EnvironmentOutdoor river settings, seasonal and part-time
EmployerNon-profit organizations, conservation groups, or adventure charities
CompensationVolunteer, no monetary pay but possibly provided with accommodations or meals

The main difference between a Volunteer River Rafting Guide and a Paid River Rafting Guide is compensation. Volunteers assist in guiding river trips without pay, often to support conservation or community projects, while paid guides earn a salary or hourly wage for their services. Both roles require safety training and involve working in outdoor river environments, but paid guides typically have more extensive certifications and work full-time or seasonally for commercial companies.

More about Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer 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 Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs are:
Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer River Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Return

Whitewater Raft Guide - Return

The Outlaw Group

Idaho Springs, CO

$13 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 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:

AVA Rafting & Zip Line: Raft Guides

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.

Return Pay Rate:

Starting pay for return guides is 15.56 an hour (guides returning after rookie year) with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides returning to AVA receive pay increase relative to their years at the company and white-water skill level.

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.

Returning Guide?

AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Colorado. 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 any new river stretches to be commercially guided with AVA*
*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

  • 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 relative to your previous time at AVA.

  • 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!

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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