Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie

The Outlaw Group • Idaho Springs, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

AVA Rafting & Zip Line is hiring rookie Whitewater Raft Guides for the May–September 2026 season at locations in Kremmling, Idaho Springs, and Buena Vista, Colorado. Guides lead commercial river trips, safely navigate rafts, manage guests, provide interpretive information, and perform swiftwater rescue techniques when needed. The role emphasizes safety, professionalism, outdoor skills, low-impact environmental recreation, and excellent guest service. No prior guiding experience is required. AVA provides a raft guide training course at the beginning of the season and offers CPR/Wilderness First Aid training for employees who do not already have the required certifications. The position requires working onsite in Colorado; optional employee camping accommodations are available at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs outposts, with showers, restrooms, cooking, and recreational facilities. Rookie guides start at $15.16 per hour plus tips, which commonly add an average of $10–$20 per hour. Guides with additional experience may be eligible for further compensation. The job is outdoors and involves typically completing two to three trips per day, with workdays around nine hours. Part-time schedules are under approximately 30 hours per week; full-time schedules are approximately 40 hours per week. Holiday availability, including the Fourth of July, is expected. Gear discounts are available through outdoor-industry brands.

Requirements

• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Physical capability for the role and a passion for the outdoors.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Emphasis on customer care.
• Ability to work onsite in Colorado during the season.
• Availability to work holidays, including the Fourth of July.

Nice To Haves

• Prior whitewater rafting or guiding experience; not required.
• Additional CPR, First Aid, or other relevant training.

Responsibilities

• Safely navigate a commercial raft down the river while leading trips.
• Manage guests and deliver a safe, fun, educational, and exceptional customer experience.
• Provide interpretive information about the surrounding wilderness.
• Maintain situational awareness and readiness to perform river rescue maneuvers when needed.
• Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.

Benefits

• Employee camping accommodations are available at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs outposts, including shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.
• Gear discounts through outdoor-industry brands.
• CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for employees who do not have the required certifications.
• Tipped income commonly adds an average of $10–$20 per hour.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed