Whitewater Raft Guide - Rookie
About The Position
AVA Rafting & Zip Line is hiring rookie Whitewater Raft Guides for the summer season at locations in Kremmling, Idaho Springs, and Buena Vista, Colorado. Guides safely navigate commercial rafts, manage guests, provide educational and interpretive information, and perform swiftwater rescue techniques as needed. The role focuses on safety, professionalism, outdoor skills, low-impact environmental recreation, and delivering an exceptional guest experience. No previous rafting experience is required. The company 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. The season runs from May through September 2026. Guides typically lead two to three trips per day and work approximately nine-hour days. Both full-time and part-time schedules are available.
Requirements
- Be physically capable of performing the work and passionate about the outdoors.
- Have strong teamwork skills.
- Emphasize customer care.
- Hold current CPR and First Aid certifications.
- Work onsite in Colorado during the season.
Nice To Haves
- Additional training beyond current CPR and First Aid certifications.
- Prior guiding experience; guides with additional experience may be eligible for further compensation.
Responsibilities
- Safely navigate commercial rafts down rivers while managing guests and providing a great guest experience.
- Provide educational and interpretive information about the surrounding wilderness.
- Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.
- Maintain situational awareness and readiness to assist with river rescue maneuvers as needed.
- Help deliver safe, professional, and low-impact outdoor recreation experiences.
Benefits
- Optional employee camping accommodations at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs outposts, including shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.
- Access to outdoor-industry employee gear discounts from brands such as The North Face, Yeti, and Patagonia.
- Guest tips, commonly adding an average of $10 to $20 per hour to base pay.
- Raft guide training course for rookie guides.
- CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for employees who do not have the required certifications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
