River Rafting Guide

Kenai Backcountry Adventures; Alaska; On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Kenai Backcountry Adventures in Seward, Alaska, is hiring Seasonal Rafting Guides for the current summer season. You will lead guest trips on glacial braided rivers, maintain equipment, and ensure safety and guest satisfaction.

Ideal candidates have strong river-reading skills, good judgment, and the stamina to work long field days in remote conditions. Join a small, dedicated team delivering unforgettable Alaska river experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience guiding on Alaska rivers is required.
• Swiftwater Rescue certification or equivalent.
• Wilderness First Aid or EMT training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead guest trips on Alaska rivers with safety and professionalism.
• Rig, load, unload, and maintain rafts and gear.
• Conduct safety briefings and guest instruction.
• Read water and manage hazards in changing conditions.
• Assist with shuttles, transport, and trip prep.
• Coordinate with guides, operations staff, and leadership.
• Maintain trip readiness and equipment cleanliness.
• Support other KBA operations as needed.
• Maintain professional attitude with guests and coworkers.

Skills

Swiftwater Rescue certification

Wilderness First Aid/EMT training

River reading

Truck/van driving experience

Communication skills

Job description

About Kenai Backcountry Adventures

Kenai Backcountry Adventures (KBA) is Alaska’s premier wilderness guiding company — built by explorers who live and breathe the wild. From glacier treks and bear viewing to multi-day backcountry expeditions, we lead guests through some of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth.We operate year-round across Alaska’s national parks, wildlife refuges, and untamed frontiers, offering guided experiences that are as authentic as they are unforgettable.At KBA, adventure is more than a trip — it’s a way of life. We’re passionate about sharing the raw beauty of Alaska while fostering meaningful connections between people and the wild places that shape them.

Description

Kenai Backcountry Adventures | Seward, Alaska

Seasonal Position | Immediate Opening

Kenai Backcountry Adventures is hiring Rafting Guides for the current summer season in Seward, Alaska. We are looking for capable, dependable guides who can step into a fast-moving operation and help deliver safe, professional, and memorable river experiences for our guests.

This is an immediate seasonal opening. We are looking for someone who is ready to work, has strong river judgment, and understands that guiding in Alaska requires more than just sitting in the boat. The right candidate is professional, calm under pressure, physically capable, guest-focused, and willing to support the whole operation.

Position Overview

Rafting Guides are responsible for leading guest trips on Alaska rivers while maintaining KBA’s standards for safety, professionalism, guest service, and field readiness. Guides are expected to manage guests on the water, prepare and maintain equipment, assist with logistics, communicate clearly with the team, and represent KBA well in all guest-facing situations.

Experience guiding on Alaska glacial braided rivers is a major plus. Candidates with experience reading silty, cold, dynamic, braided river systems will be strongly considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide commercial rafting trips in a safe, professional, and guest-focused manner
• Rig, load, unload, clean, inspect, and maintain rafts, paddles, PFDs, dry bags, trailers, and related river equipment
• Conduct safety briefings and provide clear guest instruction before and during trips
• Read water, manage hazards, and make sound decisions in changing river conditions
• Assist with shuttles, guest transport, staging, trip preparation, and post-trip cleanup
• Communicate effectively with other guides, operations staff, and leadership
• Help maintain trip readiness and ensure equipment is clean, organized, and ready for use
• Support other KBA operations as needed throughout the season
• Maintain a professional attitude with guests and coworkers, even during busy or stressful days

Preferred Experience

• Experience on glacial, silty, braided river systems
• Swiftwater Rescue certification
• Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid, EMT, or similar medical training
• Experience driving trucks, trailers, or passenger vans
• Strong outdoor judgment and comfort working in remote or changing conditions

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to work immediately or very soon
• Strong swimming ability and comfort around cold water
• Physically able to lift, carry, rig, and move rafting equipment
• Professional communication skills
• Dependable, punctual, and team-oriented
• Willingness to work variable schedules, weekends, holidays, and long field days
• Ability to pass any required company onboarding, training, or guide assessment

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is not just looking for a summer job. They are looking to guide in Alaska, work hard, and be part of a serious field operation. They understand that guests are paying for a high-quality experience and that safety, preparation, communication, and attitude matter every day.

We are especially interested in applicants who can arrive ready to contribute quickly, who have strong river sense, and who take pride in keeping equipment and trips dialed in.

Compensation

Compensation depends on experience, certifications, and ability to step into the role. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.