tour guide

Riverbound Sports Paddle Company; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Riverbound Sports seeks a Kayak & Paddleboard Guide/Instructor to lead on-water tours and provide professional paddling instruction for all skill levels. Strong safety focus, excellent communication, and the ability to operate in varying weather are essential. Weekend and some holidays required.

Part-time, year-round role based in Tempe, AZ with field ops at Tonto National Forest areas. Join a team dedicated to unforgettable outdoor experiences, equipment safety, and outstanding guest service

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or equivalent experience.
• Paddle Certification (ACA or equivalent) preferred.
• Current CPR/AED certification required.
• Minimum 2 years of customer service, hospitality, or tourism experience.
• Strong paddling passion and outdoor recreation, leadership on and off water.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Comfort outdoors in extreme weather for extended periods.
• Proficient with digital tools used for bookings and waivers.

Responsibilities

• Safety & Risk Management: Monitor conditions, identify hazards, implement safety and rescue procedures.
• Instruction & Coaching: Provide paddling instruction and water navigation tips for varied skill levels.
• Customer Experience: Help guests with equipment fit and safe entry/exit from watercraft.
• Interpretation & Education: Share knowledge of local wildlife, ecology, and cultural history.
• Activity Leadership: Lead short games or storytelling when applicable.
• Operational Support: Complete waivers, assist with equipment upkeep, load/unload gear, transport as needed.
• Guest Relations & Marketing: Answer inquiries, assist reservations, support events with enthusiasm.

Skills

Customer service

Paddling

Safety procedures

Communication

Teamwork

Outdoor recreation

Equipment maintenance

Booking systems

Waiver software

Education

Associate Degree or equivalent experience

Paddle Certification (ACA or equivalent)

CPR/AED certification

Tools

Booking systems

Waiver software

Job description

The Paddle Tour Guide is a key part of Riverbound's customer experience and day-to-day tour operations. Guides are the face of the company during the guest experience and play an important role in turning the company into an exceptional on-water adventure. Ultimately, the guide helps fulfill the mission of getting people outdoors, onto the water, and excited about paddling while maintaining the high standards of safety, service, and professionalism. The paddle guide is responsible for creating safe, enjoyable, and memorable paddle experiences for our guests.

Responsibilities

The Paddle Tour Guide is responsible for helping prepare equipment before each tour, ensuring guests have properly fitted safety gear, conducting pre-trip safety briefings, leading the group on the water, monitoring changing conditions, and maintaining a positive and professional atmosphere throughout the experience.

The role requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, confidence on the water, attention to safety, and the ability to work effectively with guests of varying ages, experience levels, and physical abilities.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, safety-focused Guide/Instructor to lead on-water tours and provide professional paddling instruction to guests of all experience levels. The ideal candidate has a strong passion for outdoor recreation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to deliver safe, memorable experiences in varying weather and water conditions. Must be able to work weekends and some holidays.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or equivalent experience
• Paddle Certification (ACA or equivalent) preferred
• Current CPR/AED certification required
• Minimum 2 years of customer service, hospitality, or tourism experience
• Strong passion for paddling and outdoor recreation; positive leadership on and off the water
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Comfort working outdoors in extreme weather for extended periods
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Basic equipment care and maintenance experience
• Ability to lift and transport paddleboards and kayaks between vehicle, shoreline, and warehouse
• Proficiency with digital tools (booking systems, waiver software, etc.)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Safety & Risk Management: Monitor environmental conditions, identify hazards, and implement safety and rescue procedures. Maintain clear communication during all emergency situations.
• Instruction & Coaching: Provide high-quality paddling instruction, including equipment handling and water navigation techniques for diverse participant skill levels.
• Customer Experience: Assist guests with proper equipment fitting and safe entry/exit from watercraft. Maintain group cohesion and ensure a positive, engaging experience for all participants.
• Interpretation & Education: Share knowledge of local wildlife, ecology, geology, and cultural history relevant to the area. Promote environmental respect and "pack in, pack out" practices.
• Activity Leadership: Conduct supplemental activities such as short competition/games or interpretive storytelling when applicable.
• Operational Support:
  • - Complete required tour documentation and waivers
  • - Assist with equipment and facility upkeep
  • - Load/unload gear and prepare equipment for each outing
  • - Safely transport gear and guests (when applicable) using company vehicles
• - Guest Relations & Marketing: Answer inquiries, assist with reservations, and support event promotion with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Join Our Team:

If you are a reliable, energetic, and detail-oriented professional who enjoys sharing outdoor adventures with others, we encourage you to apply. Be part of a growing organization dedicated to inspiring unforgettable on-water experiences.

Job Title: Kayak & Paddleboard Guide/Instructor

Location: Tempe, AZ (Primary); Tonto National Forest Field Operations

Compensation: $20-$25 per hour + tips | Part-Time | Year-Round

About Us:

Riverbound Sports is a premier provider of stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, instruction, and guided tours throughout the surrounding desert lakes and waterways. As a licensed outfitter operating under a Tonto National Forest permit through the Mesa Ranger District, we are committed to exceptional customer experiences, safety, and environmental stewardship.