Whitewater Raft Guide - Return

Arkansas Valley Adventures; Idaho Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 17,684 - 25,186; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee housing options

Equipment discounts with outdoor brands

Tips averaging $10–$20 per hour

Job summary

Arkansas Valley Adventures is hiring Raft Guides for the 2026 season in Idaho Springs and Buena Vista, Colorado. As a guide, you'll navigate river trips and ensure an exceptional experience for guests while managing safety and equipment.

Ideal candidates are physically fit, love the outdoors, and have strong teamwork skills. The position offers part-time and full-time options, starting pay of $15.56 per hour, plus potential tips.

Housing options are available during the summer months.

Qualifications

• Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.
• Experience with river navigation preferred.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness.

Responsibilities

• Navigate rafts down the river while ensuring guest experience.
• Lead 2-3 trips per day, maintaining equipment and gear.
• Perform rescue maneuvers when necessary.

Skills

Teamwork skills

Customer care emphasis

Experience with class III to V whitewater

Education

Current CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Locations & Season

Kremmling, Idaho Springs, and Buena Vista, Colorado. Full‑time and part‑time positions available for the 2026 season, May to September.

Job Description

As a Raft Guide at AVA Rafting & Zip Line, you will be the face of our company, leading safe, educational, and enjoyable river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.

What You’ll Do

• Navigate rafts down the river while managing a great guest experience.
• Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.
• Maintain situational awareness and readiness to perform rescue maneuvers if needed.
• Lead 2–3 trips per day (≈9‑hour workdays).
• Enjoy time outdoors with guests and coworkers.

What We Look For

• Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.
• Strong teamwork skills and a customer‑care emphasis.
• Experience with class III to V whitewater.
• Up‑to‑date CPR, First Aid, and other relevant training (a plus).

Work Availability

• Part‑time: < 30 hrs per week.
• Full‑time: ~40 hrs per week.

Benefits

• Starting pay for returning guides: $15.56 per hour, with pay increases for experience and skill level.
• Tips average $10–$20 per hour.
• Employee housing options at Buena Vista and Idaho Springs during the summer.
• Equipment discounts with partner outdoor brands such as North Face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

Relocation & Housing

AVA offers employee living accommodations at Buena Vista and Idaho Springs during the summer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration 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.