Whitewater Raft Guide Rookie AVA Rafting & Zipline

Fremont Economic Development Corporation; Colorado; On-site; USD 17,229 - 24,539; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Gear discounts

Employee camping accommodations

Tipping encouraged

Job summary

A river adventure company in Colorado is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join as Whitewater Raft Guides for the summer season. The role involves navigating rafts, ensuring guest safety, and creating an enjoyable experience for visitors. Training will be provided, with no previous experience necessary, though an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification is required. The company offers competitive pay, employee camping accommodations, and discounts within the outdoor industry. Apply now to embark on an exciting summer adventure!

Qualifications

• No experience required; training provided.
• Must have an up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification.
• Willingness to work outdoors and manage a raft.

Responsibilities

• Navigate rafts down a river while ensuring guest safety.
• Maintain equipment and situational awareness for rescues.
• Lead enjoyable and educational river trips.

Skills

Strong teamwork skills

Physically capable

Customer care emphasis

Education

Up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in the adventure, and in living day to day, in what is real and in front of us. Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado’s outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.

Job Description

Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO

Work Season

Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026, Relocation?

Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? AVA does offer employee camping accommodations at the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outposts. Employee camping features shower, restroom, cooking, and recreational facilities.

Pay Rate

Starting pay for first year rookie guides is $15.16 an hour + tips, with tips adding anywhere from an additional $10 to $20 an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.

AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety‑oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides for the upcoming season. As a Raft Guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.

A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swift‑water rescue techniques as needed.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! The job is a perfect summer opportunity for work, with the season lasting typically from May to September. No previous experience is required but we do require an up‑to‑date CPR/First Aid certification. We provide a raft guide training course at the beginning of the season for all rookie raft guides and a CPR/Wilderness First Aid class for those who do not have their certifications.

What You’ll Do

• Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!
• Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.
• Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.
• 2–3 trips a day typically ~9‑hour workdays.
• Having a great time outdoors with guests and coworkers!

What we Look For

• Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• People with an emphasis on customer care.
• Individuals with up‑to‑date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!

Work Availability

• Part Time < 30 hours
• Full Time ~ 40 hours
• Holidays (4th of July)

Base pay is $15.16, with tipped income commonly adding an additional $10 to $20 an hour.

Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, so as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as The North Face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

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

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, from time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.