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Whitewater Raft Guide Durango Colorado Area - Trainee or 1st Year Guide

Durango Rivertrippers & Kokopelli Rafting
Durango, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 4/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/1/2026

To become a raft guide, you MUST attend a guide school, we do offer an in-house guide school. Call us for more details at (970)259-0289.

Are you interested in rafting on the Lower Animas or other rivers? We are hiring for both non-certified and certified raft guides on the Lower Animas and other rivers in the Southwest. Other rivers we run include Ruby Horsethief, Westwater Canyon, and the Moab Daily in Utah. The San Miguel, Dolores River, Upper, and Lower Animas, and the Piedra in Colorado. Along with the Rio Chama and Rio Grande in New Mexico.

We are seeking energetic and passionate candidates who share a common love and respect for the outdoors and can offer our guests a unique and unforgettable experience while maintaining the highest quality of customer service.
If you’re able to fit into a great team environment but are still able to work autonomously, you might be the person we’re looking for!
The job involves 8 to 10-hour workdays, and the position does involve weekend shifts split with other team members, as our tours operate seven 7 days a week. We are looking for full-time guides.

As a Raft Guide, you will be responsible for:

  • Develop your unique tour addressing various topics that will engage, educate, and entertain the guest.
  • Ensure guests are comfortable and feel safe.
  • Manage and guide small groups of (usually) 2 to 9 people while on a raft.
  • Adhering to strict timelines associated with the beginning and end of each trip.
  • Pre and post-prep activities.
  • Coordinating with other team members in various aspects of scheduling and prepping for trips.

Job Requirements

  • Excellent public speaking skills.
  • Physically able to perform duties of the job.
  • Flexibility in availability to accommodate guest reservation/scheduling changes.
  • Current First Aid and CPR card. (must be an in-person class)
  • Ability to quickly establish a positive rapport with guests and teammates.
  • Work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Willingness to learn and expand personal and professional boundaries.
  • Colorado State Certified Raft Guide or we will train you
  • CPR/First Aid HANDS ON

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties established to meet the ongoing needs of the business. Durango Rivertrippers LLC and DBAs is an “at-will” employer.

Durango Rivertrippers LLC and DBAs is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Pay: $15.50 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Employee discount

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17

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