Job Description

Non-exempt, Seasonal Position: Part-time. Early April – mid October; Two-week break in August.

Position Description:

The ideal candidate is professional, proactive, and dependable with a “team first” drive. The River Guide & Outdoor Educator will mentor youth, safely guide rafts of participants downriver, lead educational activities, rig/de-rig for trips, maintain gear, and cook on the river. This position works primarily with student groups from 4th-12th grade as well as some adult groups; a desire to work with youth is key. As a member of a small staff, River Guides and Educators may be asked to do a wide variety of additional duties.

Position Responsibilities:

1. The River Guide position is an outdoor educator position, connecting youth to the natural environment, often for the first time. By facilitating this connection, the river team fosters the next generation of stewards of our National Conservation Areas. Being a role model for youth is imperative to the success of the CCA river program.

2. This position focuses on facilitating river-based programming for school and youth groups within our NCAs on the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers.

3. After training, the candidate must demonstrate safe boat handling skills in paddle, oar, and/or motorized crafts on Class I to Class III whitewater ensuring minimum risk to passengers and crew.

4. Float trips are led on the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, and various sections of the Gunnison River. Guides are in the field from one to three days at a time and must be comfortable leading meaningful learning experiences for youth, as well as high-end adult adventures.

5. Must actively participate as an equal crew member in the work of rigging, de-rigging, packing, unpacking, setting up camp, and camp maintenance. Candidate must be capable of sustained physical activity including but not limited to rowing, paddling, hiking, loading, and unloading gear, and swimming in swift current. Must be capable of constant lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasional lifting/carrying of up to 100 lbs. required.

6. Oversee the packing and unpacking of all equipment related to a trip. Packing for a trip includes food shopping, food prep, cooler pack, gear pack, and vehicle checks. Unpacking after a trip includes the cleaning, drying, and the proper storage of equipment, cleaning of vans and trailers as well as facility upkeep and organization.

7. Must complete assigned or delegated trip paperwork in a neat and timely manner. Must proactively work with management to keep employment documents, including copies of licenses and certifications, up to date. Must complete and turn in incident and/or other safety reports immediately following an incident.

Requirements:

• Candidate must have basic first aid and hands on CPR training to do this job.

• The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive in the tri-county area.

• Must be able to pass a background check.

• Capacity for sustained physical activity, including but not limited to rowing, paddling, hiking, loading, and unloading gear, and swimming in swift current.

Ideal candidates possess:

• Colorado Raft guide qualifications

• Previous experience working with youth, outdoor/environmental education and teaching preferred

• Proficient, conservative, and safe boat handling skills in paddle rafts and/or oar rafts

• Familiarity with the Colorado & Gunnison Rivers

• Current WFA/WFR; Basic First Aid and CPR certifications are required

• Clean driving record and valid driver's license

Special Benefits

Other Benefits: A gear/certification reimbursement up to $250 at the beginning of the season, access to pro-deals and discounted gear, provided meals during programming, and paid sick time. When revenue or program targets are met guides receive an end of season bonus.

Requirements

To apply, please submit resume, cover letter, and a list of three references (name, email, phone) to lisa@canyonsassociation.org .

When you apply, please include your seasonal availability and commercial river log (if applicable). Resumes will be received between Monday, December 1, 2025 through Thursday, January 1, 2026. Please enjoy your holiday season and expect contact regarding your resume no earlier than January 5, 2026.

Why work here

Colorado Canyons Association fosters community stewardship, education, and awareness of our National Conservation Lands with a focus on McInnis Canyons, Dominguez-Escalante, and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Areas (NCAs) in western Colorado.

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