Whitewater Rafting Guide
Location: McCall, Idaho – Snake River (Hells Canyon) & Lower Salmon River
Duration: Seasonal, Full Time – May 1st through mid-August
Hells Canyon Raft is seeking experienced whitewater rafting guides to join our summer guiding crew on multi-day river trips through some of the most stunning landscapes in Idaho. We operate on the Snake River through Hells Canyon and the Lower Salmon River.
HCR guides are a fun-loving, thoughtful, and talented team driven by a genuine passion for the natural world. Though we love boating, what inspires us most is sharing meaningful experiences in nature with our guests. Guiding with HCR is challenging work—long hours and physically demanding days are part of the job—but the reward lies in creating safe, unforgettable adventures that leave a lasting impact. We seek guides who are committed to exceptional hospitality and safety, who bring stories and landscapes to life through thoughtful interpretation, who support conservation, and who strive for continual growth while setting the standard for excellence on and off the river.
Guide Responsibilities and Duties
- Safely navigate center frame, or stern assist rafts down Class IV rivers.
- Demonstrate exceptional decision-making and risk management in remote, high-consequence environments.
- Provide excellent guest experiences through storytelling, interpretation of historical sites, and sharing knowledge of the natural environment
- Proactively engage with guests in a positive, welcoming, and supportive way, anticipating both expressed and unspoken needs
- Uphold HCR’s commitment to safety, professionalism, and Leave No Trace practices.
- Collaborate effectively with all team members to carry out all aspects of an HCR trip—from pack-day to clean-up—ensuring a safe, meaningful, and memorable experience for every guest.
- Prepare and serve delightful, picturesque meals for guests.
- Adhere to all policies and procedures specified in the HCR Guide Manual.
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Legally allowed to work in the United States
- Ability to row a boat through Class IV rapids effectively.
- At least one year of commercial whitewater guiding experience required; preference given to candidates with multi-day trip experience.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification required.
- Must be in good physical condition, able to endure long hours outdoors and handle heavy lifting over challenging ground.
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and enthusiasm for outdoor education.
- Commitment to learning, personal growth, and contributing to the team
- Preferred: experience in customer service, the hospitality industry, or managing group activities.
Why Work With HCR
At HCR, you’ll receive competitive pay and reliable consistent trip scheduling, plus perks for achieving advanced certifications. Employees also enjoy a vibrant off-water lifestyle, with ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure outside of work.
Raft guiding is demanding work, but few jobs are as rewarding as spending your days on the river, connecting people with wild places, and being part of a team that truly loves what it does. HCR is looking for guides who lead with passion, prioritize safety, support conservation, and strive to better themselves and those around them.