River Guide (Inexperienced)
Each year, ROW Adventures seeks to hire a small number of exceptional individuals interested in entry-level positions as whitewater adventure guides. No prior whitewater guiding experience is required to apply; however, all hires must successfully complete ROW’s Guide School Program and other required training before guiding commercial trips.
New first-year guides typically begin on one-day trips on the Clark Fork River, with opportunities to rotate onto other rivers ROW operates as they gain skills, qualifications, and required licenses. Because of the diversity of rivers and trip styles we run, this position offers an excellent entry point into what can become a long, rewarding career in outdoor leadership with ROW Adventures.
New whitewater guides join a highly experienced team of fun-loving, thoughtful, and talented outdoor professionals with a deep passion for the natural world. As much as we love boating, we love sharing nature with our guests even more. ROW hires individuals committed to excellence in hospitality and safety, who strive to provide meaningful interpretation, support conservation efforts, seek continual growth, and aim to set the high water mark in both their professional and personal lives.
Looking for a great place to get started and grow as a whitewater adventure guide? Then apply to join our team!
Location & Season
- Based out of: Superior, MT (primarily) with operations on surrounding waterways.
- Tour locations: Idaho, Montana
- Season: Seasonal position, typically May through early September
Guide Duties and Responsibilities:
- Safely navigate oar and/or paddle rafts on Class I–IV rivers
- Demonstrate strong risk-management skills in remote environments
- Work collaboratively with fellow guides to implement all aspects of a ROW trip, from pack-up to clean-up
- Engage guests in a friendly, professional, and supportive manner, meeting both expressed and unexpressed needs
- Provide meaningful interpretation on natural and cultural history topics relevant to the trip (e.g. geology, Wild & Scenic Rivers, early homesteaders, and Pacific salmon)
- Lead guest activities, including hikes, camp games, storytelling, or campfire music (primarily on multi-day trips)
- Prepare tasty, appealing riverside meals
- Care for ROW equipment and facilities
- Professionally represent ROW Adventures and uphold our Mission, Vision, and Values
- Follow all policies and procedures outlined in ROW’s Guide Manual
- Practice and promote Leave No Trace principles and responsible stewardship of the natural world
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours of off-river warehouse work each season, as assigned
- Perform other duties as needed to support trip operations
Guide Qualifications:
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
- Successful completion of ROW’s Guide School (or approved equivalent) prior to first commercial work
- Current 16-hour minimum advanced First Aid certification (WEC, WAFA, WFR, WEMT, or EMT preferred) and current CPR
- (Certifications may be completed after hiring)
- Positive, supportive team player with strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent verbal communication and guest-interaction skills
- Physically fit and able to work long hours, including lifting and carrying heavy objects over uneven terrain
- Comfortable interacting with a wide range of guests, from children to seniors
- Experience in guest services, education, or group leadership preferred
- Academic, professional, or equivalent experience in natural sciences, western American history, environmental education, or conservation preferred
- Academic or professional background (or equivalent experience) in natural sciences, Western American history, environmental education, or conservation preferred
- Ability to comply with ROW’s drug-free and tobacco-free workplace policy
How To Apply:
Thank you for your interest in ROW Adventures—we look forward to hearing from you!