Colorado whitewater rafting trips, Arkansas River, Salida, Buena Vista, Whitewater Encounters

Whitewater Encounters will be hiring experienced guides and offering a training course for those interested in becoming a raft guide.

We are looking for guides who are comfortable in both paddle boats and oar boats running intermediate levels of whitewater (Class III and up). Certification in the Numbers and the Royal Gorge is a plus. We will conduct an interview and an evaluation trip, where we will evaluate your people skills and river skills.

To be hired with Whitewater Encounters, we will need a copy of your up-to-date river log, showing who you worked for, when you worked for them, sections of river run, mileage, etc. Copies of a current First Aid and CPR certification will also be needed. Pay is based on your experience.

We are offering a 14-day training course, taught on the Arkansas River near Salida, Colorado, lasting from May 15-28, 2007. Previous experience is not required. We are looking for outgoing, hard working, team-oriented applicants.

Subjects taught during the course include reading water, river dynamics, paddleboat and oarboat instruction, steering/paddlestrokes, rigging and de-rigging boats, self-rescue, river rescue, and safe boating practices.

The course cost is $495 per student, and exceeds all mileage and hours requirements outlined by the State of Colorado. Students must be 18 years or older and have Basic First Aid and CPR certifications in order to be hired commercially. Ideally, this will be done before arriving for training so that students are eligible to work immediately upon completion of the course. Course cost includes use of all necessary gear (i.e. wetsuits, spray jackets, booties, lifejackets, etc.). Students are responsible for most of their own meals, and can either camp out during the course or find some other arrangements.

To be hired commercially, a guide must successfully perform a certification trip, and have his or her own personal gear, which can be ordered during the course.

Course size is limited, and employment is not guaranteed. Space reservations for the class are accepted with an approved application and payment - call or email us for an application. This is a physically demanding course, but it qualifies you to join one of the greatest summer occupations available!

We are looking for a part-time driver, CDL A or B with P2 endorsements and no restrictions on air brakes. Must be 25 or older, with a clean driving record, and must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening. The position requires driving a van or bus with a trailer. Experience backing a trailer is required, and mechanical abilities are a plus.