Raft Guide

Alaska River Adventures is excited to announce that we are hiring scenic raft guides for the upcoming 2025 summer season. Founded in 1978, Alaska River Adventures (ARA) is based on the banks of the Kenai River in Cooper Landing, Alaska. Our roots run deep here in Cooper Landing and we pride ourselves on being a small, tight-knit, family oriented operation. Our business has seen exponential growth over the past several seasons and we are looking forward to another busy, successful, and fun summer. We have several openings for raft guide positions that will be sure to fill up quick so don’t hesitate to get in on what might be the adventure of a lifetime.

Background

ARA offers both half-day and full-day scenic rafting trips on the Upper Kenai River. Both trips start at the headwaters of the Kenai River in Cooper Landing at the outlet of Kenai Lake. This 82-mile glacier-fed river starts in the heart of the Chugach National Forest and flows through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge as it meanders to the Cook Inlet. Half-day trips are about 14 river miles in length, with Class I and II rapids and last for approximately 3 hours roundtrip. Full-day float trips consist of a 20-mile river journey which includes a rest-stop and offers Class II and III whitewater in the Kenai River Canyon before landing on the beach at Skilak Lake. From there, the full-day trip wraps up with an easy to moderate 1.5 mile hike. Roundtrip time for full-day trips is between 7-8 hours.  Both offerings are a safe and enjoyable way to see the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife including bears, moose, eagles, fish, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Our summer season begins in May and runs thru September, weather permitting.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

• Previous rowing and/or guiding experience preferred but not required.

• Must be safety oriented.

• Ability and willingness to work outdoors as part of a team and as an individual in a variety of weather including heat, sun, rain, cold, and wind.

• Current first aid/CPR from a nationally accredited provider.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Maintain clean and organized workspaces, vehicles, rafts.

• Greet guests as they arrive and assist them with donning properly sized gear including raingear, boots, and personal floatation devices (PFD’s).

• Perform clear and concise safety instructions to guests before boarding raft.

• Provide a safe and enjoyable journey while offering guests insight on the natural, cultural, and personal history of the area.

• Adhere to local, state, and federal regulations while on the river and comply with local traffic laws while operating work vehicles.

• Clean and organize gear storage after all trips and further assist guests’ needs before they leave.

Other Duties

• Arrive for work on time with a positive attitude.

• Run shuttles for both fishing and rafting trips.

• Address maintenance issues as they arise.

• Maintain cleanliness around property including basic yardwork, trash duties, clean and organize common areas.

• Assist other guides with their pre/post-trip routines.

Compensation and Fringe Benefits

• Summer season runs from May through September.

• Industry-competitive wages plus overtime and tips.

• Employee housing available with WiFi and cell service throughout property.

• Live and work in the heart of Cooper Landing with amenities, services, and recreation within walking distance.

• Take advantage of pro-deal pricing on companies such as Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardwear, Smith, Yeti, NRS, and more.