Leading the way down the first rapid of the Salmon River.

Guide Position Description

The guide team at LEAP is our most valuable asset. We expect our guides to work hard and be exceptional 100% of the time they are leading a program. As a guide at LEAP, your job is deeply dimensional. We are looking for guides who are passionate and eager to:

  • Work hard to acquire and refine the necessary technical skills to row a raft, guide groups in inflatable kayaks, navigate class II-IV whitewater, exemplify expedition mentality, rig boats, pack food, set up camp, and learn all aspects of our operation.

  • Express authentic curiosity and interest in participants on every program. Each week, we are facilitating the experience of a lifetime, and the guide team is essential in creating a positive community and environment for each group.

  • Be engaged with participants on and off the water. Guides are expected to lead with confidence and kindness on the water, lead games and activities in camp, share a love of the river and places we travel through, teach and support participants in camp set up and management, and participate in evening meetings.

Minimum Requirements:

  • At least 18 years old, over 21 preferred

  • Current (or ability to obtain) Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications

  • Enthusiasm and interest in working with youth and adults in a wilderness context

  • Ability and enthusiasm to work a physical job for up to a 3-month period with minimal time off and limited personal time

  • Ability to diligently comply with our zero-substance use policy while facilitating programs

  • Ability to attend pre-season training and orientation in Oregon and Idaho

Ideal Candidates:

  • Solid experience working with youth in wilderness settings

  • Experienced whitewater kayak or raft guide/instructor, preferably multi-day excursions

  • Ability to connect with people of various ages and diverse backgrounds

  • Professional and/or personal multi-day backcountry excursions

  • Working understanding of trauma formation + trauma-informed care

  • Clean driving record

  • Expertise in Leave No Trace practices and principles

Benefits:

  • Opportunity to be a role model, mentor, and guide to specific and under-served communities

  • Professional Development: whitewater guide training, orientation and trauma-informed training for leading wilderness programs, specific to the populations we serve

  • Competitive field instructor salary

  • Spend your summer on the glorious Salmon and Deschutes Rivers

  • Dynamic work environment

  • Professional purchase discounts

Guide applications for the current season will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted.

 

 guide application process

1) Download our GUIDE APPLICATION here PDF or Word file and complete the form.

2) Along with the completed application, email the following to Program Director Matt Mogck - matt@leapadventure.org:

  • A copy of your RESUME (including pertinent whitewater, wilderness, and guiding experience)

  • CURRENT CERTIFICATIONS (Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, etc.)

  • Names and contact information for three PERSONAL REFERENCES (letters of recommendation will not be accepted)

Our interview process consists of at least TWO INTERVIEWS to ensure we are a good fit for each other. We will check your references and conduct a background check. This is a time-intensive process, as we are committed to creating a strong guide team to facilitate our program experience, uphold our safety standards, and provide excellent care and support for each of our participants.

We will review applications and conduct interviews with qualified candidates on an on-going basis until all positions are filled for the upcoming season. 

We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your interests, skills, attributes, and the enthusiasm you hope to bring to our team.

Please contact Program Director Matt Mogck with any questions you might have.

matt@leapadventure.org