Experienced River Guide - Summer 2026

Location: Bend, Oregon

Are you interested in delivering memorable experiences, enhancing people's lives and having fun while doing it? This shared mission of POWDR and Mt. Bachelor creates a fun and inspiring culture that we live every day. We look for employees who are passionate about sharing mountain culture, have a positive attitude, are problem solvers and care about winning as a team. Our vision drives us to deliver exceptional experiences and it's our employees who become the true moment makers here at Mt. Bachelor. 

Mt. Bachelor strives to deliver Central Oregon’s most memorable outdoor adventures to locals and out-of-town visitors on a year-round basis. Mt. Bachelor’s 365 days of fun includes 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain for skiing and snowboarding, Woodward Mountain Parks, a world-class Nordic Center, summer and fall downhill biking in the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park, Sun Country Tours (white water rafting), hiking, Sunset Dinners, Zip-Touring and chairlift-accessible sightseeing.
 

***We will be connecting with applicants starting the week of 4/13/26***

Position Summary

The River Guide requires a professional, fun, energetic individual with good organization and communication skills to guide guests down various rivers and clearly convey safety information.  Applicant must enjoy working with people of varying ages, skill levels, and familiarity with outdoor environments. Must be able to guide at a proficient level, understand river hydrology, and have the ability to make quick decisions on whitewater.  Class III whitewater guiding experience is required.  Must have a passion for water and be a steward for the environment.  Must be able to work outside in all conditions. 

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities

• Guide day trips on the Upper and Lower Deschutes, as well as the McKenzie Rivers.  

• Perform sweep and safety boat duties as determined.  

• Stack, unstack, and tie down boats. 

• Complete needed tasks while waiting for guests to arrive for trips. 

• Fit lifejackets and splash gear for guests. 

• Participate in pre-trip and post-trip meetings. 

• Maintain a professional attitude and cooperate with managers, office staff, co-workers, and guests. 

• Is expected to behave professionally at all times and treat guests with respect. 

• Learn about the natural environment and human history of the area and share knowledge with guests. 

• Drive guests and employees to and from various river locations. 

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned. 

Additional River Guide Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and/or participate in training activities. Trains and mentors less experienced guides. 

• Conduct river orientations to guests and distribute guests into boats, weighing the initial guest impression with the guides' skill sets.   

• Help determine the exact equipment needs for trip(s).  

• Bring issues that cannot be quickly resolved to the attention of the Operations Manager. 

Secondary Function

• Clean the guide area, refrigerators, and kitchen. 

• Pack equipment, unpack, clean, and put away all trip gear after the trip.  

• Wash and hang out the trip rental gear and lifejackets. 

• Assist with vehicle clean-up. 

• Confirm that vehicles are fueled and ready for the next day.  

• Repair or replace equipment damaged or lost due to gross negligence that was the specific guide’s responsibility. 

• Provide input on areas for improvement. 

Interpersonal Contacts

Must be able to work in a group environment, both within the department and also the company as a whole.  The guide must have strong guest service and communication skills to develop a working partnership with guests. 

Specific Job Skills

• License/Certifications:  Minimum First Aid and CPR. 

• Technical: Have an expert paddle guide technique. 

• Physical Capabilities: Can remain outside in all conditions for long periods.  Must be physically capable of being on the river for hours and handle boat navigation independently if needed. 

• Additional: Applicant must own their own approved Type III PFD, helmet, river knife, and whistle.

Education/Related Experience

• Minimum Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Minimum Experience Required: At least 1 year of Class III white water