Whitewater Rafting Guide, Colorado River, Glenwood Springs CO, Jeep Tour Outfitter

EMPLOYMENT Thank you for your interest in working for Rock Gardens Rafting. We have been creating memories for families and friends for over 30 years. We take great pride in the many trips we offer for people of all levels and abilities. Kevin and Kathy Schneider have owned Rock Gardens Rafting for 17 years. They are very active in the day to day operations of the business. With guides living here and in town it is a great family atmosphere for both guides and guests.

RAFT GUIDE POSITION
The application process begins in January and will continue through April or until the training class is full. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. Our guide training begins May 13th, 2006. We place an emphasis on guiding skills as well as general knowledge of the Colorado River such as local history, geology, plants, animals, etc. Guide training at Rock Gardens Rafting will be comprehensive and intense at times. Training will teach river skills, rigging, knot tying, and safety techniques needed to be a professional river guide. During training guides will also cover river dynamics, characteristics of moving water, river hazards, and an introduction to rope rescues. Training will last for approximately two weeks and includes all transportation to and from the river, the best rafts and equipment money can buy, as well as your trainers and dedicated Rock Gardens staff members. Our staff will commit themselves to long days and miles of river time in order to provide you with a unique learning environment.

All prospective guides are required to participate and successfully complete the two-week training course. The training course costs $425. A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot in the course. Total payment for training is due prior to the first day of the course. Rock Gardens offers CPR and First Aid training during the two-week course. If you already have these certifications (which must be valid through September 2006) than you will not have to participate that day. All equipment listed below is included and provided for your use during training. After training is over, use of company equipment is prohibited. Therefore it is necessary for you to purchase your own life jacket, knife, whistle, and any other gear you may need. A benefit of working for Rock Gardens is our Pro-Form program. If you are hired on to the company you can take advantage of great discounts to purchase river gear.

During the two-week training, camping is available at Rock Gardens. Even those individuals who live in town are invited and encouraged to camp at Rock Gardens. This makes for a unique 'bonding' experience with the other trainees but is also very convenient. The days are long and taxing so it is nice to be staying right on property. Camping is free and includes access to the restrooms and showers. This opportunity is only available during training and everyone needs to be moved out by the Friday before Memorial Day.

Your training trip will include the following:

For the training trip you will be required to wear our commercial type V PFD's provided by us. Once you have been offered employment you may wear a type III PFD.
All necessary equipment including rafts, paddles, oars, frames as well as all transportation and competent trainers.
A copious amount of river time, 40 hours or more a week.
You will also have some of the most experienced guides on the river available to you as a resource not just during training but throughout the season. Senior staff members are always happy to take the time to answer any questions that you may have. In fact, you may find it difficult to stop them from talking about rafting!
More than likely you will have over 75 hours of on water time before your checkout run.

River Guide Job Description

Work as a whitewater raft guide on a stern frame raft on the Colorado River, Roaring Fork River, and Crystal River.
Guide guests safely down the river on half day and full day raft trips.
Keep a friendly and positive attitude while socializing with guests.
Provide guests the best possible vacation experience.
Guides must possess customer service and teamwork skills.
Guides must learn about history of the area, geology and plant life surrounding the Colorado River.
Guides must be at least 18 years old. They must have a professional attitude and be willing to work long hours. They must work well with other people and under pressure. Guides are evaluated on thoroughness in performing duties, pleasant attitude, dependability, punctuality, initiation, flexibility, mature judgment, willingness to learn and your ability to be a team player.
Guides are paid by the trip and will be paid $31 per half-day trip and $60 per full-day trip during the first season. First year guides can make $2500 or more in wages. Some of our guides make almost the same in tips in a season. Each year guides return to Rock Gardens Rafting and receive an increase in pay with each returning season.
All prospective guides need to remember that an invitation to join us for training is just that, an invitation. About 90% of those who complete the course will be offered employment at Rock Gardens Rafting with the understanding that they are required to work at Rock Gardens Rafting for the entire season. Please note that you will be expected to work until the end of August unless your academic pursuits require you leave earlier. If you are returning to college you will need to speak with Kevin about an end of season date.

Due to the conservative nature of our clientele, as well as the fact that we are a family oriented business, there are a few policies that we inforce. Drugs are not tolerated. Alcohol is not to be consumed on company time or prior to your performing duties for the company. There is no smoking or chewing allowed on company property or while working a Rock Gardens Rafting trip. Body piercing needs to be confined to the ears on both men and women and long hair should be kept in a ponytail while at work. All new guides are required to complete a drug test prior to working for Rock Gardens Rafting.

If you are interested in becoming a whitewater raft guide for Rock Gardens Rafting please print and fill out the application and questionaire below. Please attach a cover letter briefly stating how you became interested in guiding and why you are applying to Rock Gardens Rafting. Mail or fax us the forms at 970-945-2413(fax). We will then contact you to set up an interivew. If you live in Colorado we would prefer to do an in-person interview, othrewise we can do it by phone. You may also contact us via phone at 970-945-6737 or via email at [email protected]. We will be interviewing people through the middle of April.

OFFICE STAFF POSITION
We are looking for cheerful, intelligent, outgoing team players to work in our fast paced office. Responsibilities include: answering telephones, filing, data entry, responding to e-mail inquiries, inventory control, checking in guests, handling money, and cleaning of office space. Having customer service skills and knowing how to multi-task is a must in our busy office. Please contact Christine at Rock Gardens Rafting at 970-945-6737 or via email at [email protected] if you are interested in applying for a position in the office.

Click here to download application and questionaire, print, and mail or fax back to us at 970-945-2413.

1.800.958.6737
1308 County Rd 129 - Glenwood Springs CO, 81601