Professional Whitewater River Guides - North Cascades

Triad River Tours, the local leader in whitewater rafting is accepting applications for new members for our guide staff. Thanks to our high-quality guide training with PRO-1 swiftwater rescue training from swiftwater safety institute included, Triad guides take pride in facilitating relationships between humans and nature on the rivers of Western Washington in the safest way possible. Excellent wages. Flexible scheduling available. Progressive outlook on a vital industry.

Check out our website for details: https://www.triadrivertours.com

We are a leave-no-trace ethics company with a minimalistic approach to outdoor activities. We are an equal-opportunity outdoor whitewater company serving Washington State with operations out of Bellingham, Monroe, and North Bend. We are looking to hire professional guides and guide trainees for our upcoming season.

Currently looking for qualified, highly motivated professionals as well as willing trainees, to join us in the outdoor guiding industry. In Washington we will run the Sauk, Skykomish, Nooksack, Snoqualmie, and Skagit Rivers. Online training begins at any time for new guides. In-person training begins in early May on weekends. We teach guide training as well as Swiftwater Rescue Training. Applicants who graduate are granted both certificates, and those who are chosen are given a full-time position for summer work.

For all guides, we require a valid 50-hour certification that surpasses RCW 79A.60.430 from a viable quality Washington outfitter. We require all higher tier guides to have Wilderness First Aid/First Responder (WFA/WFR) certification, as well as Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1). Our pay scale is significantly higher than the going market rate and thus we expect our guides to make these investments prior to being paid in our higher wage brackets. For lesser experienced guides we have a program to invest mutually in your skill development as you are able to progress as an asset to our crew.

Pay tiers are based on ability to take responsibility. You will be paid more, and will be eligible to work more difficult and dangerous rivers if you have the following qualifications, which will allow you to take more responsibility:

Class 5 whitewater experience (AW standard rating) -and/or- 1500 miles of commercially navigated whitewater Class 3 or higher (AW standard rating) working as a professional guide.

Professional Safety Kayaking ability in Class 5 Whitewater

Advanced Medical training (WFA, WFR, EMT)

SRT-1, or PRO-1 swiftwater rescue training (preferably from Swiftwater Safety Institute). Note: We provide this training.

Commercial Drivers License (Class B CDL)

This current pay-scale system correlates roughly to the following hourly wage rates (note that most trips are 4 hours long & most days there are 1-3 trips, with 3 trip days likely on weekends and 1-2 trip days on weekdays):

Tier 1/entry level employee: $18/hr. Entry-level guide with state minimum requirements. 50-hour WA guide certification and First Aid/CPR card required to guide at entry level

Tier 1.5/qualified rookie: $21/hr. Rookies that have swiftwater rescue training (PRO-1 provided to committed guides) and any advanced medical training WFA/WFR/EMT (if you need help attaining these qualifications Triad can help via our training program). Most rookie guides start at this wage after completing guide training and passing evaluations showing improvement in skills and competency after 10 commercial trips.

Tier 2/veteran: $24/hr. At least 2 of the above qualifications are required. Standard minimum 2 years guiding. This is the starting wage for incoming veteran guides, who are given an evaluation after 2 weeks or 10 commercially guided trips, prior to being moved to tier 3. That is to say, if you are a vet you will be at this tier during your 2 week evaluation period. First-year (“rookie”) guides who show high levels of competency and development reach this pay tier during their first season.

Tier 3/industry pro: $28/hr. At least 3 of the above qualifications are required. Standard minimum 4 years guiding. This wage tier is common for industry professionals that are in their first year at Triad. It is rare but possible for a first-year guide to reach this pay tier through exceptional work. This pay tier is the most commonly paid-to guides at our company.

Tier 4/trip leader: $32/hr. At least 4 of the above qualifications are required. Additional discretionary bonuses as agreed. Minimum 4 years guiding and one full year with Triad. The majority of our returning senior guides are at this pay tier.

Tier 5/river manager: $38/hr. River Manager (additional discretionary bonuses as agreed). Minimum 4 years guiding. Guides at this tier typically are responsible for all aspects of river trips.

Note: Guides are encouraged to work 4 days per week. Guides are allowed to work 2 trips per day on busy days, or 3 trips per day, typically there is a “morning shift” where guides work the morning (9am), mid-day (1pm) trip and are off work by 5pm, -or- they work the “evening shift” and work the mid-day (1pm) and afternoon (5pm) trips, and are off work by 9pm. Guides may choose to work all 3 trips in a day. Notably, if a guide works two busy 3-trip days, they will work 24 hours in just those two days; this is a good way to maximize earnings within a shorter amount of time, and give yourself 3 days off during the summer, while also making a great wage. We advise that guides who are physically capable of the rigors of working 3-trip days take a look at this setup.

We thrive on adversity and look for opportunities to improve within the context and time of our challenges. We are an industry leader and have great confidence in our approach; A well-built foundation of skills in river running, rescue, professionalism/hospitality, coupled with meticulous study of systems, procedures, and rescue protocols, followed by individual creativity and a collaborative work environment that empowers free thinkers. Because we operate on several challenging rivers we are looking for people who want to operate at the highest level and take a great deal of pride in their work.

We are strong supporters of equality and a diverse workplace. We will absolutely not discriminate against anyone for gender, ethnicity, religion, or on any other basis.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $20.00 - $38.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 45 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift

Supplemental Pay:

• Tips

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Bellingham, WA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $38