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OARS Guide Employment Application

We are currently accepting applications for the 2026 season!

Before completing the form below, be sure to check out the job description pages for Guides with Past Experience and New Guides.

Guide Employment Application

"*" indicates required fields

Email Address*

First Name (Legal)*

Last Name (Legal)*

Preferred Name (Optional)

Mailing Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Primary Phone*

Time Zone*

Are you a student?*

Yes

No

By the river season will you be at least 18 years old?*

Yes

No

By the river season will you be at least 21 years old?*

Yes

No

Are you authorized to work in the United States?*

Yes

No

Are you a veteran?

Yes

No

Type of Employment and Availability

Do you have experience? Select all that apply.*

I have experience guiding at least one full season on commercial multi-day raft trips

I have experience guiding at least one full season on commercial rafting day-trips

I have experience rafting as a private boater or with a school or leadership program

I have guiding or outdoor leadership experience in an activity other than rafting

I have limited or no commercial guiding experience

How many river seasons have you worked before and where?*

Please select the option that fits you best. If you have limited or no commercial guiding experience we strongly encourage you to enroll in an OARS Guide School program.*

My commercial rafting experience surpasses the need to enroll in Guide School

I’m applying for the reduced cost California Whitewater Guide School program

I’m applying for the reduced cost Dinosaur Whitewater Guide School program

I’m applying for the reduced cost Oregon Rowing Guide School program

I’m already enrolled in an OARS Guide School Program

I’m not interested in Guide School but I’m a quick learner

To assist us in reviewing your application, please select all that apply for this season.*

I’m only interested in guiding multi day trips

I’m only interested in guiding daily trips

I’m interested in guiding both daily and multi day trips

I’m only interested in Class IV-IV+ rivers

I’m most interested in working for OARS in general rather than specific types of trips

Your application will be reviewed by one operation at a time based on your ranking of where you’d most prefer to work. This should be an informed decision – resources can be found at www.oars.com/employment. PLEASE DRAG & DROP IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE

California
Dinosaur/Vernal, UT
Flagstaff, AZ
Grants Pass, OR
Lewiston, ID
Moab, UT
I’m most interested in working for OARS in general rather than at a specific location

Availability*

Full-time – I’m committed to working the full season

Part-time – I will have other obligations during the season

Weekend availability

Date you can arrive*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Date you must depart*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Days you CANNOT work (any prior commitment during our season, see website chart for season for each area)*

Learn About You

Why do you want to work for OARS?*

Describe any unique skills that you would bring to your employment as a river guide? What makes you stand out from the rest?*

What is your background in rafting and outdoor leadership? (Be specific with rivers, class, amount worked, your role on the trips, etc)*

Certifications and Licenses

Do you have a current CPR Certification?*

Yes

No

I plan to get before the season if hired

I am currently signed up for a course

Do you hold one of the following or higher? If higher please list your certification.*

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

I plan to get before the season if hired

I am currently signed up for a course

Other

Other*

Have you been trained and currently hold a Swiftwater Rescue Certification (in the last 3 years)*

Yes

No

I plan to get before the season

I am currently enrolled in a course

Do you possess a current CDL (Commercial Driver's License)? Mark all that apply:*

I do not have a current CDL

Class A

Class B

Class C

Unrestricted Passenger Endorsement

Passenger Endorsement with restrictions

I’m willing to get a CDL

Other relevant certifications or licenses?*

Personal Info

Have you completed an application with us before?*

Yes

No

Month/Year of prior application*

Do you know anyone who works for OARS?*

Yes

No

If yes, please provide name(s)

Have you been employed by OARS before?*

Yes

No

If yes, provide dates and location*

Education*

Employment History: Most Recent

Employer Name*

Job Location (City, State)*

Job Title*

Responsibilities*

Dates employed*

Reason for leaving*

OK to Contact this Employer?

Yes

No

Contact Person*

Contact person position*

Contact Person Phone*

Contact person email

Contact person time zone*

Employment History: Employer #2

Employer Name

Job Location (City, State)

Job Title

Responsibilities

Dates employed

Reason for leaving

OK to Contact this Employer?

Yes

No

Contact Person

Contact person position

Contact person phone

Contact person email

Contact person time zone

Employment History: Employer #3

Employer Name

Job Location (City, State)

Job title

Responsibilities

Dates employed

Reason for leaving

OK to Contact this Employer?

Yes

No

Contact person

Contact person position

Contact person phone

Contact person email

Contact person time zone

Any other information you would like to tell us about yourself, your background, or anything we missed?

Where did you hear about us?*

By submitting, I authorize OARS representatives to contact my references listed for the purposes of verifying my qualifications. I understand that information will be used confidentially for employment decisions only.

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About Damn Time

Why River Rafting Trips are the Best Way to Travel

OARS Guide Employment Application

Guide Employment Application

Type of Employment and Availability

Learn About You

Certifications and Licenses

Personal Info

Employment History: Most Recent

Employment History: Employer #2

Employment History: Employer #3

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