Employment with OARS
Combine your passion for the outdoors with an opportunity to build your professional skills and experience – apply for a job and join the OARS team! Whether you’re looking for a new career path, a summer job, or a side gig, we have something for everyone.
The OARS community provides a professional, fun, and exciting atmosphere within which to work. Each year, we have a large percentage of our team, over 300+ staff, return and continue to grow and nurture the OARS mission. And each year we also have a wide range of positions available – from operations management to campground staff, and everything in between, including river guiding, driving shuttles, and office jobs, including remote work opportunities.
It takes many talented people to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our guests, and we can’t do it without each and every person on our awesome team!
On the many rivers OARS runs throughout the West, we create opportunities for both new and returning staff to build skills that will last a lifetime, including customer service, leadership, risk management, public speaking, and more. For those new to the outdoor industry, working at OARS is a great way to get connected and join an amazing community of passionate, diverse, and fun people. Whether on or off the river, we love sharing our passion for wild rivers and the special places we visit along the way with our whole team. As the founder of OARS, George Wendt believed, “We protect what we love and we love what we know.” If you want to be a part of the mission he started over 50 years ago, come join our team!
Why should you WANT to work for OARS?
Current Employment Opportunities
Now hiring for the 2023 season.
Though applications may be submitted at any time,
most hiring will occur between October and April.
Whitewater River Guides
- OARS Jobs for Experienced Guides (and those with limited experience)
- OARS Jobs for New Guides (you have no previous guiding experience)
Base Operations Support Staff
- Commercial & Non-CDL Drivers – Multiple Locations
- General Employment – Multiple Locations
Staff Testimonials
Reflecting on my 20th year guiding for OARS; what a wonderful and life-altering journey it has been! It is possible to have an incredible career and life working in this world ‘below the canyon rim.’ You have to be diligent, determined, and creative with your physical, emotional, and financial health, but I have the best office view in the world and the most talented bunch of guides with whom to work and play.
Steve Kenney, 20-plus year OARS veteran Moab, Vernal, Idaho & Grand Canyon
“OARS has a reputation of professionalism, respect, and stewardship that aligns with my own values and ethics. While OARS is a large company it still maintains the ambiance of a family owned business that values and honors its employees. I look forward to my future and symbiotic relationship with a company of such high integrity.”
“Living on the east coast and working for outfitters out here, I had always admired OARS from afar. When the opportunity for remote work with OARS came up, I jumped on it. OARS fosters a healthy working environment and cares about our happiness and success. I feel fully supported by my coworkers, managers, and the owners. And the perks are great! I’m proud and grateful every day to work for OARS.”
“I love my job! As a driver, I take great pride in safely transporting our clients and their gear to and from the river. I find it immensely rewarding to see the impact that their river experience has had on them and their travel companions. And I enjoy the beautiful scenery of Northern Arizona – I get to visit the Colorado River every workday. Life is good!”