Why Join RiverWatch?

✔ Lead interpretive, interactive, science-based river floats that educate and inspire.
✔ Work outdoors, share your passion for the environment, gain real-world experience, and build a strong environmental resume.
✔ Be part of an award-winning float program that connects thousands of people to their local rivers and watersheds every year.
✔ Join a passionate team in a dynamic, rewarding environment!

This role is ideal for environmental science students and grads, as well as those with a combined nature-interpretive/paddling experience. The season runs from late April through summer—don’t miss your chance to make a difference!

A RiverWatch Interpretive Guide is Unmatched Fieldwork Experience in Environmental Science!

Founded in 1995, RiverWatch is a leading non-profit providing environmental and earth science students with hands-on field experience that sets them apart in the workforce. As the largest interpretive river float operation in Western Canada (14,000 guests annually), we are at the forefront of workforce development in the environmental science sector, offering unmatched opportunities to gain practical skills in watershed education, ecology, and outdoor leadership.

Celebrating 30 Years of Impact in 2025! In 2025, RiverWatch proudly marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades as a leader in interpretive water education and science-based river experiences. Over the years, we have connected more than 175,000 students and countless community members to Alberta’s rivers through hands-on learning, conservation awareness, and guided interpretive rafting programs. As we enter this milestone year, we continue to set the standard for experiential environmental education, workforce development, and river safety leadership across the province.

Our fully guided interpretive river float programs immerse the public and students in extraordinary river experiences and watershed education, making RiverWatch an ideal stepping stone for future careers in conservation, research, and resource management.

About Our Float Programs:

✔ School Science Floats: Each year, over 10,000 secondary students join our floating classrooms to conduct water quality testing, study river ecosystems, and explore environmental science concepts aboard our large rafts, which serve as mobile water quality labs. As a RiverWatch guide, you’ll play a crucial role in leading these engaging, curriculum-aligned experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. Since 1995, over 175,000 students have floated with RiverWatch.

✔ EcoFloats: Launched just two years ago as a major tourism and hospitality program in both Edmonton and Calgary, our award-winning EcoFloats now connect thousands of people each year to their local waterways through extraordinary guided and interpretive experiences. Designed to foster a deeper connection to rivers and watersheds, this program blends recreation with environmental education, inspiring participants to care about and protect their waterways. Guides lead discussions on wildlife, history, and conservation while providing an unforgettable river experience in Edmonton and Calgary.

RiverWatch offers Flexible Opportunities: At RiverWatch, we understand you have different availability during the spring and summer months. That’s why we offer flexible work opportunities to fit your schedule while giving you valuable hands-on experience in environmental education and outdoor leadership. Choose the schedule that works best for you:

✔ Daily Shifts—Work up to 30-40 hours per week, with shifts available most days throughout the season (weather dependent).

✔ Flexible Weekly Shifts – If you’re looking for a lighter schedule, work 2–3 shifts per week.

✔ Full Seasonal – Join us from late April through the end of October for more hands-on experience.

With a six-month float season, RiverWatch provides an unparalleled chance to gain field experience, develop leadership skills, and make a lasting impact on environmental education. Join us and build your outdoor career today!

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THE RIVERWATCH EXPERIENCE – Is this for you?

Every year, our Interpretive River Guide team is handpicked from hundreds of applicants to be the heart of our float experience. Together, we create impactful and unforgettable educational experiences for our students. As a RiverWatch Interpretive River Guide, you’ll be part of a close-knit team that leads by example, ensuring every float runs smoothly both on and off the water. At RiverWatch, SAFETY is our number one priority. This role requires strong leadership, clear communication, and sound decision-making to guide rafts through the waterways while engaging participants with environmental education.

RiverWatch River Guide – Key Responsibilities

As a RiverWatch Guide, your role extends beyond navigating the river—you ensure a safe, educational, and unforgettable experience for every participant. Your responsibilities are divided into pre-float, on-river, and post-float tasks to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction.

Pre-Float Responsibilities (Before the Trip)

✔ Prepare and organize equipment – Ensure rafts, paddles, safety gear, and educational materials are ready for each trip.

✔ Assist guests with gear – Help students and members of the public with proper PFD fitting and awareness of other safety equipment.

✔ Deliver clear safety briefings – Clearly explain all safety protocols and expectations to ensure all participants feel confident and prepared.

✔ Set the stage for a memorable experience – Provide an enthusiastic trip introduction, sharing what guests can expect, including science learning, wildlife spotting, and photo opportunities.

On-River Responsibilities (During the Float)

✔ Ensure participant safety – Implement risk reduction strategies in navigation, communication, and decision-making to maintain a controlled and secure river experience.

✔ Guide rafts for diverse groups – Lead floats with participants of all ages, skill levels, and group sizes.

✔ Provide engaging interpretation and education – Share scientific insights, historical context, and ecological knowledge in a way that captivates and informs.

✔ Enhance guest enjoyment – Make each float an unforgettable experience, encouraging engagement, answering questions, and creating opportunities for memorable moments and photos.

✔ Monitor river conditions and group needs – Stay aware of changing weather, water conditions, and participant comfort levels, making adjustments as necessary.

✔ Maintain active communication with your guide team – Provide real-time updates via radio on wildlife sightings, potential river hazards, and trip progress/timing, ensuring a coordinated and safe experience for all participants.

Post-Float Responsibilities (After the Trip)

✔ Assist guests in disembarking – Help participants safely exit the raft and ensure all gear is properly accounted for.

✔ Encourage reflection and connection – Engage with guests post-trip to answer questions, gather feedback, and reinforce key takeaways.

✔ Manage and store equipment – Work with guide team to load, and properly organize rafts, paddles, and safety gear.

✔ Celebrate the experience – Encourage guests to share photos and memories, reinforcing the importance of protecting our waterways.

As a RiverWatch Guide, you play a critical role in ensuring safety, providing exceptional guest experiences, and fostering a deeper connection to nature and environmental stewardship. If you’re ready to inspire, educate, and lead on Alberta’s rivers, we’d love to have you on our team!

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TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS PROVIDED

SAFETY TRAINING: At RiverWatch, we are committed to ensuring all guides are fully trained and certified in safety and rafting operations. RiverWatch’s Safety Officer is an industry-leading river safety trainer and examiner, overseeing all guide training and ongoing safety development throughout the year. With a commitment to best practices in river navigation, risk management, and emergency response, RiverWatch ensures that every guide is equipped with the highest standards of safety, competence, and professionalism on the water.

For SAFETY training, we provide:

✔ PROAOA Raft Guide Certification (if not already certified).

✔ Ongoing Comprehensive Safety Training, including risk assessment, emergency response training, and student/guest management.

✔ On-the-water training with experienced guides to develop strong navigation, paddling, and leadership skills.

INTERPRETATION TRAINING: Additionally, we provide specialized training in interpretive environmental and water education, equipping guides with the knowledge and skills to deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned science programming for the School Science Float Program. This training also applies to our public EcoFloat program during the summer, focusing on environmental interpretation and storytelling, minus the water testing component. Guides gain expertise in key topics to create an interactive and impactful experience for both students and the general public, including:

For INTERPRETATION training, we provide:

✔ Water Quality Testing – Teaching students how to analyze river health through hands-on testing (School Science Floats only).

✔ Ecosystem Health – Exploring the interconnected relationships between water, plants, animals, and human activity.

✔ Local Wildlife Identification – Recognizing and interpreting signs of birds, fish, and other species along the river.

✔ River Geology & Hydrology – Understanding how waterways shape the landscape and influence environmental conditions.

✔ Conservation & Stewardship – Inspiring participants to protect and appreciate their local waterways through responsible actions.

✔ Local River & City History – Sharing the historical significance of the river, its role in the city’s development, and its impact on local communities over time.

All RiverWatch certifications and training include both a written and practical exam, which all trainees must successfully pass in order to qualify for employment. Our in-house training program ensures every guide meets professional safety standards before leading participants on the water.

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QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

✔ Basic First Aid & CPR/AED (required) Wilderness First Aid or higher is encouraged/preferred.

✔ RCMP Vulnerable Sector Check: Required per school board policies and safety standards to ensure a safe learning environment for students. *Note: This process will be initiated upon shortlisting as part of the hiring requirements.*

Key Attributes & Skills:

✔ Strong leadership and communication skills – Ability to clearly instruct, engage, and manage groups on the water.

✔ Commitment to guest service – Ensuring every participant feels safe, supported, and valued.

✔ Good judgment and quick decision-making – Effectively responding to changing conditions and emergency situations.

✔ Enthusiasm for environmental education – Passion for sharing knowledge of nature, science, and conservation with participants.

✔ Team-oriented mindset – Ability to work collaboratively and take direction from supervisors.

✔ Ability to work under pressure – Maintaining composure and professionalism in high-stress situations.

✔ Strong public speaking skills – Able to project authority, engage participants, and guide groups with confidence.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

✔ Maneuvering Rafts – Must be physically fit and capable of handling rafts both on the water and on land throughout the season.

✔ Lifting & Carrying – Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs repetitively as part of daily tasks.

✔ Physical Stamina – Comfortable sitting for extended periods in a raft, as well as standing, bending, stooping, and twisting as needed.

✔ Outdoor Work Environment – Willingness to work in varied weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain and sometimes snow!

✔ Variable Scheduling – Due to the seasonal nature of this role, hours and schedules will vary weekly based on weather and business demands.

✔ Adaptability –Must be prepared to adjust to changing river conditions, guest needs, and operational requirements as they arise.

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READY TO APPLY?

Don’t waste time, do it now! Hiring is ongoing until the positions are filled. Training starts in late April!

Please include your resume and a cover letter describing your education, paddling experience and first aid qualifications.