Whitewater Raft Guide Training

Join the Northern Outdoors Team of Registered Maine Whitewater Guides

One week of intensive training sets you up for a lifetime of loving what you do.

Northern Outdoors Raft Guide School

It’s both exhausting and exhilarating, intimidating and empowering. Each spring, Northern Outdoors trains as many as fifteen men and women seeking to join our staff of highly skilled river guides. The vast majority of these trainees go on to become successfully licensed Maine White Water Guides employed by our company. Besides being the ticket to a great career, guide training is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience toward a time honored profession and lifetime friendships! Our guests deserve and demand the very best, professional, and fun trips through Maine’s wilderness, and it is our goal to provide this.

Each year we anticipate having a few open seasonal positions as both full-time and part-time raft guides. Full time employees typically start after training and work through Labor Day weekend, many until end of October. Part-time work can consist of weekday and/or weekend employment and is very flexible during the months of May through October. There are many jobs available in other departments to round out a position as well. Our rafting season runs from May to October, although we are flexible with start/end dates.

Guide Training in barn

Who Should Apply to be a Raft Guide?

Our guides come from all walks of life. Some are recent college graduates or are finishing up their degree, others are life-long river guides. Many have found ways to make a living in the off season so that they are able to guide rafts each summer. These include teachers, ski industry employees, and other seasonal workers. Still others work in professions that have more flexible shifts, such as firefighters, nurses, and other health professionals. The most important underlying factor contributing to your success as a raft guide at Northern Outdoors is that you are passionate about the outdoors and have a desire to share that with others. In addition, safety is a number one priority at Northern Outdoors. You should always be looking out for yourself, your guests, and your co workers on and off the river. If this sounds like you, please read through the information below and complete the online application at the bottom of the page.

Whitewater Guide School

Whitewater Guide School is a 7 day training on the Kennebec River which runs in May and will cover necessary information for a Level I whitewater license from the state of Maine (required for both part-time and full-time guides). The training class will also spend 6 days, at a later date, on the Penobscot River for a Level II license (required for full-time guides and is part-time guide optional). At the end of the training program in May, you will have the knowledge to apply for a Maine State Whitewater Guide’s license ($100 app fee) and an opportunity to test for it soon after ($89 license fee, good for 3 years). Northern Outdoors provides the setting for test taking, but makes no guarantee of licensing, although most participants should pass. We also cannot guarantee employment, although most guides are offered work with Northern Outdoors.

The May 2024 Kennebec training (for a Level I license) will start at 5:30 PM on Sunday, May 19th and end the evening of Sunday, May 26th. The Penobscot training (for a Level II license) will be held end of June, exact dates TBD. Daylight hours will be spent on the river and evenings will involve review. Since we try to run the rivers as often as possible during the course of the program, all participants should expect and be prepared for very fast moving and rigorous days.

Applicants for a Maine State Whitewater Guide’s License must have a minimum certification of Basic First Aid and Adult CPR. We offer a class during the training week, however we recommend that you get your certifications prior to the guide training by attending classes at your local Red Cross or equivalent in your area.

An Ideal Candidate Should Possess:

1. Strong communication skills: capable of providing clear instructions and information.
2. Experience in customer service: patience and ability to work well with a diverse range of personalities.
3. Physical fitness: a reasonable amount of athletic ability and good health.
4. Team player: a willingness to work with other people in a team environment and to follow safety policy and company procedures.

Please note: Northern Outdoors requires all applicants for guide training to be 21+. This is not a state law, but a company policy. For those under 21 but at least 18, we recommend looking into guide training with Adventure Bound – leaders in outdoor adventure programming for youth.

What Can You Expect From Northern Outdoors

Northern Outdoors’ founders, Suzie and Wayne Hockmeyer, started the rafting industry here in Maine in 1976. We have over 20 full time guides, with a part time roster of over 30. Our team has a lot of experience- and we mean A LOT- with guide staff ranging from the guide class of 2023 to the guide class of 1988. Training with Northern Outdoors means you have some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and veteran leaders in this industry helping guide you on your way to becoming a Registered Maine Whitewater Guide. We take a great deal of pride in our professional ability and spare no expense in our effort to train you. We supply all equipment and aids; you need only bring yourself, a ‘can do’ attitude, and a desire to be part of the Green Machine!

Turbine Test guide pop

If You’re Ready for the Challenge

The fee for the Guide School is $300 ($400 if you need first aid/ cpr). The cost of the program includes the use of all necessary equipment, use of a wetsuit, all necessary books and handouts, and instruction by professional guides with years of training experience. Cabin tent housing, as well as a bag lunch is provided throughout the training program. No other meals are provided. There is a restaurant at our base and you will receive a 25% discount, or you may cook on outside fires at your cabin tent site.

If you are interested in applying for a position in the training program, please fill out the online application completely and return, along with your resume. Allow us a couple of days to receive your application, then call or email Outdoor Operations manager Zach to arrange an interview. The number of participants in the program is limited and no applicants are accepted without an interview.

Apply Now

The deadline for receiving applications for both training classes is April 15th, 2024. If accepted into the program, a $150 deposit is required within 7 days. The rest of the balance is due upon arrival. Once the program has been filled, no further applications will be accepted. Northern Outdoors reserves the right to accept or reject any applications.

Every applicant should realize that they will be pushed to the limit, and that training will be done under conditions that greatly exceed actual guiding practices. While the course is very demanding and exhausting, it is also very exciting and incredibly fun! You will remember the experience, and the people who took part in it with you, for many years to come.