Employment at High Country Expeditions

Looking for more than just a summer job? High Country Expeditions is building a strong crew of guides, drivers, camp staff, and support team members who care about doing things the right way. We are a founder-led rafting company with deep roots in Oregon and Northern California. We take pride in running high-quality trips with strong training, solid gear, and a team-first culture.

We are looking for people who work hard, show up well, stay humble, and genuinely enjoy being outside with guests and coworkers. If you want to grow your river skills, work with a professional crew, and be part of a company that is still hands-on after more than 26 years, we would love to hear from you.

Why Work With HCE

We are not trying to be the biggest outfitter. We are focused on building a better one. That means better training, better trip quality, better teamwork, and a better overall experience for both guests and staff.

  • Founder-led and hands-on. We are deeply involved in the day-to-day operation.
  • Strong culture. We value professionalism, positivity, humility, and reliability.
  • Competitive pay structure with room to grow based on skill, leadership, and certifications.
  • High-quality trips. We care about safety, food, equipment, guest experience, and clean camp systems.
  • Real training and mentorship. We want people who want to improve, not just fill a spot.
  • Variety of rivers and trip styles, from family-friendly day trips to challenging multi-day expeditions.

Compensation overview

We believe good people should be paid well and treated with respect. High Country Expeditions offers competitive guide pay with room for advancement based on experience, certifications, trip responsibility, and leadership. Rates vary by trip type, section, and role, but our compensation is designed to reward professionalism, growth, and strong performance throughout the season.

River Guides

  • Half-Day Trips: $95–$135 per trip (often two per day)
  • Full-Day Trips: $155–$215 per day
  • Multi-Day Trips: $180–$250 per day
  • +$5-$10/per trip/per day for multi-day for Swiftwater / WRT certification
  • +$5/per trip/ per day for multi-day for WFR+ certification
  • Leadership Pay: Trip leaders receive additional compensation based on trip type, responsibility level, typically ranging from +$10 to +$20 per trip/day.

Support-staff

  • $18 – $25 / hour. General support at the shop, overnights, kitchen & trip prep.

 Shop, Office & Shuttle Support

  • $18 – $25 / hour. Includes driving, shopping, and approved non-boating jobs.

We hire for a range of seasonal positions depending on trip volume, river section, and time of year. Some roles are guest-facing on the river. Others are essential support positions that keep trips running smoothly behind the scenes. Review the positions below and apply for the role that best fits your experience and interest.

Position: River Guide (Entry-Level / Returning / Experienced)

Location: McKenzie Bridge & Sisters Oregon (High Country Expeditions Outposts)

Type: Seasonal | Part-time to Full-time | Weekdays + Weekends (varies)

Overview
High Country Expeditions (HCE) is hiring River Guides for the 2026 season. We run a mix of half-day, full-day, and multi-day river trips beginning in April and operating through September. We pride ourselves on professionalism, safety, hospitality, and inclusive teamwork within a positive, high- energy, safety-first work environment defined by respect, professionalism, and zero-drama teamwork, with clear boundaries and strong leadership. This role is ideal for both first-year guides
and experienced professionals who want to be part of a fun, experienced, high-standard crew.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide safe, guest-focused guiding on applicable rivers/trips based on skill level.
  • Deliver excellent customer service: welcoming guests, orientation, on-river interpretation, and trip wrap-up.
  • Present a high level of confidence and skillset within guiding environment
  • Know the rivers you guide on. The water, rapids, history, flora, fauna and allow your personality to shine through.
  • Maintain strong safety standards and follow HCE protocols.
  • Help with trip logistics: loading/unloading gear, rigging, de-rigging, cleaning, packing, and basic maintenance.
  • Guide and/or support multi-day operations as needed (camp setup, kitchen support, meal assistance, gear organization).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior commercial guiding or boating experience (not required for entry-level).
  • Relevant certifications (any level): CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), WEMT/EMT, Swiftwater Rescue (basic/advanced), etc.
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and calm decision-making.
  • Ability to lift/carry gear and work outdoors in variable weather.
  • Bonus skills: cooking/kitchen support, logistics, driving/trailering, interpretive knowledge (history/geology/ecology).

Entry-Level Option – Guide School / Training Track*
If you are a first-year guide, you may be eligible for our Guide School / Training Track. If you complete the program and work a full season with HCE, we reimburse 50% of the course cost. This helps cover training, travel, and food costs on our end. (Scholarships & payment plans available)

Housing
Our primary outpost is based in McKenzie Bridge, OR. Limited on-site staff housing/glamping/camping may be available: a staff-only tent and vehicle camp area with Wi-Fi, showers, an outdoor covered kitchen space, refrigeration…

Apply Now

Position: Shop / Office Support (Outpost & Guest Services)

Location: McKenzie Bridge, Oregon (HCE Outpost)

Type: Seasonal | Part-time to Full-time | Weekdays + Weekends (varies)

Overview
HCE is hiring a Shop/Office Support team member for 2026. This role is the backbone of day-to-day operations: guest service, trip prep, lunch prep, cleaning/organization, reservations support, and helping keep the shop, property, vehicles, and equipment running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

  • Guest services: Communicate with guests, answer questions, provide clear directions and general info.
  • Phone and email support: inquiries, basic booking help, customer service follow-up.
  • Trip prep and breakdown: pack/unpack gear, keep boats/rafts clean, manage equipment readiness.
  • Food/lunch prep (especially for full-day trips and multi-day trips) and basic kitchen support. (A current Oregon Food Handlers card is required)
  • Assist with logistics: driving vehicles/shuttles as needed, meeting guests at locations.
  • Support multi-day trip preparation: shopping runs, packing systems, tracking supply needs.
  • Maintain shop/property cleanliness and organized workflow.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong customer service and communication.
  • Reliable, organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
  • Comfortable with a busy seasonal pace and changing daily needs.
  • Personable and must be able to work with others in a high pace ever changing dynamic environment
  • Bonus: prior river/outdoor experience, food prep experience, logistics, inventory/cost tracking.
Apply Now

Position: Shuttle Driver / Photographer / Trip Support Staff

Location: McKenzie Bridge, Oregon (HCE Outpost) including regional meet points

Type: Seasonal | Part-time to Full-time | Weekdays & Weekends (varies)

Overview

High Country Expeditions (HCE) is hiring a versatile Shuttle Driver / Photographer / Trip Support team member for the 2026 season. This role supports the guest experience from start to finish by handling shuttle logistics, capturing quality photos when assigned, and assisting with day-to-day outpost operations. The position can include long drive days to Eastern and Southern Oregon, requires strong remote logistics, time management, and customer service skills, along with the ability
to work closely with guides and adapt to changing trip needs. In past seasons, this role has been an excellent fit for current or former school bus drivers and other experienced professional drivers.

Availability Expectations for Shuttle support

This role works best for someone who can commit to weekends and be consistently available for McKenzie River operations, including early starts and busy turnaround times. The position may also include longer shuttle days and trip support for our Southern Oregon and Northern California operations, including the Klamath, Upper Klamath, and California Salmon trips. Reliability, flexibility, and comfort with longer drive days are key.

Key Responsibilities

  • Shuttle driving & logistics: transport guests/staff as needed, assist with meeting guests at locations, and support trip timing and coordination
  • Guest-facing support: greet guests, provide clear directions and trip-day information, and assist during busy launch/return windows
  • Photography support (when assigned): capture quality action, group photos including candite daily images of “A Day in the life”…
  • Outpost support: assist with packing/unpacking gear, maintaining a clean and professional staging area, and keeping vehicles/boats/rafts clean
  • Trip support (as needed): help with shopping runs, multi-day packing systems, and basic kitchen/lunch support when requested

Preferred Qualifications

  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Comfortable driving company vehicles (vans/trucks); trailering experience is a bonus
  • Strong communication, professionalism, and reliability
  • Comfortable handling a digital HCE provided Camera, guest-friendly images
  • Organized, self-motivated, and able to work calmly during busy day
Apply Now

Position: Assistant Operations Manager (Seasonal Leadership Role)

Location: Primarily McKenzie Bridge along remote river locations.

Type: Seasonal | 4-6 days/week (based on qualifications and season demands)

Overview
HCE is hiring an assistant Operations Manager for the 2026 season. This leadership role is responsible for keeping the entire operation cohesive: staffing, logistics, guest communication, and smooth execution of trips. River guiding may be part of the role if qualified, but the priority is strong organizational, positive approach and overall operational leadership along with a solid understanding of the river guide Outfitting industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with managing daily operations: staff coordination, trip assignments, outpost readiness, and problem-solving.
  • Support owner/operations manager with staffing, training, scheduling, and team culture.
  • Oversee equipment readiness, vehicle/raft upkeep.
  • Guest communications: phones, email, reservations support, trip changes, conflict resolution.
  • Safety culture (adherence to protocols).
  • Maintain a compliance mindset (Forest Service/BLM awareness is a plus; training provided as needed).
  • Keep focus on quality, integrity, guest experience, and cost-conscious decision making.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Outdoor leadership and a solid understanding of the industry; operations/management experience preferred but not required with comparable outfitting / guiding experience. (Candidates with comparable experience in the outfitting industry are encouraged to apply.)
  • Calm under pressure, a positive approach to all tasks, organized, and able to lead a diverse team.
  • Strong communication, staff management, and guest service instincts.
  • Bonus: river guiding experience, multi-day logistics, kitchen systems, permit/compliance familiarity.

Compensation
Compensation depends on experience, availability, and role scope. We will discuss during interviews.

Housing
Limited staff *housing/camping may be available. *Brick and mortar housing is an option for the right candidate.

Housing / Staff Camping

Limited seasonal staff housing or camping may be available for select team members depending on role, fit, and availability. Shared staff amenities may include Wi-Fi, showers, kitchen space, refrigeration, and secure gear storage.

Work With High Country Expeditions

Apply Now

What we look for

At HCE, skill matters, but attitude matters too. We are looking for people who are dependable, coachable, safety-minded, and able to contribute to a positive team environment. Experience helps, but professionalism, work ethic, communication, and willingness to learn are just as important.

    • Good judgment and strong situational awareness
    • Professional guest interaction
    • Ability to work long days outside in changing weather
    • Team-first attitude
    • Punctuality and follow-through
    • Comfort receiving feedback and continuing to improve

How to apply

To apply, fill out the online application and send your resume (if applicable) and a short note introducing yourself, your relevant experience, and the role you are interested in. If you have certifications such as First Aid, CPR, WFR, Swiftwater Rescue, or CDL experience, include those as well. We review applications carefully and reach out to strong candidates for next steps.

  • Competitive pay based on role, experience, certifications, and trip type
  • Tips on applicable guest-facing roles
  • Limited staff housing/camping options for qualified team members
  • Guide School reimbursement for eligible first-year guides who complete the season
  • Opportunities for training, advancement, and increased responsibility throughout the season
  • Access to select staff discounts, pro-deals, or gear-use opportunities as available
  • The chance to work across day trips, multi-day trips, logistics, support, and leadership roles depending on qualifications

We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming season

FAQ

Do I need previous rafting experience?Not always. Some roles require prior experience, while others are a fit for motivated applicants who are trainable, dependable, and excited to learn.
Do you provide training?Yes. We invest in training and mentorship, and we value candidates who want to keep improving.
Are these seasonal positions?Most roles are seasonal, with timing depending on water, permits, and trip demand.
Do certifications help?Yes. CPR, First Aid, WFR, Swiftwater Rescue, CDL, and similar qualifications are valuable.
Can I apply for more than one role?Yes. If you are open to multiple roles, mention that in your application.

 

If you are looking for meaningful seasonal work, strong team culture, and the chance to build real experience on the river, we would love to hear from you. Join High Country Expeditions and help us create safe, memorable trips on some of the best rivers in the West.

 

Join our team!
Apply Now