JOIN OUR TEAM
A trauma-informed, well-trained guide team is the backbone of LEAP’s work. Their ability to hold safety, trust, and care at the same time is what allows transformation to happen on the river.
We strive for our guide team to strike the essential balance between technical river and wilderness skills, leadership, risk management and problem solving, and human empathy, sensitivity, curiosity, and engagement.
GUIDE WITH LEAP
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Location: Maupin, OR and Riggins, ID
Program Sites: Lower Salmon River, Idaho; Lower Deschutes River, Oregon
Employment Type: Seasonal (May-August)
Reports to: Program Director
About the Role
LEAP is seeking River Guides to support programs on the Lower Salmon River (ID) and the Lower Deschutes River (OR). LEAP programs are immersive, multi-day programs that use whitewater, inflatable-kayaks, and time in nature to create life-expanding opportunities for participants.Guides are expected to row rafts, guide groups in inflatable kayaks, navigate class II-IV whitewater, rig boats, pack food, set up camp, and learn all aspects of our operation. Guides work collaboratively with fellow guides, the program director, and program partners to ensure programs run smoothly and align with LEAP’s mission and values.Beyond the expectations of a traditional guiding role, LEAP guides also work to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, using trauma-informed approaches and strong risk-management skills. Guides are responsible for participant safety, supporting group facilitation, and contributing to the overall quality of each program.
Key Responsibilities
Create safe, inclusive, mission-driven outdoor experiences.
Safely guide participants through Class II-IV whitewater with rafts and inflatable kayaks.
Set up and break down camp, rig boats, and prepare group meals.
Operate an outboard motor.
Guide with a trauma-informed, participant-centered approach.
Prioritize physical and emotional safety at all times.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with fellow guides and partners.
Practice Leave No Trace and environmental stewardship.
Share place-based natural and cultural knowledge.
Represent LEAP professionally and follow all policies.
Minimum Qualifications
18+ years old (21+ preferred).
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work a physical job for up to 3 months with minimal time off.
Interest in working with youth and people from diverse backgrounds.
Familiarity with multi-day outdoor experiences.
Able to lift 50 lbs and perform physically demanding work.
Able to follow a zero-substance-use policy while working.
Available for pre-season training in Idaho and Oregon.
Current WFR/WFA & CPR certifications (or ability to obtain).
Guides with strong experience and leadership skills may be considered for a Head Guide role.
Each summer, LEAP delivers multi-day whitewater kayaking programs on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho and the Lower Deschutes River in Oregon. Programs serve youth and adults who are engaged in ongoing services through our nonprofit partners. Working through these trusted community organizations allows LEAP to support participants within existing networks of care and connection.
LEAP hires and cultivates a skilled, trauma-informed guide team of 6–8 professionals each season to facilitate these programs. Each week, 10–25 participants join 1–4 specialized staff from partner organizations on the river. Together, guides and partner staff create a supportive, intentional environment both on the water and in camp.
LEAP guides lead and teach whitewater skills while also supporting participants through moments of challenge, growth, and reflection. For many participants, coming to the river means stepping far outside their comfort zone, physically, socially, and emotionally. Our guide team holds the responsibility and privilege of caring for these experiences with skill, presence, and respect, ensuring safety, trust, and meaningful connection throughout each program.
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Location: Maupin, OR and Riggins, ID
Program Sites: Lower Salmon River, Idaho; Lower Deschutes River, Oregon
Employment Type: Seasonal (May-August)
Reports to: Program Director
About the Role
LEAP is seeking a Group Facilitator to support immersive, multi-day wilderness programs on the Lower Salmon River (ID) and the Lower Deschutes River (OR).
The Group Facilitator leads the relational and therapeutic aspects of each program, including games, activities, and meaningful discussions that deepen participants’ experiences. The facilitator creates a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment by leading a structured and intentional circle process that supports group cohesion, reflection, and integration. The facilitator works to help participants translate their experience on the river into lasting personal and relational growth.
This position is well suited for graduate students seeking internship or field experience in outdoor education, experiential learning, wilderness therapy, or related fields, as well as individuals with experience in group facilitation, youth work, or community-based programs. Prior river experience or wilderness medicine training is welcomed but not required. Applicants with prior river experience may have opportunities to support on-river logistics in collaboration with guide staff.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary point person for participant needs and overall group care.
Develop and adapt facilitation plans tailored to each program's goals and needs.
Support healthy group formation and address conflicts with support of partner staff.
Lead multi-day trauma-informed circle process that supports group cohesion, reflection, and integration.
Support participant wellness and needs throughout the day as needed.
Guide games, activities, and experiences that meet the group’s needs throughout the program.
Work closely, meet, and collaborate with program staff before evening and morning circle to determine group needs.
Assist with camp tasks as needed, including kitchen help and setting up tarps or tents.
Enjoy the river and learn alongside participants!
Minimum Qualifications
21+ years old.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work a physical job for a 3-month period with minimal time off.
Understanding of trauma-informed care.
Experience working with youth and people from diverse backgrounds.
Enthusiasm to lead fun, playful, and reflective group activities.
Experience facilitating dynamic group conversations.
Familiarity with multi-day outdoor experiences.
Able to follow a zero-substance-use policy while working.
Available for pre-season training in Idaho and Oregon.
FACILITATE WITH LEAP
Each LEAP program includes a Group Facilitator who supports the relational side of the experience. Working alongside the guide team, facilitators help shape a life-expanding journey that complements time on the river, creating space for connection, reflection, and meaning that extends well beyond the rapids.
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Supported by the Cameron Sauvain Scholarship Fund
Location: Maupin, OR or Riggins, ID
Program Sites: Lower Salmon River, Idaho, or Lower Deschutes River, Oregon
Employment Type: Seasonal Internship (Summer)
Duration: 2 to 3 weeks, with the ability to commit to one scout trip
Reports to: Program Director
About the Role
The Guide Internship is a hands-on, immersive opportunity for individuals committed to outdoor leadership and guiding. This role serves as the next step after a Guide-in-Training experience or as a stand-alone position for those seeking deeper mentorship and professional field experience.
Interns work alongside the LEAP guide team on programs based on the Lower Salmon River (ID) and Lower Deschutes River (OR), gaining practical experience in river guiding, logistics, and operations while supporting multi-day, mission-driven programs. Interns are paid per trip.Prior LEAP participation is recommended but not required.Interns who exhibit professionalism, competence, and a strong rapport with the guide team may be invited to continue on the path toward becoming a LEAP Guide.
Key Responsibilities
Participate fully in training and mentorship opportunities with the LEAP guide team.
Assist with guiding duties, including rigging boats, packing food, setting up and breaking down camp.
Learn and practice professional guiding skills in a supportive, real-world setting.
Contribute to off-river operations between programs.
Uphold LEAP’s standards for safety, professionalism, and participant care.
Observe and learn trauma-informed, participant-centered approaches to guiding.
Contribute positively to team dynamics through communication, reliability, and collaboration.
Learn and practice Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship.
Minimum Qualifications
18+ years old by the start of the internship.
Strong interest in outdoor leadership, river guiding, or experiential learning.
Desire to learn, ask questions, and receive feedback.
Willingness to take directions and follow instructions.
Ability to work a physically demanding outdoor job in remote settings for 3 weeks.
Commitment to maintaining a growth-oriented learning mindset.
Ability to work closely as part of a team.
BECOME A GUIDE INTERN WITH LEAP
Commitment to Equity & Inclusion
At LEAP, we honor the strength and resilience of every individual. Our participants come from all walks of life, navigating diverse challenges and experiences. We believe in the dignity of every person and welcome their stories of healing in all forms.
LEAP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. Your perspective and passion may be exactly what we need.