Employment

Employment opportunities are numerous at Sierra South. Most positions are seasonal, including river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service managers, retail sales associates, bus drivers, and photographers.

We are looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, team players, love the outdoors, and above all else, are willing to provide exceptional guest services.

In a typical year, hiring begins at the start of January and through April. For experienced river guides or kayak instructors, please provide a resume and include a photocopy of certifications (WFR, WFS, Swiftwater Rescue, ACA, etc.) Bus drivers must have a CDL Class B with a passenger endorsement.

Apply Today For 2025 Positions!

Raft Guides – Seasonal

Become a Sierra South whitewater raft guide and guide guests on the Upper, Lower, and possibly the Fork of the Kern. We offer a variety of trips, from beginning whitewater on the Lickety Split to heart-thumping Class V like the Thunder Run. The season could begin as early as March and run through September.

When selecting our guiding staff either experienced or new, we’re looking for individuals who have a strong work ethic, a passion for providing safe high-quality trips, are able to contribute to a high-functioning team, are quick thinkers, and most of all love the river and the outdoors.

Retail Store and Online Sales Staff – Seasonal

We are looking for staff members who enjoy making sales and working with people. Primary duties include helping customers make decisions on which trips to book, and what river gear to purchase, assisting guests before and after trips, and sharing overall knowledge of the river and the Southern Sierra with others.

Kayak Instructors & Safety Kayakers – Seasonal

Applicants must have the ability to impart relevant knowledge and facilitate students’ learning. Additionally, you must have your own gear, be a solid class IV+ boater with a bomb-proof roll in all conditions, be certified in first-aid and CPR, and have a valid driver’s license.

Duties include kayaking instruction, selection of appropriate gear for students, selection of appropriate locations and progressions for students, coordination of shuttle logistics, and operating vehicles with trailers. Safety kayakers must have a strong understanding of downstream containment, be attentive at all times during a raft trip, be a contributing team member by helping load rafts, getting customers outfitted in gear, lunch set up, and post trip duties.

Bus/Van Drivers – Seasonal

An important role here at Sierra South is driving our guests and guides to and from their river trips safely and doing daily inspections of our vehicles. Drivers must have a class B CDL with a passenger endorsement. Additional non-driving duties include helping guides and guests load and unload, putting equipment away, keeping a watchful eye on company equipment and any of the guests’ belongings, and attending guide debriefings when necessary.

Reservation & Office Staff – Seasonal

This position is a seasonal part-time job starting mid-March and ending after the season, which may last into September. The reservation department is fast-paced and requires good multitasking skills. Responsibilities include answering guests’ inquiries and booking reservations, as well as promoting and selling trips and classes.

Photographer/Photo Lab & Processing – Seasonal

Join our team of skilled photographers in taking digital photos of our guests and providing them with images to cherish for years to come. Photographers will be stationed at specific points along the river capturing guests as they come through rapids.

Food Service Manager – Seasonal

This position is part-time and includes duties such as ordering, stocking, prepping, and packing food for our trips. Being very organized and communicating with managers and reservations is a crucial skill needed to perform the food service duty.