Whitewater Raft Guides Needed! Apply now to join one of our Free Raft Guide Schools today.

Guide School Dates for 2026

May 4th-8th FULL

May 11th - 15th FULL

June 1st - 5th FULL

June 8th - 13th LIMITED

When you apply, we highly recommend sending as much info about yourself, as recommended. We only have a few spots and are only choosing the top applicants. If your application and information looks promising, we will reach out to you ASAP. Thank you for considering SMO and best of luck!

Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) has a long-standing record of training great raft guides. Over the past 30 years, we have trained hundreds of guides, many of whom have continued to guide on other rivers both nationally and internationally.

Our Raft Guide Training is FREE. The cost of the required gear is optional. 

As someone who is interested in becoming a whitewater raft guide you may have noticed that some companies offer varieties of programs, but occasionally at a high cost. Our Raft Guide School is designed to be affordable, with a full-time guide positioned offered to those who excel and pass the course. We only invite you if we are confident that you will pass the course. 

If you are interested in attending one of our guide schools, please fill out an application.

https://www.smokymountainrafting.com/employment/ 

When filling out the application most applicants choose to include a few photos of themselves to show their personalities; this is a great way to put a face with a name. Eligible applicants will be contacted with an interview phone call.  Please read through the information that is sent to you before you are contacted for an interview. 

*Limited spots. Only eligible applicants will be contacted

SMO has a diverse, fun-loving staff of 80 rafts guides and growing. Most guides are in their early twenties, others bring years of river experience to the staff. SMO guides are a tight-knit group, who not only live and work together but spend their time off together as well.

Our guides return every year, not only for the work they enjoy but for the friends they have made. We have a full-time staff of 80 guides, and there is never a shortage of things to do, or friends to hang out with. We are confident you will make many new friends, and shared an amazing summer together. 

Our ideal candidate is a healthy and active person who is eager to learn new skills while challenging themselves. During our Guide School, we look for candidates who show a great understanding of teamwork, self-motivation, respect, and responsibility. Yes, river guiding can be a physically demanding job. But is also extremely FUN and very rewarding. Being a raft guide is a job that you will truly enjoy.  

We offer the best guide housing on the river. We encourage everyone to visit and decide for themed. We provide on-site, riverside housing, to all guides. 

Guides are paired and share a riverside bunkhouse for the season. Typically two guides per room. We encouraged our guides to decorated their living areas to making them more comfortable. The rooms are unfurnished and only contain a bunkbed platform (twin bed) and shelving. The mattress and bedding is not provided so bring what is suitable for your comfort level. All rooms have electricity and air conditioning.

WI-FI is available at the outpost, just a short walk from guide housing. Camping is free and all share amenities are included.

Separate shower and bathroom facilities are provided for men and women. A communal guide kitchen is provided for all guides but please bring your own cookware and utensils. 

We also have a swimming pool on property for all guides. 

SMO offers tons of FREE employee exchange programs with tourism companies in the area including Mountain Biking, Zip-Lining, Amusement and Water Parks, plus many more. SMO also organizes several staff outings during the summer.

We host weekly staff dinner at the outpost. It's always a big event and the highlight of everyone's week. A few guides every week volunteer to cook whatever they want. They also pick a theme for the party and dress up. 

Most of our employees arrive in their own vehicles. However, if you are planning on flying in from abroad or another state, Tyson McGhee Airport in Knoxville, TN will be the closest airport. Airport pick-ups can be arranged for a small fee. 

Once at the outpost, vehicles are not necessary. Walking from housing to work takes a minute. Bicycles are recommended for getting around the outpost. The closest supermarket or restaurant are 15 minutes away. Employees usually carpool for these, so having a car is not necessary. 

As mentioned SMO has tons of FREE employee exchange programs with tourism companies in the area including Mountain Biking, Zip-Lining, Amusement and Water Parks.

The Smoky Mountain National Park is only minutes away with 850 miles of hiking trails. If you have a kayak, canoe, raft or just a fishing pole, we are located directly the Pigeon River. Guides create their own weekly group outings, always strengthening the team dynamics that we are so proud to have. With 80 guides and three days off every week, there is never a lack of things to do!