Job Title: Seasonal River Guide
Compensation: Pay rate to be determined, commensurate with experience
Classification: Exempt
Location: Monticello, Utah (with regular travel to Bluff & San Juan River)
Reports To: River Program Manager
Position Type: Seasonal (February 15 through November 1)
About Bears Ears Partnership
Bears Ears Partnership (BEP) works to protect and build respect for the cultural and natural landscapes of the greater Bears Ears region. BEP has been an essential local voice for protecting the culturally rich, publicly managed lands of southeast Utah since 2010. BEP accomplishes its mission through five primary focus areas:
- Indigenous Connections: Supporting Indigenous collaborative management through technical expertise, local knowledge, visitation to cultural sites, and advocacy
- Conservation: Carrying out tangible on-the-ground projects to protect resources and improve the visitor experience in a way that blends archaeology with cultural heritage
- Stewardship: Monitoring land uses and visitor impacts to identify and mitigate threats to cultural sites, wilderness values, and natural resources
- Education: Changing visitor behavior by inspiring appreciation and teaching “Visit with Respect” principles, both at the Bears Ears Education Center and out on the landscape
- Research: Enhancing knowledge of cultural and natural resources through documentation, partnerships, fiscal sponsorship, and volunteer support of research projects
Bears Ears Partnership is committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all of our work. We strive to support Indigenous leadership in our work and achieve our mission through collaboration and partnerships.
We believe diversity makes us stronger and we encourage interested candidates who have a strong desire to apply for this position, even if a few of the qualifications or duties may be a challenge for the candidate. Our ideal candidate will be someone who is willing to expand their skills and to develop into an expert on Visit with Respect principles as we grow this program and our organization.
Position Overview
The Seasonal River Guide will assist the River Program Manager in implementing Bears Ears Partnership’s river-based education, conservation, and stewardship programs on the San Juan River. This position will play a key support role in river operations, gear maintenance, and coordination with other BEP programs that require field or guide services.
Ideal candidates are team-oriented, safety-conscious, and passionate about river ecosystems, conservation, and education.
Key Responsibilities
River Operations & Support
- Assist the River Program Manager in planning and conducting river trips for BEP’s education and conservation programs.
- Help create menus and shop for food and supplies for river trips.
- Support trip logistics, including gear preparation, food packing, vehicle shuttles, and camp setup.
- Ensure participant safety and a positive experience for all participants during all river-based programs.
- Help model and promote Visit With Respect and Leave No Trace principles.
Equipment Maintenance
- Maintain and repair river gear, boats, and related equipment at the Monticello campus.
- Conduct end-of-trip inspections and organize gear storage.
- Track and report equipment needs or damage to the River Program Manager.
Program & Field Assistance
- Support other BEP programs (e.g., Education, Conservation, Stewardship) with field logistics and guide services as needed. Assist in field data collection, site monitoring, or cleanup projects on and off the river.
- Provide photographs or short trip reports to support BEP’s communications and storytelling.
Collaboration & Representation
- Work respectfully with Tribal partners, researchers, volunteers, and other organizations on shared river initiatives.
- Represent BEP’s mission and values professionally during all field operations and interactions with the public.
Qualifications
Required:
- Experience with river guiding, outdoor education, or related fieldwork (San Juan River experience preferred).
- Ability to work long hours outdoors in variable weather conditions.
- Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification or higher (WFR preferred).
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Preferred:
- Swiftwater Rescue certification.
- Mechanical or gear-repair skills (rafts, frames, oars, dry boxes, etc.).
- Familiarity with conservation, stewardship, or visitor education principles.
- Experience working with Tribal communities or multicultural groups.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay rate to be determined, commensurate with experience.
- Field gear stipend and training opportunities.
- Opportunity for temporary employee housing during work days at or near BEP’s Monticello campus.
How To Apply
Please submit the following materials by December 5, 2025 to
- A brief cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience.
- A current résumé or CV.
- Contact information for three professional or character references.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Bears Ears Partnership follows all state and federal laws, as well as organizational policies, that safeguard against discrimination on the basis of age, gender, gender identity, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy status, and genetic information.