We are accepting Summer 2025 applications starting January 9th. We would love to hear from you!
Our hiring process begins with a 15 minute phone screen. Give us a call at (719)395-2158 from 9 am-4:30 pm MST to start your application. If you are not able to get through on day one, please call back anytime before January 17th. Email hiring@noahsark.com with questions.
Summer 2025 Staff Positions:
GUIDE STAFF:
Starting May 15th, you will be trained to raft through class III/IV whitewater in Browns Canyon National Monument, backpack through the Collegiate Peak Wilderness on 3-6 day backpacking trips, lead climbs on some of Colorado’s outdoor crags, and guide groups through the Browns Canyon Adventure Park.
A 2 summer commitment is required for guide staff.
OFFICE STAFF / RESERVATIONS: Responsible for answering phones, welcoming customers, selling merchandise in our retail store, and helping guests with the trip check-in process.
KITCHEN STAFF: Packs, preps, cooks, and bakes all meals served in the field and in the Noah’s Ark Riverside pavilion.
LAND CREW: In charge of property maintenance, landscaping, and campground cleanliness. Occasionally helps with minor construction projects.
BUS DRIVERS: Shuttles guests to and from rafting put-ins, take-outs, climb sites, and backcountry trailheads (21 y/o+). If you are interested in applying for a bus driver position, please send an email to operations@noahsark.com!
What qualities are we looking for in our staff?
- Strong leadership abilities.
- Great character, judgment, and integrity.
- Teachability. The desire to learn new job skills quickly, humbly and enthusiastically.
- A growth mindset.
- Passion about outdoor recreation.
- Desire to make a difference.
- Interest in serving and conversing with all types of people.
- Love of hard work!
For more information, please visit our Employment FAQ below.
Why work at Noah's
Our staff are the heart and soul of Noah’s Ark. Whether guiding or working behind the scenes, our employees strive to serve our guests with passion and excellence. We believe our employees are the best in the industry.
Attracted by our extensive training program, commitment to our guests, and investment in fostering a thriving community, our employees come to us from all across the country. Because of the culture we have worked hard to create and carry on, our seasonal staff positions are highly competitive; on average, we hire 25% of applicants each summer.
Working for Noah’s is full of action, challenge, support, and reward. Our summer season is jam-packed with hard work, purpose, adventure, and fun. As an organization, we invest a lot into the personal, professional, and communal growth of our employees. Our desire is that our staff grow here and discover life long friends and skills to help them flourish in the future. We love our staff!
How old must I be to work at Noah’s?
To be eligible for a guide position, you must be at least 18 years old and be one year removed from graduating high school. To be eligible for one of our foundational staff positions (kitchen, office, land), you must be at least 18 years, or 16 and live in Buena Vista locally.
What type of time commitment is required?
Our season generally runs from May 15th – August 31st. Preference is given to applicants who are able to commit to the entire season. We invest a significant amount of time and energy into training our guide staff. Because of this and the need to maintain a strong leadership base, we require all of our guides to make a two-summer commitment when they are hired. We only require a one-summer commitment for all foundational staff positions.
Are housing and meals provided?
Housing and food (5 dinners/ week) are provided at a reasonable cost. While this arrangement is not required for our staff, the majority of our staff find it to be a great benefit and a rich addition to their overall summer experience.
Is previous experience required for guiding positions?
Previous rafting experience is not required. Regardless of an applicant’s experience level, we require all of our guides to go through our Guide School, which offers all of the necessary training in all areas. Our guide positions are physically demanding and an athletic background certainly helps.
How long is guide training?
Guide School for first-year guides varies from 4-6 weeks, depending on how fast a trainee picks it up. Second year guides undergo 2 ½ weeks of further guide training.
Will I have to pay for guide training?
Noah’s Ark does charge a fee for our Guide School. This helps to cover administrative and logistical costs involved with training. Guides are also responsible for the registration fees associated with their CPR and Wilderness Advanced First Aid course costs.
Is guide training part of the application process?
At the end of the application process in late February, our guides will be offered a spot in our Guide School. Official offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of training.
What does the office job involve?
Our office staff acts as the mouthpiece of Noah’s Ark. Qualifications include a love for working with people, great phone and organizational skills, and an ability to multitask.
What does the kitchen job involve?
“Food is the most primitive form of comfort.” Our kitchen staff provide this comfort every day by cooking for our guests and staff as well as packing food for our all-day, overnight, and multi-day trips.
What does the land crew job involve?
Our land crew staff members are the ultimate behind-the-scenes servants here at Noah’s. From stocking the campground sites with firewood to mowing the grass, they help to keep our property clean and our programs running smoothly. We also hire one person on land crew to manage the equipment shed. This person is responsible for packing equipment for all backpacking and rock climbing trips and for equipment repair and upkeep.
Do you have any year-round positions available?
While we are not currently hiring for year-round positions, we welcome resumes at any time. We will keep these on file in the event that a full-time position opens up.
When are final hiring decisions made?
Final decisions are typically made by late February / early March.
I have to do an internship for school. Are there any Noah's internships available?
We have a few internship positions available on a case-by-case basis. Our guide positions can serve as an internship. We have other positions in areas such as videography, database programming, and administration. If you are interested in an internship, you can send an email to hiring@noahsark.com!