At Deer Hill Expeditions, our full-time and seasonal staff are the essential element in all our programs and the heart of our organization. At Basecamp, Interns keep the show running. They pack for expeditions and drive equipment to resupply sites. They help put delicious meals on the table, and prepare gear for use, gaining an introduction to the inner workings of an outdoor education company. Our field staff’s knowledge, compassion, dedication and experience are the driving force behind the inspiring wilderness and service expeditions we create for young people. Hard at work year-round, Deer Hill’s administration oversee the operations of the business and facilities, manage communications and admissions, and the hiring and training of staff. This group of dedicated interns, field staff, and administrative personnel works as a community to offer expeditions full of heart, challenge, joy and growth.
All employment is based on qualifications, experience, and needs of the business. DHE is an Equal Opportunity Employers and strongly encourages applications from candidates whose identities have been historically underrepresented in the outdoor education and recreation industry, including people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander, or people of color; people from marginalized economic backgrounds; and people living with disabilities.
Full Time Administrative Positions
Facility Manager
Deer Hill Expeditions (DHE) is seeking to hire a skilled, motivated and experienced individual for the Facility Manager position. This is a full-time position that involves the maintenance and upkeep of DHE’s 160-acre rustic property, residential buildings, facilities, and commercial vehicle fleet. Qualified applicants for this position include those who are proficient in all or some of the following skills: large vehicle maintenance and basic diagnosis/repair, basic carpentry and repair skills, indoor plumbing and septic systems, outdoor irrigation and lawn care, basic electrical knowledge, power tool use, teaching skills, working in team-based environment, and operational experience with large vehicles/trailers/plow trucks, and small engine tool knowledge/use/maintenance. DHE is a licensed child-care facility in the state of Colorado which means that the Facilities Manager will be one of the staff responsible for ensuring that DHE adheres to all federal, state, and county regulations and standards. This position seeks individuals who also show active leadership, mentoring skills, organizational abilities, initiative, patience and humor. This position is available in either a 12 or 10 month contract.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversight of our 160-acre rustic property in southwestern Colorado. This may include: basic carpentry repair, construction, refinishing, plumbing, small tool use, household appliance repair, and basic electrical knowledge. Basic repair and refinishing could include: painting, staining, replacing window screens, fixing door hinges, and many of the other little things that pop up in a residential facility like DHE. This position may also be asked to help maintain and/or improve on our existing buildings which could include tasks like refinishing, designing and building outdoor decks or features, patching leaks, and other maintenance-related tasks.
- Oversight of our large commercial vehicle fleet and trailers. This may include: basic diagnosis and repair, routine safety and maintenance tasks, instructing our seasonal Field Staff on proper vehicle use and operation, and working with local mechanics to repair more complex vehicular issues. Routine safety tasks include – jumping a vehicle, replacing wiper blades, changing tires, and checking fluids. Basic maintenance tasks include – fluid changes, brake replacements, and fuel or air filter changes.
- Ensuring our 160-acre property is well maintained and irrigated. Applicants should be comfortable operating a push and O-turn mower, weed whacker, and chainsaws. This position will require operation of a small tractor, plow truck, and small engine tools.
- Working with other members of DHE to successfully pass our state and county regulatory inspections. This includes: health, fire, and Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
- Maintaining legible and timely maintenance records for our vehicle fleet, facilities, and projects.
Additional Position Details
- This position will work closely with our Director of Operations, Operations Manager, and Executive Director. However, we will place trust in this individual to fulfill their job responsibilities in an effective and safe manner.
- This position can be a 10-month or 12-month contract depending on what the applicant is seeking.
What We Are Looking For
- Ability to think on your feet, self-driven, and self-motivated
- Ability to troubleshoot issues by utilizing existing knowledge and additional research/resources.
- Effective communicator and able to communicate when assistance is needed.
- Demonstrated ability to work on a team. Able to build an inviting atmosphere for our Field Staff, Interns, and students!
- Experience delivering effective and efficient instruction.
- Detail-oriented and organized.
- Keen eye for safety and any concerns that may affect our programs.
- Hold themselves to a high standard of excellence and professionalism.
Required Qualifications
- 21 years of age, minimum.
- Valid Driver’s License and able to pass a vehicle driving record check.
- Able to pass State and Federal background checks.
- Demonstrated ability within any of the required skills listed under ‘Key Responsibilities’.
- Ability to receive and deliver feedback.
- Professional and well-organized.
Benefits
- Annual Salary: $52,000 – $58,000.
- This can either be a 10-month or 12-month position. Salary will adjust accordingly depending on duration of the contract.
- Meals available as offered during our operational season (April through August)
- Health Insurance Reimbursement available
- 3% Simple IRA matching after 90 days of employment
- 20 days PTO per year for a 12-month contract. 15 days PTO per year for a 10-month contract
- Access to industry pro purchase plan
- Access to Deer Hill equipment and gear (mostly off-season)
Dates
Start Date: February 1, 2027
Part Time and Seasonal Positions
Field Staff
Field Staff come from a wide array of personal, professional, and recreational backgrounds. They share a dedication to delivering educational, engaging, and transformative programs within the Deer Hill experiential model. They collaborate to foster authentic connections and interpersonal growth, both in their students and within their teams. Field Staff embrace the opportunity to guide participants through challenges and adversity, helping them deepen their relationships with the wilderness, with others, and with themselves.
Deer Hill Expeditions seeks Field Staff who can bring our mission to life, turning our core values into lasting lessons for themselves and those they serve. Effective communication is essential for all DHE employees, including active listening, clear expression of boundaries and expectations, and the ability to give and receive feedback. A strong background in group facilitation and the ability to teach diverse student groups, typically ages 11–18, are highly valued. Field Staff work alongside the breathtaking landscapes of the Four Corners region, employing tools such as whitewater rafting, backpacking, canoeing, and immersive Indigenous cultural experiences to create place-based experiential learning opportunities.
DHE Field Staff are trained to assess and manage risks across a variety of wilderness environments. Through rigorous initial training and ongoing professional development, they become skilled, confident, and empowered outdoor educators, ready to lead and inspire. An instructor team typically maintains a ratio of 5:1. Field Staff are employed on a contractual basis. Positions for spring, summer, and fall are available. The majority of hiring happens between November and January, though applications are always accepted on a rolling basis.
Overview
- Deer Hill works with three distinct client demographics. One is Spring and Fall school groups who design custom multi-day adventures. These group programs often serve as a capstone experience for classes who have been together for many consecutive years. The second is summer open enrollment, where students fill spots in our predesigned, publicly available multi-week expeditions. The third is collaboration with non-profit youth development organizations, like Summer Search and Success Academy, to host groups of high school students who are seeking a leadership and life-changing experience in the outdoors.
- Most of these programs can have a mix of river-based and cross-cultural elements. Our wilderness backpacking itineraries currently take place only between the months of June and August.
Activities
- Cross-cultural Indigenous learning experiences with a service element
- Whitewater Rafting
- Flatwater Canoeing
- Mountain Backpacking
- Canyon Backpacking, Rappelling, and Canyoneering
- Day Hiking
Regions
Deer Hill Basecamp is located in Mancos, Colorado and programs run in the following areas:
- San Juan, Green, and Colorado Rivers of Utah
- San Juan Mountains, La Plata Mountains, and the Weminuche and Lizard Head Wilderness Areas of Colorado.
- Cedar Mesa and Moab, Utah
- Navajo Nation
- Hopi Nation
- Zuni Nation
Positions
- Program Leader: Responsible for the collaborative leadership, risk management, paperwork, and quality assurance of each program. This position is for individuals with strong technical skills and extensive experience leading DHE programs or comparable youth wilderness experiences. This position requires a high level of interpersonal skills as well as the ability to mentor other Field Staff. Most individuals will work a minimum of one season or 3 programs with DHE (or similar organizations) prior to working as a Program Leader. The Program Leader is charged with role modeling a shared commitment to effective communication, conflict resolution, honesty, vulnerability, empathy, patience, and responsibility.
- Instructor: Responsible for the collaborative leadership, risk management, and quality assurance of each program. This position is ideal for individuals with some experience either teaching children, guiding in the wilderness, leading trips in the outdoors, or working on conservation crew teams. Instructors provide physical and emotional care for participants, invite them into leadership and growth opportunities, and facilitate fun and connection with others and the landscapes we are in. Deer Hill instructors act as role models for effective communication, conflict resolution, honesty, vulnerability, empathy, patience, and responsibility.
Salary
New starting wages page:
- Program Leaders $145/day*
- Instructors $115/day*
Wages increase with days worked at DHE. Other professional experience assessed by the Staff Manager by the start of staff training may increase pay. Financial incentives available for those that possess a SPI certification, Swiftwater certifications, or a major or minor in Outdoor Education from a 4 year college or university.
Benefits
- Food and lodging guaranteed while on contract. Between contracts, a work trade system is in place in order to receive food and lodging as available.
- Access to pro purchase programs providing steep discounts to top outdoor brands.
- Access to high quality training led by industry professionals with relevant certifications.
- Equipment and gear borrow or rental available for qualifying individuals.
- Education grants for return Field Staff who pursue eligible professional development and certifications after their first year of employment.
- End of season bonus for staff who complete the requisite number of contract days and meet eligibility requirements.
Testimonials
“I love the small community and feel like I’ve gotten to know almost everyone that I get to see around basecamp. Deer Hill has a welcoming presence and it is apparent that everyone cares for eachother in the community.”
“ The love and care people put into their work and community is my favorite part.”
“DHE is a great place to be introduced to outdoor education. The opportunity to learn to row on the San Juan is incredible. The connections we have with host families at service makes this experience feel much richer, more meaningful and is what separates DHE from other outdoor expedition companies.”
“I would always recommend DHE to other professionals; it has a unique and highly inclusive culture that promotes engagement and development in a different way than I feel other companies might.”
“I felt seen by everyone at deer hill. I really appreciated everyone checking in on me throughout the season and making sure I was doing well. When people take the time to listen to me or check in with me it is what really makes me feel accepted and that I am valued.”
“At DHE I acquired strong teaching skills! I’ve learned about how to engage students in lessons, how to facilitate challenging conversations, and how to appropriately challenge students.”
“Since working at DHE I feel far more comfortable supporting students in rafting and camp craft. Learning to read water and row has been a tremendously enjoyable journey. I also grew in my comfort with giving and receiving feedback thanks to the routine nature of it at DHE.”
Dates
- Spring Training: Late March
- Spring Season: April – June
- Summer Training: Mid June
- Summer Season: June – mid August
- Fall Season: August – October
Field Staff may apply for spring, summer or both seasons. Each contract is for a program that ranges between 1 and 4 weeks in length. Field Staff can either work a single contract or multiple contracts, depending on Deer Hill need and Field Staff preference. Preference is given to applicants with open availability for a full season (March-August).
Required Qualifications
- 21 years of age minimum.
- Able to work legally in the United States.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Current CPR and WFR certifications, minimum.
- Able to pass criminal background check with CBI and FBI.
- Able to manage participant and program needs 24/7 for the duration of the contract.
- Successful professional experience guiding and teaching groups in wilderness settings.
The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and if you have 75% of the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply. Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translates directly to our openings. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
Desired Skills
- Experience leading wilderness expeditions for 4+ days in a row
- Experience working with youth ages 10-18
- Experience teaching or facilitating experiences
- Experience living in the backcountry for 2+ weeks
- River experience rowing oar frames
- Ability to adapt to changing conditions, logistics, and circumstances
- Dedication to personal growth and achievement
- Strong organizational abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work well with others
- Grounded, fun, hard working
- Commitment to community, service, diversity, and challenge
Outdoor Education Internship
“The 2027 Intern Application is not open yet, we are expecting to begin accepting applications in mid-November. If you are interested in this position or have questions, please email Sam Ryden at operations@deerhillexpeditions.com”
Deer Hill’s Internship Program is an essential element of the Deer Hill community, both in spirit and in hard work. Interns live onsite and support Deer Hill programs and operations by preparing equipment, packing supplies, repairing gear, maintaining facilities, and facilitating resupplies. This internship offers a unique perspective and opportunity for interaction in the community of outdoor education. Interns work alongside field staff during transitions and resupplies, they help participants get outfitted with gear from our store, they work alongside our kitchen staff preparing meals, and they work with our Facility Manager preparing vehicles for use. With hands-on training and guidance from Deer Hill administrative staff, Interns learn about the logistics and systems to facilitate multi-element wilderness expeditions and cross-cultural service projects.
Upon completion of the internship program, exceptional and motivated interns may be invited back to work with Deer Hill in an Assistant Instructor or Instructor role.
Spring Deer Hill Internship
Overview
- 4 – 5 interns live and work on site at the Deer Hill basecamp for the season.
- Responsibilities include: food packing, resupply, pack out, de-issue, driving, gear repair and maintenance, cooking, cleaning, administrative work and facility projects to upkeep Basecamp.
- Internship is logistic and operation focused.
- Opportunities to gain field experience and work alongside our Field Staff in the backcountry with students is possible, but depends on need and not guaranteed for every intern.
- Weekly schedule varies to accommodate programming needs.
Dates
- March 15 – May 30, 2027
*Dates can be flexible depending on availability. Inquire for specifics during the interview process.
Qualifications
- 20 years of age minimum.
- Able to work legally in the United States.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Ability to pass criminal background checks.
- Able to carry 50 pounds.
- Able to commit to the duration of the internship.
- Comfortable driving long distances and camping.
- Able to live and work cooperatively with others.
- Effective communication with people different from themselves.
- Willing to work long hours.
- Ability to take initiative and produce results.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Deer Hill Expeditions.
- Experience or a willingness to learn gear repair
The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and if you have 75% of the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply. Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translates directly to our openings. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
Hiring Timeline
We review applications on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear from us within 1-2 weeks of submitting your completed application. Interviews on Google Meets typically occur within the following week. Following the interview, we reach out to candidates with a final decision a maximum of 2 weeks later.
Benefits
- Lodging provided.
- Supplemental food and meals available.
- $1,584 living/travel stipend.
- Access to pro purchase programs.
- Join Field Staff River Training (~5 day river trip).
- Additional learning opportunities in Outdoor Education available.
- Potential opportunity to become an Assistant Instructor or Instructor during our Summer Season.*
- *This is not a guaranteed benefit, opportunities will be available based on need, and on your performance and professionalism during the internship. WFRs are also required to become Instructors, and while we do offer financial assistance to acquire one post-internship – we do not offer in-house WFR courses at this time.
Testimonials
“My internship at Deer Hill came with a lot of laughter, a lot of learning, and a whole lot of love. In just 10 weeks I learned so much about myself and the wonderful world of rafting! I didn’t expect to be so welcomed and cared for during my time here, but that is what the people of Deer Hill do best- care for each other. I am so thankful to have shared such a wonderful place and I hope to return as soon as I can!” – Twig, 2025 Spring Intern
“Deer Hill provided a great opportunity for me to explore the four corners region, rafting, and outdoor education in a way that benefits me professionally and personally. I had great experiences working and in time off, exploring the desert and different landscapes of the southwest. If you are looking for an opportunity to dip your toes into the world of outdoor education and rafting, both figuratively and literally, Deer Hill is a great place to go.” – Kate, 2024 Spring Intern
“My time at Deer Hill has been educational, fulfilling, and fun. Deer Hill is a great organization with wonderful admin who support each other and create a respectful work environment which I really appreciate. I am glad that I chose to support this organization as an intern and will look back on my time at DHE fondly.” – Iris, 2023 Spring Intern
Summer Deer Hill Internship
Overview
- 7 – 8 interns live and work on site at the Deer Hill basecamp for the season.
- Responsibilities include: food packing, resupply, pack out, de-issue, driving, gear repair and maintenance, cooking, cleaning, administrative work and facility projects to upkeep Basecamp.
- Internship is logistic and operation focused.
- Opportunities to gain field experience and work alongside our Field Staff in the backcountry with students is possible, but depends on need and not guaranteed for every intern.
- Weekly schedule varies to accommodate programming needs.
Dates
- May 31 – August 21, 2027.
*Dates can be flexible depending on availability. Inquire for specifics during the interview process.
Qualifications
- 20 years of age minimum.
- Able to work legally in the United States.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Ability to pass criminal background checks.
- Able to carry 50 pounds.
- Able to commit to the duration of the internship.
- Comfortable driving long distances and camping.
- Able to live and work cooperatively with others.
- Effective communication with people different from themselves.
- Willing to work long hours.
- Ability to take initiative and produce results
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Deer Hill Expeditions.
- Experience or a willingness to learn gear repair.
The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and if you have 75% of the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply. Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translates directly to our openings. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
Hiring Timeline
- We review applications on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear from us within 1-2 weeks of submitting your completed application. Interviews on Google Meets typically occur within the following week. Following the interview, we reach out to candidates with a final decision a maximum of 2 weeks later.
Benefits
- Lodging provided.
- Supplemental food and meals available.
- $1,540 living/travel stipend.
- Access to pro purchase programs.
- Join Summer Field Training (~5 day backcountry experience).
- Additional learning opportunities in Outdoor Education available.
- Potential opportunity to become an Assistant Instructor or Instructor during our Fall Season.*
- *This is not a guaranteed benefit, opportunities will be available based on need, and on your performance and professionalism during the internship. WFRs are also required to become Instructors, and while we do offer financial assistance to acquire one post-internship – we do not offer in-house WFR courses at this time.
Testimonials
“If you are looking for a place you feel at home, stop looking and choose Deer Hill. My summer at Deer Hill as an intern has changed my life in more ways than I could have anticipated. In only a summer, I made deep friendships, laughed everyday, and developed professionally in the outdoor industry. This place is full of intentional, loving people who will value you as an individual. Thanks to my time working at Deer Hill, I am more reflective, kind, and considerate as a person.” – Mary, 2024 Summer Intern
“Working with Deer Hill was a fun and transformative experience that I will be grateful for through the rest of my life. I feel like I learned how to be a human being while laughing and playing outside; an ironic combination of summer camp and a professional internship. I learned things I never expected to, and exceeded all that I thought I was previously capable of.” – Lexi, 2024 Summer Intern
“As a former Deer Hill student alumni, I came back for the internship with intentions to make connections with the staff, the students, the land, the indigenous peoples, and myself. I was able to connect with all of them very well. I left Deer Hill with cute nicknames, effective skills, more knowledge, but most importantly, with much more love.” – Sabina, 2023 Summer Intern
Kitchen Cooks
Deer Hill Expeditions (DHE) is seeking to hire a skilled, motivated and experienced individual for a Kitchen Cook position. This position is staffed for the entire Deer Hill operating season and scheduling depends on Deer Hill’s needs. Primary responsibilities include cooking planned meals and baked desserts, preparing food for the field, maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the kitchen. Deer Hill’s operating season is fast paced and includes long days. This position requires dedication, active leadership, clear communication skills, mentoring skills, initiative, patience, and humor. The ideal candidate is attentive to details and deadlines, organized, self-motivated, and adaptable.
Additional Position Details
- Supervise, manage, and mentor interns and volunteers while they are helping in the kitchen
- Do necessary prep work for meals, helping the other cooks prep for their meal if needed
- Manage refrigerated and dry food according to safety standards as well as the quantity of leftovers
- Help with meal planning based on ingredients available, ie: utilizing leftovers, using partial quantities etc.
Dates
- March 1 – September 30
- Seasonal – Part Time/Full Time
Required Qualifications
- 20 years of age minimum
- Able to work legally in the United States pass CBI and FBI background checks
- Flexibility in hours worked
- Dependable and professional, with reliable phone access
- Ability to obtain Food Handlers card
- Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience planning and cooking and baking for large groups
- Positive attitude and ability to deliver and receive feedback.
- Familiarity with outdoor experiential education.
- Demonstrated tolerance for adversity and uncertainty.
Benefits
- $20 per hour.
- Meals available during programming season.
- Access to industry pro purchase plan.
- Housing may be available.
