The apprenticeship encompasses a full-year cycle at Deer Hill, including preparing for summer expeditions, supporting Basecamp operations, assisting our spring/fall custom expeditions, performing end-of-year inventory and repairs, and planning and promoting the following year's expeditions. There is also an opportunity to work in the field as an Assistant Instructor during the summer (based on prior experience). It is an opportunity to gain real experience in all aspects of running an expeditionary travel program.

• Concern for the natural world and young people



• High energy, positive attitude, willingness to work long hours



• Flexible and adaptable to the changing demands of a wilderness expedition company



• Willingness to be responsible for specific projects and follow-through on their completion



• Eagerness to learn many new skills from cooking breakfasts to repairing tent zippers, to entering information into a database, to changing the oil in a vehicle



• Ability to live in close quarters and get along with other people



• Computer literate--word processing, Filemaker Pro, spreadsheets, database management, Powerpoint



• Graphics experience is a plus -- Photoshop, Illustrator, Pagemaker, web design/site maintenance



• Good communication and phone skills

• Gear repair experience (raft/backpack/tent/zipper/etc.)



• Previous experience leading young people in the wilderness



• Current CPR + WFR / EMT / WEMT certification or equivalent



• Competency and experience leading and teaching an assortment of the following activities: rafting, canoeing, kayaking, inflatable kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, mountaineering, canyoneering and service projects

Deer Hill is located just outside of Mancos, CO, a small community nestled between the canyon lands of the Southwest and the towering Rockies of Colorado, one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world. Within no more than a few hours drive, there is world class skiing to experience (less that 1.5 hours to Telluride and Durango Mountain Ski Resort), remote canyons to hike, rivers to raft, kayak, or canoe, mountains to summit, and unparalleled archeological sites to explore.


Our 128-acre Basecamp is the logistics center and home to our offices, outfitting store, several participant and staff cabins, a pond for swimming, a family of deer who call Deer Hill home, and endless natural beauty and opportunities for excursions. Outside your door, you can easily hop on your mountain bike and go for a ride, hike and explore towering Flint Rock, go for a swim on a nice warm day, or go running on the backroads of southwestern Colorado.


Non-summer: We maintain a fairly regular schedule, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, though longer hours are occasionally necessary when there is a group in Basecamp.


Summer: Days are long and action packed; up to six days per week


During your stay at Deer Hill you will be provided with a bunk in a room or cabin for sleeping. During the summer, you will share a bunkhouse with up to 5 other interns. Outside of the summer season, Deer Hill is a quiet place and individual accommodations may be available, though you will likely be sharing a space with another intern.


A fully equipped kitchen is available for cooking and eating. If you are working for Deer Hill as support in the field, or during the summer, meals are provided for you. There are laundry machines on the premises which interns are welcome to use.

• Starting stipend of $100/week, which will increase incrementally depending upon length of contract and performance



• Lodging for the length of employment at Deer Hill



• Access to discounts on rentals and purchase from the Deer Hill Outfitting Store



• Access to pro-deals through the Deer Hill pro-purchase program.