Deer Hill Expeditions seeks experienced, motivated, and caring outdoor educators to lead wilderness expeditions and service projects in the American Southwest and Costa Rica. Deer Hill's philosophy is to enhance an individual's appreciation of the natural world, teach minimum impact wilderness-living skills, promote stewardship of the Earth, and foster a tradition of service to native lands and peoples. We provide a challenging atmosphere in which adolescents can grow as individuals and be integral members of a small community.

• Ensuring the safety and well being of participants.



• Fostering participants' growth as individuals.



• Leading and teaching groups of 10 to 20 participants in a wilderness setting.



• Dispensing knowledge of backcountry travel, preparation of gear and food logistics, gear repair, guiding expeditionary rafting trips, sharing knowledge of eco-systems and natural history, facilitating initiatives and activities for a group, managing a top rope site or guiding a difficult discussion of the group's dynamics, are just a few of the responsibilities of a Deer Hill Leader.

• Previous experience leading groups in the wilderness.



• Professional behavior in every aspect of leading.



• Ability to effectively communicate with students, peers and administration.



• Open to receiving and giving feedback in a constructive and professional manor.



• Experience leading and teaching the following activities: expedition style rafting & canoeing, inflatable kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, mountaineering, canyoneering and service projects.



• Must be 21 yrs. of age.



• Must have a valid drivers license and possess a clean driving record.



• Must possess a current CPR + WFR certification.



• Concern for young people and the natural world.

• Opportunity to impact youth in a challenging and positive environment.



• Chance to work for a small & supportive organization.



• Opportunity to lead in a diverse selection of courses in the Four Corners region.



• Chance to participate in meaningful Native American & Conservation Service projects.



• Growth in leadership skills, as we do not contract out for program elements.



• Opportunity to grow as a leader.



• Potential to attain river guiding certificates.



• Potential for professional development scholarships.



• Access to numerous professional purchase deals.

A majority of our expeditions run June through August. There are, however, employment opportunities in the spring for our group programs. Please note, the spring positions rely heavily on leaders with Utah or Colorado River guide licenses. We also require all new staff to attend our ten-day staff training, held in early June.


Program Leader (PL) –
Sets the example for Instructors, Assistant Instructors and participants in all aspects of attitude, technical skills, expedition behavior, and risk management. The PL sets the overall tone and direction for the trip, and is held accountable for the program’s execution, success of program, and training of the Instructor and Assistant Instructor.


Instructor (I) –
Actively supports and works with the PL and Assistant Instructor. Instructors are expected to use their own initiative to see that the overall needs of the group and goals for the program are being met. An Instructor must have strong technical skills, experience in wilderness medical training, a desire for professional development, and a history working and leading teenagers in a backcountry setting. If necessary, the Instructor must be able and willing to assume some of the responsibilities of the PL.


Assistant Instructor (AI) –
The Assistant Instructor should possess the desire to gain solid experience in the realm of outdoor leadership and education. Assistant Instructors should have some technical skills relevant to their course, a history of wilderness medical training, and understand that they are an integral member of the leadership team, but will not always be given the same level of responsibility. This position, however, shouldn’t be considered a back-seat role, as AI’s are expected to participate to the fullest level. This person should exemplify strong potential to become an Instructor.