I have always described working at Deer Hill as a package deal. At Deer Hill, you are making life-changing experiences happen within the context of highly conscious wilderness and service programs. You are also part of a progressive and dynamic community with traditions of fun, learning, and service. There is also a mission at Deer Hill, supported by the nonprofit Deer Hill Foundation, which funds service projects and student scholarships for diversity. There is much to learn at Deer Hill and lots of room to contribute. It's a package deal. If it works for you, we would like to work with you. You won't be disappointed.


Deer Hill field staff have to successfully complete the staff training sections required for a given position. This usually happens during our June training trip described below. DH field staff can use the table below to determine their starting wage. Your daily wage goes up to the next level when you've worked 40 field contract days (orientation and debrief days are included) for Deer Hill at a given position. If your field work at Deer Hill is less than 40 days in any given year, all of those days will apply to the next year, and you will receive a wage increase as soon as you reach 40 days, even in the middle of a contract. Field positions include room and board. 1st year staff with a significant amount of applicable prior work experience may be able to start at a higher level. Such cases are rare and determined on an individual basis.

	Position Daily Wage based on Contract Days for Deer Hill at a Given Position   0-40 41-80 81-120 121-160 161-200 201-240 241-280 281-320 321-360 Assistant Instructor $30 $35 $40 / / / / / / Instructor $55 $60 $65 $70 $75 $80 $85 $90 $95 Program Leader $80 $85 $90 $95 $100 $105 $110 $115 $120 Field Staff above Pay Scale $5/day increase for every 50 Field Days

Each June, Deer Hill conducts hands-on, experience-based training in the environments in which staff will be leading programs. Instruction, provided by veteran Deer Hill leaders, focuses on Deer Hill's goals and philosophy, risk management systems, and technical rafting and mountaineering skills (some staff become licensed river guides). Whether you are an experienced instructor or new to Deer Hill, these training trips offer you the chance to broaden and practice the skills needed to lead wilderness and service programs. The 10-day training is provided free of charge. All new field staff are required to attend training. Returning field staff who are instructing at a higher staff position or teaching a new technical skill are required to attend. Returning field staff must attend staff training a minimum of every other year unless they receive a waiver from Deer Hill's Staff Manager or Doug or Beverly Capelin.


The Deer Hill Store carries personal clothing and equipment which participants and staff may rent or purchase, including backpacks, sleeping bags, pile garments, rain jackets, etc. As a benefit to all of our staff, we offer this gear at a discount. Deer Hill Staff may rent items at a 50% discount and purchase items at 25% off the regular price.


Deer Hill is committed to giving our staff access to the best gear at the best prices available. It's a huge bonus to be able to acquire excellent personal clothing and equipment at a discount. During your time of employment with Deer Hill, we offer pro-deals through Chaco, La Sportiva, North Face, Prana, among others. All Deer Hill pro-deals are for you only (absolutely no friends or family, or Deer Hill may lose pro-deal benefits altogether) and are paid for with your credit card. Items are shipped wherever you want, or directly to Deer Hill, depending upon requirements of the manufacturer.


We value our leaders' efforts to continue their training as outdoor educators and guides. Whether it be a WFR recertification, Swiftwater Rescue, Kayaking or Canoe Instructor Certification, group dynamics course, diversity training, or a technical rock climbing seminar, your continuing education benefits Deer Hill, as well as yourself. The trustees of the Deer Hill Foundation set aside funds each year to help, and second-year staff are eligible to be considered for scholarships.