Work at Deer Hill

Teaching belaying in the San Juan Mountain, Colorado

Be a part of our family

At Deer Hill Expeditions, our leaders are the essential element in all our programs, the key to our success, and the heart of our organization. Their knowledge, compassion, dedication and experience are the driving force behind the inspiring wilderness and service journeys we create for young people.

Why work at Deer Hill? Simply put, it is the experience of a lifetime! Every day, Deer Hill leaders make a positive impact on the lives of our participants through their leadership and enthusiasm. Leading for Deer Hill is an experience that will resonate within you, and those you work with, for years to come. Our field staff build a strong foundation of outdoor skills, community service experience, communication and interpersonal skills and a team building mentality while leading in the mountains, deserts and rivers of the Southwest U.S. and Costa Rica.

Our field leaders are at minimum 21 years old, with an average age of 28. Staff retention ranges from 80% to 90%, depending on the year, which makes positions at Deer Hill highly sought after. All Deer Hill leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders, and participate in our yearly, 12-day field training. While not at Deer Hill, you can find our leaders floating rivers, at graduate schools, teaching elementary and high school students, managing theater productions, or participating in service projects around the world. If you are ready for a challenge, seek powerful experiences, have a passion for leading and teaching youth, and understand the importance of positive role modeling, then come “Find Yourself In The Middle of Nowhere” with Deer Hill Expeditions.

Employment Opportunities at Deer Hill:

Field Staff (Spring and Summer)

Our field staff lead our custom group programs and signature summer programs. Most of these programs combine wilderness expeditions with either conservation service (with the U.S. Forest Service or B.L.M.), or cross-cultural community service projects in Native American and/or Costa Rican communities. To learn more about these opportunities and to apply, please click here

Internships

Internships at Deer Hill give budding outdoor educators hands-on experience in the exciting world of expedition preparation and support. Detailed responsibilities depend on the season, but an internship is always a great way to learn the behind-the-scenes workings of an accredited experiential education organization. If you are interested in an internships with Deer Hill, click here to find out more and apply.

“Working at Deer Hill feels like being part of a big family. It’s a close-knit group and the students feel this. Being able to pass on my knowledge and skills to young people as a job is incredible. I love to see the students interacting with and learning from the different native cultures – it’s an amazing experience every time.” Ryan, Telluride, CO

“I return to Deer Hill every summer for the sense of community, for the opportunity to “give back” through a service project in the Navajo, Zuni or Hopi Nation, and most importantly because there are few experiences as rewarding as taking young people into an environment where they are challenged and inspired. Each year, I watch them emerge with a deeper sense of who they are and the importance of their relationship to the earth.” Catherine, New York, NY

Partners Accreditation Deer Hill is Green Dhe Partners AEE Deer Hill is Green