Field Apprentice at Deer Hill

Deer Hill Expeditions (DHE) is creating a field-based apprenticeship for individuals interested in working as field staff for adventure and community service programs. We seek leaders who can support our programs and assist instructor teams while facilitating courses and taking advantage of a hands-on educational opportunity. The training program will combine participating in our Mountain and River Staff Training Trip and working with an instructor team on a summer program. This position is crafted for a person with some wilderness leadership experience who is interested in furthering their expertise through an exploration of the skills and responsibilities involved in operating a high quality adventure education program while receiving on the job training.

Program Schedule

The Field Apprentice position will begin on June 7th with an orientation to our Basecamp facility. After taking a day to settle in and learn about how our facility functions, the Apprentices will attend the summer Field Staff Training trip. This 10-day adventure will contribute to your professional development, technical and leadership skills and prepare you for a summer in the field. After completing the training trip, you will be staffed on a DHE summer program. While contributing to the overall success of the program, it is expected that the Apprentice will be learning alongside the students and developing their professional skills during the adventure.

Benefits and Compensation

Deer Hill has crafted this position to reflect our belief in education and our dedication to service. Besides being an excellent educational opportunity, Deer Hill Expeditions offers you these perks:

  • Instruction and evaluation provided by DHE senior staff and administration.
  • Participate in our 10-day River and Mountain Staff Training Trip.
  • Ability to gain leadership and technical skills under the supervision of qualified mentors.
  • First hand, field experience facilitating DHE programs.
  • Potential to gain professional certifications or scholarships to obtain licenses.
  • Food and lodging provided for the duration of the program.
  • Professional references with connections throughout the Outdoor Industry.
  • DHE Staff Manager will work with you to further your professional development (resume, cover letter, job search).
  • Access to our professional purchase discount program.
  • Discounts on Deer Hill clothing, gear purchase and rentals.

Our Requirements

Because of the educational value of this program, the room and board benefits that the Apprentice will enjoy, and the transportation costs incurred by Deer Hill, tuition for Field Apprentices will be $1500.

  • $1500 tuition fee
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must have documented wilderness travel and leadership experience. This can be through personal trips, as a student or participant on a course, or as a leader for an organization.
  • Ideally, the candidate will be a Deer Hill alumni. The position is designed to bridge the gap between an advanced summer program such as Wilderness Leadership, and Assistant Instructor/Intern positions for which the minimum age is usually 21.
  • Demonstrated interest in and enthusiasm for adventure and service programs.
  • Able to live, work and travel outdoors, in remote places, for 21-25 days
  • Must be in good physical condition, able to lift and carry 40 Lbs.

Desired Qualifications

While Deer Hill is committed to providing our apprentices with an introduction to a wide variety of subjects, we appreciate applicants who have some of these qualifications:

  • Experience teaching wilderness living and travel skills, LNT ethics and leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to display high levels of vision and action, ownership, self-motivation, and teamwork.
  • Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty; flexible, positive and adaptable attitude to fluctuating group dynamics.
  • Exemplary communication skills. Capacity to communicate effectively and maturely with fellow staff and participants.
  • Desire to engage with and be a role model for a teenage population.
  • Interest in outdoor education, adventure leadership or experiential education.

How to Apply

After reviewing the qualifications and exploring this website to get a firm sense of our programs, download the application form PDF document through the links below.  If you have questions about the Field Apprentice, and/or your appropriateness for this post, please call our Staff Manager on 970-533-7492. To apply, please email your materials to staff@deerhillexpeditions.com, fax them to 970-533-7221, or mail to ATTN: Staff Manager, Deer Hill Expeditions, PO Box 180, Mancos, CO 81328.

Download the Field Apprentice Application Form (PDF)