Field Staff Positions at Deer Hill

Rafting the Green River

Located in beautiful southwestern Colorado, we are an adventure education and service learning organization for seventh through twelfth graders. Our wilderness and service journeys highlight the mosaic of landscapes and cultures that make up the Four Corners region. Deer Hill Expedition’s combination of in-depth backcountry experiences and authentic community service projects with native peoples makes us unique. We are based on integrity, history, a sense of place and belonging, and a community of people passionate about providing inspiring journeys. With 27 years of programming experience in “our backyard”, we create programs that flow beautifully from location to location, activity to activity – from the rivers, to the canyons, to the mountains, to the Hopi, Navajo, Zuni and Ute Nations. Our mission statement, “…To inspire the individual through experiences which affirm the essential balance between Humanity and the Natural World,” is more than a concept; it is a guiding force in everything that we do.

Job Description

Deer Hill Expeditions seeks experienced leaders who understand and can provide all of the elements required to facilitate excellent wilderness expeditions and service projects in the American Southwest and Costa Rica. Deer Hill Expedition’s philosophy is to enhance an individual’s appreciation of his or her relationship with the natural world, teach outdoor leadership and minimum impact wilderness-travel skills, promote sustainability and foster a tradition of service to native lands and peoples. Through the exploration of wild places and interactions with Native American cultures, we provide a safe, fun and educational atmosphere in which participants can grow as individuals and experience being integral members of a small community.

Operating Season

While the majority of our expeditions run during the summer months (June through August), each spring we look to fill numerous river guide and service learning facilitator positions (March through May). Current Utah River Guide certification or the ability to obtain one is required. While these trips are shorter in length than our summer courses, there is potential to work consecutive trips. We will require all new summer program staff to attend our ten-day staff training, held in early June.

Responsibilities of a Field Leader:

  • Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all group members. Must have the ability to understand and accommodate participant needs.
  • Promote group dynamics that allow for individual discovery and group cohesion.
  • Maintain a consistent awareness of group health and manage accordingly.
  • Practice and demonstrate backcountry travel and risk management techniques, handle gear and food logistics, care for and repair equipment, lead group discussions and mentor and coach participants.
  • Depending on the course, leaders must be proficient guiding expeditionary rafting or canoeing trips, leading canyoneering trips, traveling through mountain environments, and managing top rope rock climbing sites.
  • Provide vision and direction at service sites. Act as an ambassador between hosts and groups.

Our Requirements:

  • Understand and believe in the transformational power of group experiences in wild places and in the importance of service with native people.
  • Previous experience leading groups in the wilderness on multi-day expeditions and managing groups in cross-cultural settings.
  • Professional behavior in every aspect of leading. Able to work with co-staff in remote locations and problem solve in a self-sufficient manner.
  • Role model effective leadership techniques and professional conduct. Able to work with and showcase a variety of leadership styles.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with students, peers and administration.
  • Open to receiving and giving feedback in a constructive and professional manner.
  • Experience leading and teaching in some of the following activities: expedition style rafting and canoeing, inflatable kayaking, top rope site management, backpacking in mountain and desert environments, mountain biking, mountaineering, canyoneering and service projects.
  • Demonstrated excellent judgment and decision-making. Competent and confident in all course areas. Knowledge of Southwest cultural and natural history is appreciated.
  • Must be 21 yrs. of age and possess a valid drivers license with a clean driving record.
  • Must have a current CPR + WFR certification (minimum level of certification).
  • Be comfortable leading, educating and working with groups of teens for weeks at a time in remote wilderness and service settings. Must be totally committed to the group while on course.

Benefits of being a Deer Hill Expeditions Leader:

Working at Deer Hill Expeditions is a package deal. Besides a paycheck, discounts on gear, and access to pro deals, at Deer Hill Expeditions, you are facilitating life-changing experiences within the context of highly conscious wilderness and service programs. You will be part of a progressive and dynamic community of passionate outdoor enthusiasts committed to traditions of fun, learning, and service. Being involved in the delivery of our mission assures personal and professional development. There is much to learn at Deer Hill Expeditions and many opportunities to contribute. If it works for you, we would like to work with you. You won’t be disappointed.

  • Opportunity to facilitate greater self and environmental awareness for youth through wilderness and cultural experiences.
  • Chance to be a part of a small & supportive experiential education organization with over 27 years of experience.
  • Opportunity to lead a diverse selection of courses in the Four Corners region.
  • Chance to participate in meaningful Native American & Conservation Service projects.
  • Growth in leadership and technical skills. We guide all of our activities (no subcontractors).
  • Potential to attain river guiding certificates (summer staff).
  • Potential for professional development scholarships.

Field Staff Positions available:

Program Leader (PL)

Program Leaders are responsible for all aspects of the program. This is a person who has mastered all activities to the level of being able to instruct the participants, and offer guidance to Instructors and Assistant Instructors. He/she has strong communication skills, and the ability to facilitate interpersonal growth in Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and participants. Program Leaders are ultimately responsible for judgment and decision-making, the overall success of the program and the safety and wellbeing of the participants and staff. This is a person who possesses the experience, training and certifications to lead multi-day rafting, canoeing or kayaking expeditions and can obtain a Utah White Water or Other River Guide License. Most Deer Hill Expeditions Program Leaders have worked for us at least one season before being put into the position of PL.

Instructor (I)

Instructors actively support and work 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 the ability to role model and teach technical competence. He or she also has substantial experience working and instructing wilderness skills in a variety of settings and for various organizations, 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 the role of the PL. For some course types, it will be essential that this person is able to obtain a Utah Other River or White Water Crew license.

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 enough technical competencies to support themselves and the expedition and the ability to instruct participants in some of the course curriculum. In addition, the Assistant Instructor should have 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 that their experience permits. While this is an entry level position that provides ample opportunities to learn and grow, this person should exemplify strong potential and desire to become an Instructor.

How to apply for field positions

If you have any questions about field staff positions, responsibilities and skills, or your suitability, please call the office, or contact our Staff Manager, Eli Shostak – staff@deerhillexpeditions.com

If you are ready to apply, please download the application form and reference form PDFs through the links below. The application form is an editable PDF, which you may fill out onscreen if you are using Adobe Acrobat. 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 Deer Hill Field Staff Application

Download Field Staff Reference Form