As our organization enters its 26th year, we are looking to hire interns to support our spring and summer programming seasons.  Our spring intern staff will be comprised of four individuals who will begin work April 12th, 2010, and commit to at least eight weeks at Deer Hill Basecamp. Our goal is to have the spring interns participate in orientating and training our summer interns. Our six summer interns will arrive between June 11th and 13th and finish their work on August 13th. There may be opportunities to extend the summer internship into the fall and contribute to the season wrap up.

Why be an Intern at Deer Hill Expeditions?

“The belief that all genuine education comes about through experience does not mean that all experiences are genuinely or equally educative” – John Dewey

An internship with Deer Hill will provide you with a first hand understanding of the multitudinous components involved in operating a high quality adventure education program. Working with a passionate community of educators and instructors will help develop your competency in a variety of skill sets. This internship will expose you to a wide range of experiences, each of which serves some element of our operations and contributes to your understanding of the program. It is our intention to create a positive and rewarding working relationship with our intern staff in which the individual’s educational goals are matched with our operational needs. Some of these responsibilities will put you in direct contact with programs while other duties will provide support to the facility and maintenance of Basecamp. Attention will be paid to matching your work at Deer Hill with your learning objectives.

Educational Goals

We will expect our interns to develop and be working towards a minimum of three specific, measurable goals that they will achieve through their involvement with DHE. Interns can bring their academic agenda with them or collaborate with their mentor to create an educational plan. The intention of these goals, and the program itself, is for interns to gain professional experiences that will increase their potential to secure other jobs (potentially with DHE), while also contributing to the operations of Deer Hill. The intern’s mentor will evaluate the progression of your goals and work with you to assure success.

Benefits and Compensation

Deer Hill crafts its internships to reflect our belief in education and our dedication to service. We believe these educational positions offer both tangible and intangible rewards specific to each individual’s interests. Besides being an excellent educational opportunity, Deer Hill Expeditions offers you these perks:
• $300 a month stipend.
• Living quarters in The Homestead. The intern staff will share this refurbished, fully furnished cabin. It has bunks, kitchen, living area, a great porch and bathroom all located on Deer Hill’s gorgeous 128-acre Basecamp property with views of Mesa Verde National Park and the La Plata Mountains.
• Partial Board.
• Professional references with connections throughout the Outdoor Industry.
• Half-off tuition on a Wilderness First Aid certification course (course offered in June).
• Access to our professional purchase discount program.
• Discounts on Deer Hill clothing, gear purchase and rentals.
• Experience living in rural southwestern Colorado. Easy access to wilderness areas, national parks and numerous trail systems.

Is it possible to receive field experience through the internship program?

Both spring and summer interns can expect to have the opportunity to participate in a short portion of an expedition. This experience is intended to give our interns the chance to enhance their technical, interpersonal and leadership skills with groups in the wilderness. We believe that some field time will provide our interns with a deeper understanding of Deer Hill’s mission while creating a well-rounded experience that prepares you for a future of outdoor leadership. Please note, however, that field time is not guaranteed, and is subject to your qualifications, work ethic, attitude and the needs of Deer Hill.

Our Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older, with a clean driving record.
• Must be willing and comfortable driving long distances and camping along the way.
• Ability to live in close quarters and get along with fellow interns.
• Must be in good physical condition, able to lift and carry 40 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

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

• Able to display high levels of vision and action, ownership, self-motivation, and teamwork.
• Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty; flexible, positive and adaptable attitude to the changing demands of an expedition company.
• Exemplary communication skills. Capacity to communicate effectively and maturely with fellow staff and participants.
• Can live cooperatively with other interns.
• Desire to engage with and be a role model for a teenage population.
• Experience in gear repair (raft/backpack/tent/zipper/etc.) or an eagerness to learn.
• Interest in outdoor education, adventure leadership or experiential education.

Work Schedule

Deer Hill days are long and action-packed! Longer hours and weekend work will often be necessary as groups are continuously in the field or at Basecamp. The typical schedule is five to six days on, and one to two days off. While you will be working long hours, we aim to ensure your mental and physical health, as well as deliver a large dose of fun. This schedule and position require a great deal of flexibility, hard work and humor.

If  you are ready to apply,  download the application form and reference form PDFs through the links below.  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 2010 Deer Hill Internship Application here

Download the Internship reference form here