Internships at Deer Hill
As our organization enters its 28th year of service, we are looking to hire interns to support our spring programming season (April through mid-June). Our spring intern staff will begin work on April 2, 2012 and commit to working until June 8th. Interns who are interested in participating in our annual Staff Training Trip will have the option of joining the course which begins on June 8th. Qualified individuals may be invited to continue their time at Deer Hill Expeditions as members of our summer Field Staff.
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 Expeditions will provide you with a first hand understanding of the multitudinous components involved in operating a high quality adventure education program. You will be coached and mentored by a passionate community of educators and instructors who will help you 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. Please keep in mind that this is not a field-based experience; field time is subject to your qualifications, work ethic, attitude and the needs of our program. Attention will be paid to assuring your involvement with the elements of Deer Hill Expeditions that contribute to your learning objectives.
Educational Goals
We will expect our interns to work towards a specific, measurable goal that they will achieve through their involvement with Deer Hill Expeditions. Interns can bring their academic agenda with them or be given a project by a mentor at Deer Hill Expeditions. The intention of this goal, and the program itself, is for interns to gain professional experiences that will increase their potential to secure future employment (potentially with us!), while also contributing to our operations. There is an incredible amount of learning and opportunity available for diligent, self-directed learners. The more an intern puts into this experience, the more they will get out of it. The intern’s mentor will evaluate the outcome of the intern’s work and support them to assure the best possible successes.
Benefits and Compensation
Deer Hill Expeditions 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 bedrooms, a loft, full kitchen, living area, a great porch and bathroom all located on our gorgeous 128-acre Basecamp property with views of Mesa Verde National Park and the La Plata Mountains.
- Free access to high speed wireless internet.
- Partial board with vegetarian options.
- 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 Expeditions clothing, gear purchase and rentals.
- Experience living in rural southwestern Colorado. Easy access to wilderness areas, national parks and numerous trail systems.
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 cooperatively in close quarters and get along with fellow interns.
- Must commit to the entire duration of the internship.
- A positive attitude and desire to contribute to programming goals.
- Must be in good physical condition, able to lift and carry 40 pounds.
Desired Qualifications
While Deer Hill Expeditions 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
Work days during the programming season are demanding, action-packed and often unpredictable! Long 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. If you like dynamic schedules, diverse responsibilities and hard work, this is the job for you. 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 and camaraderie. This schedule and position require a great deal of flexibility, hard work and humor.
How to Apply
Please submit a letter of interest, a detailed résumé and a completed application to Eli Shostak, Staff Manager, at staff@deerhillexpeditions.com, via fax, 970.533.7221, or to the mailing address below. DHE is an equal opportunity employer.
Staff Manager, Deer Hill Expeditions, PO Box 180, Mancos, CO, 81328
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