Field Staff

Job Description & Requirements

A Field Staff instructor team facilitates each 9-28 day long program in the wilderness. The team ranges from 2-6 Field Staff, depending on the number of participants and type of activities (ratios are typically 3 staff to 14 clients). Field Staff may be contracted to work in several field program elements such as whitewater rafting, canoeing, backpacking, canyoneering, and indigenous cultural learning exchange. Field Staff work directly with the Staff Manager to determine the best position for them for each contract, based on Deer Hill need and ability.

Training is comprehensive and cutting edge! 2025 Spring Staff Training occurs March 21 - April 1. 2025 Summer Staff Training occurs May 28-June 9. Many industry professionals begin their journey as outdoor educators at DHE and may eventually go on to work for other world-class organizations such as NOLS and Outward Bound.

Required:

• 21 years of age minimum.
• Able to work legally in the United States.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Current CPR and WFR certifications, minimum.
• Able to pass criminal background check with CBI and FBI.
• Able to manage participant and program needs 24/7 for the duration of the contract.
• Successful professional experience guiding and teaching groups in wilderness settings

Desired:

• Experience leading wilderness expeditions for 4+ days in a row.
• Experience living in the backcountry for 2+ weeks.
• River experience rowing oar frames and paddle boats.
• Motivated to create impactful, meaningful experiences for adolescents.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing situations.
• Desire to be of service to others.
• Self-aware and engaged in own personal growth.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Affective organization abilities.
• Able to work well independently and with others.
• Grounded, fun, and hard-working.

The requirements/desired skills listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and if you have 75% of the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply. Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translates directly to our openings. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

About Deer Hill Expeditions

Deer Hill’s wilderness expeditions and cross-cultural service projects offer participants profound growth and self-discovery as well as good fun and adventure. Participants raft the ancient river canyons of Utah, ascend the peaks of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, and work alongside families in Navajo, Hopi, or Zuni communities in New Mexico and Arizona.

Deer Hill’s mission is to inspire the individual through experiences, which affirm the essential relationships Humanity discovers in Service and the Natural World. Through Deer Hill’s unique blend of wilderness challenge and cross-cultural interaction, participants learn to bring their best selves forward in community.

A small company, founded in 1984, Deer Hill Expeditions is committed to personal development through excellence in technical skills, responsible stewardship of the natural world, and authentic service that connects communities. www.deerhillexpeditions.com