Overview
We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified outdoor educators to join our team for the upcoming 2026 seasons! Our Field Staff are the driving force behind the variety of wilderness and experiential programs that Deer Hill offers.
A Field Staff’s primary responsibility is to facilitate successful and safe programs with our participants. Our programs range from seven-to-twenty-one days in length and offer a multitude of different elements. Most commonly, we do whitewater/flatwater rafting, flatwater canoeing, alpine and desert backpacking, and cross-cultural Reciprocal Service Learning experiences with indigenous communities in the Four Corners area. Certain programs may also include some rappelling and day-hiking components. Field Staff usually start out as Instructors. Instructors will be part of Instructor Teams (I-Teams) that lead and manage our outdoor programs. We work with a variety of youth between the ages of 13-18 years old. During the Spring and Fall seasons, we mostly run custom group and school programs. Our Summer season focuses on open enrollment programs. Most programs will have 1-2 of the different elements mentioned above and most will involve a service element. As an Instructor, you would be responsible for three main components: safety of your participants and co-workers, creating a fun and inclusive environment for all, and being able to utilize a wide variety of experiential education practices and tools to facilitate learning outcomes.
This position is employed on a contract basis. We operate for Spring (March to May), Summer (June to August), and Fall (September and October). Depending on program availability and your availability, single or multiple consecutive seasons can be contracted. Most of our programs operate on a 5:1 staff:participant ratio. Most new Field Staff will start as Instructors at $115/day. Salary increases with accrued Deer Hill experience and/or external professional experience and certifications. Our Program Leaders start at $145/day. Skilled and experienced Instructors can progress to the Program Leader position after successful completion of contracts and evaluation from the Administrative team at Deer Hill.
All new Field Staff must participate in a Deer Hill Staff Training. Staff are not currently compensated for Staff Training. We train staff for a variety of different skills and concepts needed to lead our programs. Field Staff will become more skilled, confident, and empowered outdoor educators following our training. Current Spring Training dates are set for 3/20/26 – 4/2/26. Summer Training dates are not set and will depend on enrollment and staffing.
Qualifications:
Wilderness First Responder and CPR Certification
Ability to pass a background check, Colorado and federal.
Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
Required Skills:
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.
Able to lead and manage a group of youth in rugged and unpredictable outdoor elements and terrain.
Successful professional experience guiding and teaching groups in wilderness settings
Preferred Skills:
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.
SWR, SPI, etc.
About Deer Hill Expeditions
Deer Hill Expeditions leads excursions for individually enrolled participants during the summer months and groups for which we have designed a custom program in the spring and fall. Our expeditions include Class III+ whitewater rafting, flatwater canoeing, mountain backpacking, indigenous cultural service-learning exchange, and canyon backpacking. Deer Hill maintains its 130-acre basecamp as a comfortable, nurturing environment that supports adventures into the field, or makes for a relaxing retreat. While other companies might focus on leading a tour, or teaching specific technical skills, Deer Hill goes beyond these services to include the richness of supported self-discovery.
