Overview
Deer Hill Expeditions (DHE) is seeking two experienced and inspiring Program Coordinators (PC) to join our team. The PC is an administrative position that helps to ensure the operational and programmatic success of our wilderness-based expeditionary program. This position will play a major role in training, supervising, and managing our team of 30-40 seasonal Field Staff throughout the operational season of March to October. The PC should have strong communication, organizational, and outdoor leadership and technical skills. Ideal candidates should have extensive prior experience in outdoor education and/or our specific program components which include rafting, youth development, backpacking, and Reciprocal Service Learning with Indigenous communities. The PC will work closely with our Director of Operations and Operations Manager to ensure that Deer Hill’s daily operational needs are being met at a high level. The ideal candidate is attentive to details and deadlines, organized, self-motivated, and adaptable. This position requires clear communication skills, patience, and humor. The PC position is a relevant position for experienced outdoor educators looking to transition into an administrative or supervisory role.
Key Responsibilities:
Collaborate with our operational team to implement our program, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
Role model the DHE mission, values, and culture to employees, students, families, stakeholders, and the general public
Lead and inspire our Field Staff team, providing coaching, feedback, and support to help them thrive.
Foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, personal and professional development, inspiration, motivation, and fun.
Deliver informative and concise program Orientations and Debriefings for Field Staff.
Understand and communicate Deer Hill’s resource allocation strategy for optimal effectiveness.
Track Field Staff performance and other key measures to evaluate progress and identity areas of growth.
In partnership with the Director of Operations, ensure compliance with state regulations and upholding our accreditation standards.
Serve as a member of our Risk Management committee to identify, analyze, and mitigate risk
Manage administrative tasks such as staff onboarding paperwork, Incident Reports, program paperwork, and more.
Co-develop and update Staff Manuals to support growth of our Field Staff and students.
Member of our on-call Manager on Duty (MOD) team.
Help design and implement our seasonal Field Staff trainings.
As needed, fill in as a temporary Field Staff Instructor.
Optimize existing systems and develop new systems as needed.
Qualifications:
Current WFR or WEMT certification (required before 3/20/26)
21 years of age, minimum.
5+ years of experience/expertise in wilderness experiential education (Outdoor Ed. degree preferred)
Professional-level competency in wilderness risk management
Prior experience and proven success as a supervisor/manager
Reliable access to a cell phone and live within cell phone service
Valid Driver’s License and able to pass a vehicle driving record check.
Able to pass State and Federal background checks.
Preferred Skills:
Swiftwater Rescue Certification. Applicants with a Swiftwater Rescue certification may be eligible for a small sign-on bonus.
Demonstrated ability in any of the following skills: whitewater and flatwater rafting or canoeing, alpine and desert backpacking, and climbing or canyoneering skills.
Demonstrated ability to teach and lead the above skills safely in a wilderness setting.
Demonstrated competency in working with youth and adults in wilderness-based settings.
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.
