Deer Hill’s Internship Program is an essential element of the Deer Hill community, both in spirit and in hard work.  Interns live onsite and support Deer Hill programs and operations by preparing equipment, packing supplies, repairing gear, maintaining facilities, and facilitating resupplies.  This internship offers a unique perspective and opportunity for interaction in the community of outdoor education.  Interns work alongside field staff during transitions and resupplies, they help participants get outfitted with gear from our store, they work alongside our kitchen staff preparing meals, and they work with our Facility Manager preparing vehicles for use.  With hands-on experience and guidance from Deer Hill administrative staff, Interns learn about the logistics and systems to facilitate multi-element wilderness expeditions and cross-cultural service learning projects.  Upon completion of the internship program, exceptional and motivated interns may be invited back to work with Deer Hill in an Assistant Instructor or Instructor role.

Spring 2026

Overview:

• 4 – 5 interns live and work on site at the Deer Hill basecamp for the season.
• Responsibilities include: food packing, resupply, pack out, de-issue, driving, gear repair and maintenance, cooking, cleaning, administrative work and facility projects to upkeep Basecamp.
• Internship is logistic and operation focused.
• Opportunities to gain field experience and work alongside our Field Staff in the backcountry with students is possible, but depends on need and not guaranteed for every intern.
• Weekly schedules vary to accommodate programming needs.
• Dates: March 21 – May 31, 2026
  *Dates can be flexible depending on availability.  Inquire for specifics during the interview process.*

Qualifications:

• 20 years of age minimum.
• Able to work legally in the United States.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to pass criminal background checks.
• Able to carry 50 pounds.
• Able to commit to the duration of the internship. ­
• Comfortable driving long distances and camping.
• Able to live and work cooperatively with others.
• Effective communication with people different from themselves.
• Willing to work long hours.
• Ability to take initiative and produce results.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Deer Hill Expeditions.
• Experience or a willingness to learn gear repair

The requirements 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.

Benefits:

• Lodging provided.
• Supplemental food and meals available.
• $1,584 living stipend total — paid in bi-monthly increments throughout duration of contract.
• Access to pro purchase programs.
• Join Field Staff River Training (~5 day river trip).
• Additional learning opportunities in Outdoor Education available.
• Potential opportunity to become an Assistant Instructor or Instructor during our Summer Season.*
  *This is not a guaranteed benefit, opportunities will be available based on need, and on your performance and professionalism during the internship.  WFRs are also required to become Instructors, and while we do offer financial assistance to acquire one post-internship – we do not offer in-house WFR courses at this time.

Testimonials:

“My internship at Deer Hill came with a lot of laughter, a lot of learning, and a whole lot of love. In just 10 weeks I learned so much about myself and the wonderful world of rafting! I didn’t expect to be so welcomed and cared for during my time here, but that is what the people of Deer Hill do best- care for each other. I am so thankful to have shared such a wonderful place and I hope to return as soon as I can!” – Twig, 2025 Spring Intern

“Deer Hill provided a great opportunity for me to explore the four corners region, rafting, and outdoor education in a way that benefits me professionally and personally. I had great experiences working and in time off, exploring the desert and different landscapes of the southwest. If you are looking for an opportunity to dip your toes into the world of outdoor education and rafting, both figuratively and literally, Deer Hill is a great place to go.” – Kate, 2024 Spring Intern

“My time at Deer Hill has been educational, fulfilling, and fun. Deer Hill is a great organization with wonderful admin who support each other and create a respectful work environment which I really appreciate. I am glad that I chose to support this organization as an intern and will look back on my time at DHE fondly.” – Iris, 2023 Spring Intern

How to Apply: Visit the Employment section of our website, and you will find postings for the 2026 season, including our needs for field staff and interns.  Please review the job description thoroughly and if interested, fill out an application, making sure to address any pertinent experience, including professional and personal experience, that you feel is relevant.  Feel free to email [email protected] with any questions!

Hiring Timeline:  We review applications on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear from us within 1-2 weeks of submitting your completed application. Interviews on Google Meets typically occur within the following week. Following the interview, we reach out to candidates with a final decision a maximum of 2 weeks later.