Deer Hill Expeditions

Deer Hill Expeditions (DHE) is seeking to hire a skilled, motivated and experienced individual for the Assistant Operations Manager position. This position plays an integral role here at Deer Hill connecting many of our departments together. Primary responsibilities include (on an assistant level) logistics implementation, managing seasonal interns, and maintenance of program gear and equipment.  Deer Hill’s operating season is fast paced and includes long days. This position requires dedication, active leadership, clear communication skills, mentoring skills, initiative, patience and humor. The ideal candidate is attentive to details and deadlines, organized, self-motivated, and adaptable. 

Additional Position Details 

• Assist in the supervision, and mentorship of interns and volunteers.

• Collaborate  in the management and implementation of  logistics that support groups in the field and at Basecamp.

• Assist in the inventory, management and maintenance of program gear and equipment. 

• Collaborate with the Facility Manager to maintain cleanliness and organization of the facility.

• 5-6 day work weeks when programs are in progress (March-October).

• Backup Manager on Duty responsibilities. (Estimated 1-2  days per week when programs are in progress).

REQUIREMENTS:

• Commitment to the success of the program and participants.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Reliable access to a cell phone.

• Positive attitude and ability to deliver and receive feedback.

• Professional and well organized.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Highly motivated with prior relevant experience.

• Familiarity with outdoor experiential education. 

• Demonstrated tolerance for adversity and uncertainty.

• Familiarity with gear repair.

• Experience with Apple computers, Google Drive, and Slack.

BENEFITS:

• $160 per day.

• Housing included.

• Meals available during programming season.

• Access to industry pro purchase plan.

• Access to Deer Hill equipment and gear.

• Up to 3% IRA matching after first year of employment.

Our field staff bring a wide range of backgrounds and training to their role. The one element that they all have in common is the desire to provide participants with the most meaningful, educational, and fun programs possible. Every day, Deer Hill field staff make an impact on the lives of our participants through their leadership and presence. Our field staff instill in our participants a strong foundation of outdoor skills, service work experience, communication and interpersonal skills in the mountains, deserts and rivers of the Southwest U.S. Field staff often find that their work with Deer Hill is deeply fulfilling because it is meaningful. They experience the daily richness of supporting participants as they take risks, build new skills, and ultimately learn to connect more fully with the wilderness, others and themselves.

Overview:

• In the spring and fall, Deer Hill works with schools and private groups.
• In the summer, Deer Hill operates multi-week programs for participants aged 11-18.
• Summer participants sign up individually and include adolescents with varying outdoor experience from the US and around the world. Participants also include high potential, low-income scholarship recipients, supported by the Deer Hill Foundation and other non-profits.

Activities: 

• Backpacking
• Canyoneering
• Mountaineering
• Whitewater Rafting
• Canoeing
• Climbing
• Cross-cultural Service
• Conservation Service

Benefits:

• Food and lodging provided while on contract (and include: meals, beds, laundry facilities, staff storage area, kitchen, horseshoe pit, pond, fruit trees and 130 acres—if you’d rather sleep under the stars).
• Access to pro purchase programs, providing steep discounts to top name, outdoor gear brands.
• Professional development trainings to support Field Staff growth and continuing education.
• Deer Hill offers a Spring and Summer Staff Training, free of charge, for new and returning Field Staff. Attendance to one of the trainings is required for all new Field Staff. The Spring River Refresher includes river safety, Deer Hill river systems, and a basic overview of Deer Hill field operations. The Summer Guide School is a complete river training that equips new and returning Field Staff with the skills necessary to become a licensed Utah River Guide. Both trainings include risk management, decision making, leadership, and education curriculum.
• Additional trainings and opportunities for development are available regularly. 

Dates: 

• Spring River/Service Refresher: March 27-April 7, 2024
• Spring Season: April – June
• Summer Guide School: June 4-14, 2024
• Summer Season: June – August
• Fall Season:  August – October

Field Staff may apply for spring, summer or both seasons. Each contract is for a program that ranges between 1 and 4 weeks in length. Field Staff can either work a single contract or multiple contracts, depending on Deer Hill need and Field Staff preference. Preference is given to applicants with open availability.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 Skills:

• 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.

Deer Hill Expeditions (DHE) is seeking to hire a skilled, motivated and experienced individual for a Kitchen Cook position. This position is staffed for the entire Deer Hill operating season and scheduling depends on Deer Hill’s needs. Primary responsibilities include cooking planned meals and baked desserts, preparing food for the field, maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the kitchen. Deer Hill’s operating season is fast paced and includes long days. This position requires dedication, active leadership, clear communication skills, mentoring skills, initiative, patience, and humor. The ideal candidate is attentive to details and deadlines, organized, self-motivated, and adaptable.

Additional Position Details:

• Supervise, manage, and mentor interns and volunteers while they are helping in the kitchen
• Do necessary prep work for meals, helping the other cooks prep for their meal if needed
• Manage refrigerated and dry food according to safety standards as well as the quantity of leftovers
• Help with meal planning based on ingredients available, ie: utilizing leftovers, using partial quantities etc.

Required Qualifications:

• 20 years of age minimum
• Able to work legally in the United States pass CBI and FBI background checks
• Flexibility in hours worked
• Dependable and professional, with reliable phone access
• Ability to obtain Food Handlers card
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.

Benefits:

• $13-$16 per hour. DOE.
• Meals available during programming season.
• Access to industry pro purchase plan.

You will be cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for school age kid groups from across the country. Some cooking experience required, some training provided. Ninja-like knife skills are a plus! Most meals are prepared from scratch and some baking skills are necessary. Deer Hill accommodates a wide variety of dietary preferences so some knowledge of vegan cooking is great. Some days you will be cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner and some days just one meal or two.

Group size range from 10 participants (low) to 80 participants (high). Room, board and pro deals are also included in compensation package. Shared living accommodations are with like minded people.