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January 12, 2015

Mountain Summer Internship Program - Apply by April 1st

10th Mountain Division Hut Association Summer Internship Program

10th Mountain's intern program began in 1993 when the first intern was hired to assist with field operations. Since then, the program has provided more than seventy young people with the opportunity to learn about Colorado's backcountry and our system of remote huts.
Interns spend the majority of their time working in the field for 10th Mountain, and are introduced to all operating areas, including reservations, marketing and administration. Responsibilities include:
  • Hut & Trail Maintenance Huts: Seasonal opening procedures, cleaning, re-supply, renovation projects, etc. Trails: Clearing of debris, trail marking replacement/repair, erosion restoration projects, et cetera. Maintenance trips may be overnight. Interns may be mountain biking or hiking to the huts.
  • Backcountry Exploration Program (BEP): Interns may occasionally assist educational non-profit groups on their hut trips. Other group trips needing assistance may include senior citizens, volunteers, staff retreats, and more.
  • Workshops/Special Events: Interns may be involved in logistical support for any 10th Mountain sponsored summer workshops or events.
  • Reservations/Administration: Light clerical responsibilities, observation of reservations program and lottery process, overview of membership program, and introduction to general operations of a non-profit.
  • Education: Interns will learn about: history of the 10th Mountain Division troops, history of the hut system, ecology of the hut environs, CPR and wilderness first-aid, map and compass skills, etcetera.
The intern program has expanded to include mentor positions with several partner organizations and/or agencies. Interns may spend some of their time with some or all of these or other suitable organizations:
  • U.S. Forest Service: An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, managing public lands in national forests and grasslands, http://www.fs.fed.us.
  • Local Non-Profits: Stewardship organizations
The exposure to multiple organizations gives interns a broad base of experience in outdoor recreation, non-profit operations, and land management issues while providing valuable opportunities for personal development. All work with partnering organizations is prearranged and paid for by 10th Mountain.

If you would like additional information or have other questions please feel free to contact us prior to applying at scott@huts.org.

Dates of Employment: Typically we begin the 2nd Monday of June and go until the 2nd Friday of August. Please note that these dates may be adjusted due to late spring weather conditions.

Compensation: $350 per week stipend. Housing is available only in the Aspen Base of Operations.

Application Deadline: April 1st of each year (Notification of employment will be sent by May 1st). Priority is given to applicants who can begin work on the start date, with minimal time off requested during the program. To view this internship posting and download an application click HERE