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 fifty 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, etcetera. 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 expanded in 2004 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:

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) An environmental learning center in the heart of Aspen, http://www.aspennature.org/

Colorado Fourteener’s Initiative A partnership among nonprofit organizations, concerned individuals, and public agencies to protect and preserve the natural integrity of Colorado's Fourteeners and the quality of the recreational opportunities they provide, http://www.coloradofourteeners.org/

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers Promotes stewardship of public lands by creating volunteer opportunities for trail work and conservation projects in the Aspen area, http://www.rfov.org/

Summit Huts Association A nonprofit organization that manages four backcountry huts in Summit County, Colorado:Janet's Cabin, Francie's Cabin, the Section House and Ken's Cabin, http://www.summithuts.org/

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/

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.

Dates of Employment: Mid-June to Mid-August

Compensation: $350 per week stipend, housing may be available

Application Deadline: April 15th of each year (Notification of employment will be sent by May 1st)