OVERVIEW
Access Fund is the nonprofit advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Founded in 1991, Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. We execute on that mission across six core program areas: Public Lands Policy & Advocacy, Stewardship & Conservation, Land Acquisition & Protection, Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy, Risk Management & Landowner Support, and Climber Education.
Access Fund is currently seeking Climber Stewards to connect with and educate visitors, especially climbers, throughout Indian Creek, Utah. The Climber Stewards are a part of Access Fund’s stewardship & education programming. Stewards will work alongside Access Fund and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff across Indian Creek at Bears Ears National Monument to connect, inspire, and educate the increasing number of visiting climbers.
Climber Stewards help to serve as a critical link between the climbing community and the important message of Leave No Trace (LNT) as well as critical protective ethics and behaviors. Climber Stewards have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in recreation management, resource protection, education and outreach, public land management, and more. If you have a passion for protecting climbing areas and love engaging and educating other climbers, this is your chance to to live in and explore Indian Creek for a season while helping to preserve it for current and future generations.
Job Responsibilities
Education and Outreach
Climber Stewards play a unique role in the long-term sustainability of recreation at Indian Creek. The following are examples of the programming and outreach that the Climber Stewards will participate in and lead:
Climber Coffee - Host morning events Friday through Sunday that provide free coffee to climbers at a rotating selection of locations. Climber Stewards will be responsible for coordinating event logistics, including brewing and serving coffee, setting up a table or booth with information about the region and Access Fund, ensuring flyers are posted for Climber Coffee locations, and engaging with climbers to discuss the latest issues and best practices related to climbing, camping, natural and cultural resources, and other relevant topics.
Crag Chats - Visit crags to engage with climbers where they are, while they climb. Climber Stewards will visit different walls throughout the season to communicate with climbers about current issues and best practices, as well as help facilitate a richer understanding of Indian Creek’s special nature. Stewards are not required to climb.
Special Events - Plan, coordinate, and host up to five (5) special events each season that are designed to further engage with and build a community of stewardship and respectful visitation in Indian Creek. Past events include game day, trash cleanups, movie nights, guest speakers, and more. Events could also include participation in external programs, such as virtual webinars or representing Access Fund at an off-site event.
Campground Connections - Stewards will camp exclusively in BLM-designated campgrounds (Creek Pasture or Super Bowl). Climber Stewards will provide essential information on campground fee structures, limiting impacts, upcoming events, and best practices. Stewards will not be responsible for enforcing any regulations, collecting fees, or maintaining facilities.
Stewardship - Climber Stewards will encourage and promote volunteer opportunities as well as participate in various stewardship projects throughout Indian Creek. Stewards will train and work alongside the Access Fund Conservation Team to implement critical infrastructure improvements for climbing area stewardship.
Qualifications
Your experience may refer to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translate directly to this opening. We encourage all interested applicants to apply, regardless of meeting all of the preferred qualifications. Tell us how you can contribute to our team in a cover letter.
Skills and Experience We’re Looking For
A passion for Indian Creek and its protection.
Knowledge of Indian Creek climbing areas and history.
Experience in environmental education, science, conservation, stewardship, and/or a related field.
Familiarity with and experience communicating best practices for protecting natural and cultural resources.
Familiarity with and experience with rock climbing. Please note: Stewards are not required to climb while working.
Access to a reliable vehicle.
Willingness to live and camp in or near Indian Creek for the season (see Commitment below) in its entirety, in a variety of weather conditions.
Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
Outgoing personality and commitment to sharing education messages.
Passion for climbing area stewardship, education, and advocacy.
Strong organizational skills.
Self-motivated, with an ability to work independently and side-by-side with partner staff and organizations.
Motivated to join Access Fund on our justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) journey and learn more about how to make our climbing areas accessible to all.
Requirements
Clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
Satisfactory completion of a background check.
Ability to walk/hike on uneven, loose, and steep terrain.
Ability to lift and move up to 35 pounds.
Willingness to actively participate in continued education and other training as necessary.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience with public speaking, outreach, and community engagement.
Proven ability to build community and public engagement through programming.
Knowledge of local flora, fauna, and geology as well as Indian Creek history, including climbing, Indigenous peoples, and land use patterns.
Prior experience with conservation science and land management best practices.
Current Leave No Trace Master Educator & Wilderness First Aid certifications.
Commitment
The 2025 Indian Creek Climber Stewards spring season is March 1 through May 4, 2025 and the fall season is October 3 through December 7, 2025. Each season will run for a total of 10 weeks and include a 3-day pre-season launch and orientation as well as a 2-day post-season debrief. Climber Stewards will be expected to work up to 30 hours per week, including weekends and evenings with the option to work additional hours performing conservation stewardship projects alongside the Conservation Team. We are looking for individuals who will commit to the entire season and who may have an interest in subsequent seasons.
Compensation and Benefits
Hourly Salary: $18/hr
Benefits:
Leave No Trace Training
Access to industry pro-deals.
Free camping for the duration of seasonal employment and mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.
Paid sick time accrued with each pay period.
Option to extend season and work additional projects throughout the year.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume with “Indian Creek Climber Steward” in the subject line to employment@accessfund.org by EOD Friday, January 17, 2025. Please indicate which season(s) you are interested in applying for (Spring and/or Fall) and if you are interested in any of the other Climber Stewards positions (Red River Gorge or New River Gorge). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. See accessfund.org/careers for all available positions.
Access Fund is an equal opportunity employer, compliant with all federal and applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. Access Fund provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. We seek to attract a skilled workforce that reflects the diverse demographics of current and future outdoor enthusiasts. At Access Fund, we pride ourselves on the health and happiness of our staff. Together, we are building an organization and an industry where great ideas, born from a diversity of experiences, thrive.
Ready to Support the Cause?
Donate today and join the largest climbing advocacy movement in the country, working to protect and conserve America’s climbing. Let’s make a difference together.