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, Grassroots Organizing & Advocacy, Land Acquisition & Protection, Risk Management & Landowner Support, and Climber Education.

Access Fund is currently seeking Climber Stewards to connect with and educate visitors, especially climbers, throughout the Red River Gorge (RRG), KY, regional climbing areas. The Climber Stewards are part of Access Fund’s stewardship and education programming. Stewards will work alongside Access Fund, United States Forest Service staff, Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition, and Friends of Muir Valley across the RRG climbing region 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 additional crucial 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 live in and explore the RRG region 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 in the Red River Gorge region. 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 with information about the region, 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 resource protection, and other relevant topics.

  • Crag Chats - Visit crags to engage with climbers where they are, while they climb. Climber Stewards will visit different destinations throughout the season to communicate with climbers about current issues and best practices, as well as help facilitate a richer understanding of Red River Gorge’s special nature. Stewards are not required to climb.

  • Community Events - Support the full breadth of community events throughout the RRG region by participating in and sharing information about local events. Climber Stewards will also communicate with partner organizations on behalf of Access Fund.

  • Stewardship - Climber Stewards will encourage and promote volunteer opportunities as well as participate in various stewardship opportunities throughout the Red River Gorge. 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 the Red River Gorge region and its protection.

  • Knowledge of Red River Gorge 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.

  • Lives in or near the RRG region or a willingness to camp there 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 educational 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 organizations.

  • Motivated to join Access Fund on our justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) journey and to 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 education.

  • Knowledge of local flora, fauna, geology, and history.

  • Prior experience with conservation science and land management best practices.

  • Current Leave No Trace Master Educator & Wilderness First Aid certifications.

Commitment

The 2025 Red River Gorge Climber Stewards spring season is March 28 through June 1, 2025 and the fall season is September 12 through November 16, 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 are expected to work up to 30 hours per week, including weekends and evenings. We are looking for individuals who will commit to the entire season and who 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 “Red River Gorge Climber Steward” in the subject line to employment@accessfund.org by EOD Friday, January 17th. 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 (Indian Creek or New River Gorge). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. Please indicate if you are also interested in other Climber Stewards positions in Indian Creek, UT. 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.