Climber Stewards - Indian Creek
Posted by Access Fund on 01/17/2023
Job Basics
Industry Sector: Outdoor
Job Categories: Events, Outdoor Education
Company Type: Conservation
State: UT
City: Moab
Country: United States
Required Experience: 1 - 3 years
Job Type: Seasonal Part Time
Salary: $16.20/hr
Required to Relocate: Yes
Required to Travel:
Employee May Telecommute: No
Job Seeker Must Live Within:
Job Description & Requirements
OVERVIEW
Access Fund is the national nonprofit advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environments. Founded in 1991, Access Fund promotes sustainable access and conserves the climbing environment for the more than 8 million climbers across the country. We execute on that mission across six core program areas, including Climbing Policy and Advocacy, Stewardship and Conservation, Local Support and Mobilization, Land Acquisition and Protection, Risk Management and Land Owner Support, and Education.
Access Fund is currently seeking Climber Stewards to connect with and educate visitors, especially climbers, in Indian Creek, Utah. 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 messages of Leave No Trace (LNT) and critical protective ethics and behaviors. Climber Stewards have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in outdoor education and outreach, climbing area management, resource protection, public land management, and more. If you have a passion for protecting public lands and love engaging and educating other climbers, this is an excellent opportunity to live and explore Indian Creek for a season while helping to preserve it for current and future generations.
Job Responsibilities
Climber Stewards play a unique role in the long-term sustainability of recreation at Indian Creek. The following represents a sampling of the programming and outreach the Climber Stewards will lead and participate in:
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 event logistics, including brewing and serving coffee, setting up an information table, and ensuring marketing materials are posted. Event goals are to educate and engage with climbers to create dialogue concerns and best practices that relate to climbing, camping, and natural and cultural resources. Additionally, Stewards create new and interactive opportunities for engagement and cohost alongside specialists from partner organizations. Share information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
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 concerns 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 designed to further engage with and build a community of stewardship and respectful visitation in the Creek. Past events include game day, trash clean-ups, movie nights, guest speakers, and more. This could include participation in external events, such as virtual webinars or representing Access Fund by setting up a booth off-site.
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.
Qualifications
A passion for Indian Creek and its protection.
Knowledge of Indian Creek climbing areas and history.
Willingness to attend LNT and other trainings as necessary.
Access to a reliable vehicle.
Willingness to camp and live in Indian Creek for the season (see below) in a variety of weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, wind, rain, and snow.
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 organizations.
Desire and commitment to continuing your own learning throughout the season.
Motivated to join Access Fund on our justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) journey and learn how to make our climbing areas accessible to all.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience in environmental education, environmental science, conservation, stewardship, or a related field.
Experience with public speaking, outreach, and community engagement.
Familiarity with and experience communicating best practices for protecting natural and cultural resources.
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.
LNT Master Educator & Wilderness First Aid Certification.
Requirements
Clean driving record and valid driver’s license.
Satisfactory completion of a background check.
Proof of current COVID-19 vaccination or qualified exemption.
Ability to walk/hike on uneven, loose, and steep terrain.
Ability to lift and move up to 35 pounds.
We encourage all interested applicants to apply, regardless of their experience or meeting the preferred qualifications. Please contact us regarding any concerns or considerations that may prevent your eligibility to apply for this position.
Commitment
The 2023 spring season will run from March 2 through May 1, 2023, (nine weeks) and will kick off with training and orientation. Climber Stewards will be expected to work three to four days (total of 30-33 hours) per week. We are looking for individuals who will commit for the entire spring season and who may have an interest in subsequent seasons.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a temporary, seasonal position. Access Fund will provide:
Compensation of $16.20/hr.
First aid and Leave No Trace training.
Designated campsite for the duration of the season (equivalent to $1,050).
In-kind product donations from program sponsors and opportunity to apply for industry pro deals (equivalent to $500-$1,000, depending on season).
This position is not benefits-eligible.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume with “Indian Creek Climber Stewards” in the subject line to employment@accessfund.org by EOD Friday, January 27. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position is open until filled.
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.
About Access Fund
Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels:
Climbing management policy
Local support & mobilization
Stewardship & conservation
Land acquisition & protection
Education
