Conservation Team Crew Member

OVERVIEW

Access Fund is a 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 across the country. We execute 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. 

The Access Fund Conservation Team (CT) is the leading climbing-area stewardship program in the U.S. Since 2011, the program has met the growing demand for climbing-area conservation and long-term sustainability. 

CT Crew Members have the opportunity to learn to be a unique combination of conservation, natural resource, and recreation specialists. Exceptional candidates have a passion for climbing and travel, some technical trail-building skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and an ability to live and work in variable environments and locations across the country. They are interested in gaining valuable skills in climbing area stewardship under the leadership and tutelage of a Crew Leader and are excited to lead and inspire the climbing community and volunteers to work toward conservation of the climbing environment.

Crew Members will be selected for their ability to promote the mission and values of Access Fund while making critical improvements to climbing resources across the U.S. while working alongside a crew of 3-4 people led by a Crew Leader. The 2026 Conservation Team program will run from February through December, 2026, with temporary seasonal assignments on a variety of projects nationwide.

We are hiring crew members for Spring, Summer, and Fall seasonal positions for the East and West teams. The anticipated seasons are as follows:

West: Spring (March 4th – April 19th), Summer (May 4th – August 5th), Fall (August 17th – November 22nd).

East: Spring (February 4th – April 12th), Summer (April 22nd – June 27th), Fall (tbd)

Job Responsibilities

• Complete technical trail and infrastructure projects at climbing areas in a variety of environments, landscapes, and climates to the standards and satisfaction of the Crew Leader, project partners, and Access Fund staff.
• Prioritize safety during all Access Fund projects and volunteer events.
• Promote a healthy, motivated, and supportive crew environment.
• Exhibit a strong work ethic in learning and executing a host of technical field skills, resources, and materials to complete complex trail and stewardship projects.
• Help facilitate safe and productive Adopt a Crag volunteer events by overseeing the completion of designated tasks and objectives, alongside other crew members and volunteers.
• Support the creation of stories, photos, and videos for the Access Fund website, blog, Vertical Times, social media channels, and e-newsletter.
• Represent Access Fund, the Conservation Team program, the sport of climbing, and program sponsors in a positive, professional manner at all times.
• Be committed to the practice of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in the workplace and within the climbing community.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of experience in technical trail building, including trail construction and maintenance, as well as dry stone masonry.
• Ability to learn and grow knowledge in trail design, construction, and maintenance practices and techniques, including stone construction, high-line rigging systems, and technical trail structures.
• Commitment to climbing area stewardship and Leave No Trace ethics.
• Passion for people, climbing, education, and stewardship.
• An ability to develop a strong working relationship with crew members and the ability to spend extended time with others in close quarters and through challenging conditions.
• Ability to lift heavy objects in frequently challenging terrain and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to use tools properly to complete technical project tasks.
• A sense of adventure and positive attitude, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity.
• Proactive problem-solving and self-sufficiency.
• Strong skills in time and task management and balancing work/life.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Available for a full 2-3 month season of work in project location and commitment to completing it.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check.
• Crew members are expected to arrange their own transportation to the project site.

Preferred Qualifications

• Wilderness First Aid or First Responder certification, or willingness to acquire it before the season begins.
• Trail knowledge specific to climbing areas and climbing infrastructure, including a demonstrated understanding of climber use patterns and impacts.

Not meeting all the requirements but still feel like you’d be a great fit? Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translate directly to our openings. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered. Tell us how you can contribute to our team in a cover letter.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Salary: $18-21/hr depending on experience
• Seasonal, non-exempt position

Benefits:

• 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 the season and work additional projects throughout the year.