Washington Climber Stewards

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 two Climber Stewards to connect with and educate visitors, especially climbers, in several locations throughout the East Slope of the Cascades in Washington state. Climber Stewards are a part of Access Fund’s stewardship & education programming. Stewards will represent Access Fund while connecting with and educating climbers in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at climbing areas throughout Mazama, Leavenworth, Washington Pass, the Enchantments, and surrounding areas. Stewards will work alongside Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest staff, as well as partner organizations such as Washington Climbers Coalition, Methow Valley Trails Collaborative, TREAD, and others in this critical climbing landscape 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 live in and explore these areas for a season while helping to preserve key climbing areas for current and future generations.

Job Responsibilities

Education and Outreach

Climber Stewards play a unique role in the long-term sustainability of recreation. 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, 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 the climbing area’s special nature. Stewards are not required to climb.
• Special Events – Plan, coordinate, and host up to five (5) special events throughout the season. Events are designed to further engage with and build a community of stewardship and respectful visitation. Events may also include participation in external programs, such as virtual webinars or representing Access Fund at an off-site event.
• Stewardship – Climber Stewards will encourage and promote volunteer opportunities in the region. They will support, participate in, and coordinate stewardship events to protect natural and cultural resources throughout the Forest.

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 Washington climbing and its protection.
• Knowledge of the climbing area 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 but must have a solid understanding of the basic skills required to boulder, sport, and/or traditional climb.
• Access to a reliable vehicle.
• Willingness to live and camp in or near the climbing area 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 equal access for all  journey and learn more about how to make our climbing areas accessible.

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 area 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.
• Ability to comfortably climb up to 5.9 backcountry alpine routes

Commitment: Varies by location. All programs will kick off with an initial 3-day training and orientation. 

• The 2026 Washington Climber Stewards spring season will run from April 9th, 2026, through October 18, 2026 (25 weeks). Stewards will work in different locations in the National Forest, spending time in both the Wenatchee River and Methow Valley Ranger Districts during the season.

Climber Stewards will be 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 may have an interest in subsequent seasons.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a part-time, seasonal position and is not eligible for benefits. Access Fund will provide:

• Hourly pay of $18—$20, depending on experience.
• Paid sick time accrued with each pay period.
• Leave No Trace training.
• Access to industry pro-deals.
• Free camping for the duration of the season.