Conservation Team Crew Leader

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 jobshiringnearme.org, Local Support and Mobilization, Land Acquisition and Protection, Risk Management and Land Owner Support, and education. 

The Access Fund jobshiringnearme.org 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 Leaders are a unique combination of conservation, natural resource, and recreation specialists. Exceptional candidates are proficient in a breadth of trail and recreation infrastructure techniques, equipment, and skills. They are competent in project implementation. They are confident in transferring knowledge and providing direction and leadership to crew members. They have a passion for climbing and travel, proven technical trail-building skills, and an ability to manage field resources in variable environments and locations across the country. They are excellent communicators who can lead, inspire, and include their crew, the climbing community, and volunteers to work toward exemplary climbing-area stewardship. 

Access Fund is hiring one Crew Leader to lead the Eastern jobshiringnearme.org Team and will be selected for their ability to promote the mission and values of Access Fund while making critical improvements to climbing resources across the Eastern U.S. while leading a crew of 2 people. The 2026 jobshiringnearme.org Team program is expected to run from February 3, 2026, through early December, 2026, with scheduled time off in between seasons.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in Access Fund’s trail leadership training program in North Carolina, in February 2026 to develop knowledge of Access Fund’s approach to fulfilling its mission through stewardship.
• Guide, support, and delegate to Crew Members to complete project objectives and ensure quality work performance, safety, and crew morale.
• Maintain frequent communication with the Access Fund Field Coordinator, land manager(s), and project partner(s) regarding project implementation and logistical support.
• Lead crew members and volunteers to complete technical trail and infrastructure projects at climbing areas in a variety of environments, landscapes, and climates while following proper safety protocol.
• Promote and ensure safety of crew members and volunteers to efficiently complete climbing infrastructure projects to a high standard.
• Leverage a host of technical field skills, resources, and materials to complete complex trail and stewardship projects.
• Maintain timelines and deliverables to fulfill land manager, community, and sponsor expectations.
• 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 jobshiringnearme.org 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.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of project metrics and volunteer activity as well as expenses and time reporting.

Qualifications 

• 1-3 years of experience in technical trail building, including trail construction and maintenance, as well as dry stone masonry.
• 1-3 years of experience in crew or volunteer management, providing direct oversight for others to achieve project objectives.
• Proven knowledge and experience in trail design, construction, and maintenance practices and techniques, including stone construction, high-line rigging systems, and technical trail structures.
• Strong public speaking skills and ability to lead stewardship workshops for LCOs, community members, and land managers.
• Ability to instruct crew members in all relevant technical project skills and ensure crew members are performing their roles to a high standard.
• Passion for people, climbing, education, and stewardship.
• Capacity 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 use tools properly.
• Experience in overseeing and motivating crew members and volunteers.
• A sense of adventure and positive attitude, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity.
• Proactive problem-solving and self-sufficiency.
• Strong skills in time and task management, delegation, scheduling, and balancing work/life.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer savvy (proficient with Google Suite, Microsoft Word/Excel, photo/video, internet, email, etc.).
• Available for full 10-month season of work in project locations.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check.
• This role requires an on-the-road lifestyle for the term of employment.

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: $20-24/hr, depending on experience
• Full-Time, exempt position

Benefits:

• Access to industry pro-deals and discounted gym access, depending on location.
• Access Fund sponsored health, dental, vision, and FSA/HSA plans.
• Access Fund provides long- & short-term disability and life insurance.
• Access to a 403b retirement plan in which Access Fund matches up to 3% of salary after 1 year of employment.
• Paid vacation plus holidays and sick time. (There may also be scheduled, unpaid time off between projects.)
• Company vehicle, camping, and equipment provided for project-related work.