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 Joshua Tree National Park. The Climber Stewards are a part of Access Fund’s stewardship & education programming. The Climber Steward will work alongside Access Fund, Joshua Tree National Park staff, and Friends of Joshua Tree to connect, inspire, and educate visiting climbers on the most relevant beta for how to recreate responsibly while visiting Joshua Tree.

The Joshua Tree Climber Stewards will help 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. If you have a passion for protecting climbing areas and love engaging with and educating other climbers, this is your chance to help preserve a legendary climbing area 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 Saturday and 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 special events each season that are designed to further engage with and build a community of stewardship and respectful visitation. Events could 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 within the Park.

  • Data Collection & Monitoring - Climber Stewards will collect visitor use data to understand user trends and impacts to better inform sustainable park management.

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 Joshua Tree and its protection.

  • 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: Climber 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.

  • 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

  • Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to transport bulky supplies to and from Climber Coffee locations. 

  • 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

  • Knowledge of Joshua Tree climbing areas and history.

  • 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 Level 2 Instructor & Wilderness First Aid certifications.

  • Preference will be given to Joshua Tree region locals, high desert residents or applicants with lodging in the Morongo Basin. Friends of Joshua Tree will assist with camping locations if needed.

Commitment: Position to begin with orientation and training October 15-18, 2026 and run until March 28th, 2027.  

The Climber Stewards will be expected to work every Saturday & Sunday with additional hours during the week for administration, planning, and special events. Total hours will be no greater than 20 hours/week.

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/hr, depending on experience.

  • Paid sick time accrued with each pay period.

  • Access to industry pro-deals.

  • The Climber Steward will be signed up as a Park volunteer and can submit hours to earn a free annual interagency pass for 1 year. A required number of 250 hours is needed to earn the pass.

To Apply:  Please send a cover letter and resume with “Joshua Tree Climber Steward” in the subject line to employment@accessfund.org by August 7th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain 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.

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