Public Lands Associate

~ The Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. Founded in 1991, the Access Fund supports and represents over 2.3 million climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing: rock, ice, mountaineering, and bouldering. ~

No one loves our climbing landscapes and the experiences they offer quite the same way that climbers do. But we must be willing and committed to fight for them. Not just for access, but for the integrity of these amazing places.

As our sport continues to grow in popularity, overcrowding is stressing these outdoor landscapes beyond their ability to recover naturally. This not only threatens access, but it degrades the climbing areas that we hold so dear.

Today, 1 in 5 climbing areas in the United States is threatened by an access issue-whether its private land lost to development, public land managers over-regulating climbing, or climber impacts degrading the environment, the list of threats is long and constantly evolving.

But they can be managed. At Access Fund, we are on a mission to protect climbing access and the integrity of America's outdoor climbing areas. 

Position Overview 

The Access Fund is hiring a Public Lands Associate to assist with public land planning and decision making processes. The Public Lands Associate will play a crucial role in the development and implementation of public land plans and management alternatives as it relates to climbing.

The Public Lands Associate will support local climbing communities through grassroots advocacy that promotes the mission of the Access Fund to protect climbing access and conserve the climbing environment. The individual will be selected for their technical competency as well as their ability to lead and inspire the climbing community.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position that will work from one of the following locations: Boulder, CO; Tucson, AZ; or Washington D.C. Some degree of flexibility may be afforded the right candidate.

We encourage individuals to apply who are interested in improving America's climbing, as well as enjoy technical writing and research, developing creative solutions to complex problems, traveling frequently, and working with diverse people.

Responsibilities 

• Research, analyze, and develop NEPA and other land planning documents alongside the Access Fund Policy Director and Stewardship Director.
• Write comment letters regarding NEPA and other land planning processes.
• Organize grassroots climbing advocacy efforts.
• Help develop tools for inventory and assessment of climbing areas.
• Attend public land agency meetings.
• Travel to climbing areas to meet with land managers, conduct site assessments, and interface with local climbing organizations.
• Represent the Access Fund and the climbing community in a positive, professional manner. 

Qualifications  

Required 

• Bachelor or advanced degree in a scientific or technical discipline related, but not limited to, environmental assessment, compliance review principles, biological sciences, resource management, geography, ecology/environmental studies, natural resource management, public policy and administration, and/or environmental law.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating, researching, investigating, and/or developing public land management documents (NEPA or other planning processes).
• Familiarity with climbing practices, policy issues, and management.
• Ability to work independently with proven time and task management skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) including public speaking.
• Ability to be diplomatic, calm, and thoughtful in contentious situations.
• Willingness to travel to project locations around the US and the ability to physically negotiate rough, uneven, undeveloped terrain typical of climbing areas and approaches to climbing areas. 

Preferred 

• Experience with local political campaigns, grassroots advocacy, and/or lobbying.
• Volunteer management skills.
• Proficiency using ArcGIS, GPS, and other mapping applications.
• Extensive climbing experience.
• Knowledge of recreation management fundamentals. 

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, medical, dental, disability, and life insurance. Pro-deals with qualifying outdoor industry corporate partners.

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a résumé (including a section on climbing experience), writing sample, references, and cover letter specifically addressing your qualifications as related to the position.
• Please indicate "Public Lands Associate" in the e-mail subject. 
• You should receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application within two business days. No calls or paper submissions, please.
• The application deadline is August 14, 2015. 

~ The Access Fund is an equal opportunity employer, compliant with all federal and applicable state laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. The Access Fund provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. ~