Anchor Maintenance Apprentice

Anchor Maintenance Apprentice (hourly part-time)

August 1, 2022

Organizational Information

The mission of the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance is to serve as the unified voice of all climbers in the greater Wasatch region, engaging as an advocate to protect outdoor climbing access and as a steward to maintain sustainable climbing resources in the Wasatch and surrounding regions. Striving to strengthen the climbing community through the inclusion of all climbers is paramount to our mission. In the spirit of community, the SLCA is dedicated to the inclusion of those who care for Wasatch climbing resources regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, social class, gender identity and expression, sexuality, ability, or age. The SLCA expressly has a No Tolerance harassment policy that extends to both acts of discrimination and sexual harassment/assault.  We believe in the power of rock climbing to enrich lives. We ensure the community can continue to go climbing at well-managed and sustainable climbing areas.

The mission of the SLCA’s fixed anchor maintenance program is to assess the current condition of established anchors, identify and monitor current and future maintenance needs, and replace antiquated and unreliable anchors as necessary and in partnership with land owners and agencies.

About this Role 

The Anchor Maintenance Apprentice role grew from the SLCA’s 2020-2022 season to assist SLCA’s Anchor Maintenance Technicians and the Anchor Maintenance Coordinator with site specific logistics. This role is designed to provide mentorship and on the job training for an opportunity to become a part time Anchor Maintenance Technician with the SLCA in 2023.  

The Anchor Maintenance Apprentice will be assisting the Anchor Maintenance Program for the remainder of the 2022 season (August - November). This individual(s) will be required to attend at least 10 of the work days of the approximate 40 days remaining for this 2022 season.   All projects are scheduled at the dates below.  

- August 15-19, 2022

- August 27-28: Salt Lake Climbing Festival 

- August 29 - September 2

- September 12 - 13: Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit

- September 26-30

- October 10-14

- October 31 -November 4

The Anchor Maintenance Program operates on a week by week schedule.  Generally work weeks range from 20-40 hrs a week depending on location and scope of work. This apprentice will work under the direction of the Anchor Coordinator and supervision/mentorship of the Technicians. 

Location 

This position will work remotely and on project sites within the SLCA’s geographic scope unless otherwise approved by the SLCA’s Executive Director. Travel mileage will be reimbursed and a meal stipend is provided on multi-day remote projects.

Position Responsibilities

  • Participate in the prioritization process and planning of anchor maintenance projects in support of the SLCA’s vertical stewardship mission of Wasatch climbing areas.

  • Perform authorized anchor maintenance and installation projects in coordination with the Anchor Maintenance Coordinator and Technicians.

  • Participate as a team member in the planning, preparation, execution and break-down of anchor maintenance projects.

  • Assist with the planning, preparation and facilitation of anchor education workshops for the SLCA community.

  • Assist in filling out necessary documentation under the guidance of the Anchor Maintenance Coordinator and Anchor Maintenance Technicians. 

  • Assist Anchor Maintenance Technicians with load carrying, ground support and inventory.

  • Track mileage and hours on free apps.

  • Become familiar with the SLCA’s Fall Protection Handbook.

  • Availability and commitment to a part-time hourly and seasonal work schedule listed above.

  • Complete SLCA anchor maintenance projects under the coordination of the Anchor Maintenance Coordinator and Anchor Maintenance Technicians.

  • Participate in an end of the year 360 review of personal performance and program strength, weakness, opportunities, threats.

  • Work may include but is not limited to: anchor maintenance, removal of old hardwear, placement of new hardwear, learning work-at-height skills, hybrid climbing access skills, site safety, Job Hazard Analysis, Work Safety Plan, job planning, job debrief and community outreach.

Qualifications

Good candidates for this position would: 

  • Enjoy the challenge and the environment, but understand this is work, not personal recreation. 

  • Will participate in and complete yearly SLCA staff training including reviewing SLCA’s Employee Handbook and this job description.

  • Complete apprenticeship training under the guidance of the Anchor Maintenance Coordinator after hired. 

  • Access to a personal vehicle with insurance coverage to travel to the work site and willingness to carpool with other anchor staff.

  • A high level of self and situational awareness.  

  • Can communicate clearly with staff and techs via email and text messaging.

  • Familiarity with the local climbing resources is important.

  • Ability to take directions from Anchor Maintenance Coordinator and Anchor Maintenance Technicians. 

  • May have prior experience installing climbing, engineered structural, or construction anchors.

  • May have previous construction trades or mechanical experience.

  • Actively participate in the SLCA Work Safety Plan and the use of Fall Protection Systems and Work Processes as prescribed by the Coordinator.

  • Install and document new anchors, and use equipment, specifically according to the manufacturer’s Instructions For Use and the SLCA’s Operations Manual.

  • Respect climbing resources by following SLCA’s Best Practices and appreciate the craftsmanship of a well-executed project.

Physical Requirements

  • Competency and experience on a variety of single- and multi-pitch climbing terrain, and proficiency in lead climbing on both traditional and sport climbs.

  • Free-, aid-, rope- climbing, and hiking with heavy packs (up to 75 lbs) for access and transport of tools and materials to and from the work sites.

  • Strenuous movement in different positions on rope to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight, confined, high-angle, exposed, and overhanging spaces.

  • Lifting or moving objects and materials (up to 75 lbs) in all directions.

  • Communicating with others verbally and in written or digital reports to exchange project information.

  • Operating hand tools and power tools.

  • Operating in outdoor elements and conditions such as cold or hot temperatures, precipitation, sun, and wind.

Position Information

100% operations

Compensation 

  • Apprentice = $18-20/hour depending on experience  plus potential for annual re-employment raise.

  • Mileage reimbursement quarterly at the IRS standard mileage rate.

  • Meal stipend is provided on multi-day remote projects.

To Apply

There’s no such thing as a perfect candidate, so don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. You don’t need 100% of the preferred qualifications to add incredible value to our team. Our climbing community comes from all different backgrounds, and so do our employees and volunteers. If you’re passionate about what you could accomplish here, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a short cover letter and an applicable resume to anchors@saltlakeclimbers.org. Closing date is August 8th, 2022 with start date August 15th, 2022. If you are unsure how to write a letter of interest or resume, or could use a refresher, consider the following guidance: https://bit.ly/2JJPj5H.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time.

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Julia Geisler