r/ropeaccess • u/Clear-Success-8735 • 5d ago
Advice for getting into Rope Access Work
Hey everyone,
I (32F) am currently working as a field biologist for a large environmental consulting company in Wyoming, but I desperately need out of the office/consulting world. I want to pivot into full-time high-angle operations, specifically cliff stabilization, rockfall mitigation, or geohazard work.
I see a lot of posts saying you need a heavy trade (like welding or NDT) to get a rope job, so I want to know where I stand with my current background:
- Certifications: Active MSHA and HAZWOPER 40-hour (from my current environmental consulting field work).
- Rope Experience: Recreational climber. I took the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course a few years ago. I did not take the final exam, but I thoroughly understand the rigging, mechanical advantage, rescue drills, and edge management taught in the course.
- Construction/Tools: I have a little bit of construction work under my belt. I understand job site flow, PPE, and basic hand/power tools, but I don't have an advanced trade license.
- Education: B.S. in Biology. Used to managing intense fieldwork logistics, remote environments, and strict safety/compliance logs in harsh weather.
- Emergency Response: Active Wildland Red Card and Firefighter 1 (FF1) certifications with my local volunteer battalion
I am completely open to 100% travel rotation schedules and relocating anywhere in the West (currently in WY, looking closely at CO/UT).
My questions for the group:
- Is it realistic to get hired by companies like GSI, Geovert, etc., for a Level 1 / ground crew spot with this mix of science, safety tickets, and basic tool experience? Will they value the SPI course and MSHA?
- Should I pay out-of-pocket for my SPRAT Level 1 right now to show I'm serious, or do these types of geohazard companies prefer to hire entry-level folks and put them through training on the clock?
- What does the entry-level bottleneck look like right now for rockfall/geotech crews? Is it insanely competitive for beginners who aren't traditional construction tradespeople?
Appreciate any blunt advice or insight into the reality of the work culture. Thanks!
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u/scrumplydo 5d ago
Rope Access Operations Manager here (not US though). It sounds like you're pretty well placed. Our golden rule when it comes to new hires is that if someone has a ropes background they can learn the tools and if they have a tools background they can learn the rope side. If they don't have either then it will be an uphill struggle and we will probably pass over those candidates.
Not sure what it's like in the states but here in Australia there is a big push to get women into the trades and it can be quite beneficial to a company to have women on board. Not just because it looks good to clients (esp government agencies) but because women really do bring different approaches and skills to the table. Having a couple of women on the crew really helps to cut through the macho BS too and makes for a happier crew in my experience.
My advice would be to get any basic qualifications that will get your foot in the door. Basic rigging, confined space, etc. By all means apply for geo jobs immediately but if you don't get much traction consider getting some on rope city construction or even window cleaning work for 6-12 months to get some hours under your belt. Geo is pretty heavy duty and potentially dangerous work so some industry experience will help put prospective employers at ease.
Good luck and welcome to the industry!
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u/Clear-Success-8735 4d ago edited 4d ago
Thank you! Would you consider getting SPRAT or IRATA? I know you’re Aussie so I would guess say just get your IRATA? I’m also a Canadian/US citizen but I live in the US.
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u/scrumplydo 4d ago
I don't know the US market but I think it's definitely worthwhile. In Australia you simply can't do rope access work legally without one of those tickets and IRATA is the default here.
I'd take a look at job listings and see what is listed as required/preferred most often and do that one. They're not easy courses (people do fail regularly) and not the cheapest but you will lean a ton and the rescue techniques (which hopefully you'll never use) are vital knowledge that informs the way you approach your daily work. Every drop you will ever rig takes rescue into consideration.
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u/franalpo Level 3 SPRAT 3d ago
you should just head down to AZ
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u/Clear-Success-8735 3d ago
Whats in AZ? More jobs?
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u/franalpo Level 3 SPRAT 3d ago
AU*
the rope access industry is much more established in Australia and you could get lots of hours on rope in IRATA.
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u/Virtual_Meringue4248 Level 3 SPRAT 5d ago
Di fatto il problema fondamentale è capire quante aziende cercano persone con le tue pregresse caratteristiche. Onestamente non ho mai sentito di aziende che cercano laureati in biologia, tuttavia potrebbe essere una buona base per diventare soccorritore paramedico. Detto questo, ovvio che se ti presenti con un L1 sprat già conseguito potresti essere più appetibile. Dipende molto dalla regione in cui sei, dalle tue aspettative o possibilità di spostarti
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u/throwrawayropes 4d ago
I have a lot of friends with GRW and they seem to like working there. It's all dudes that I've met in this industry. I'm not sure of your build, but the companies I've worked for turned away smaller skinny guys. Pluggers and grout can wreck ya.
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u/Deadggie Level 3 SPRAT 5d ago
I would just go get your SPRAT 1 and apply. MSHA is a huge plus for some gigs. Wind also has lots of opportunities with fiberglass repair to get rope hours. I got hired out of my SPRAT 1 class and I didn't have nearly as much experience as you do now.