Head Setter - Peoria

First Ascent LLC•Peoria, IL

7d•$18 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is on a mission to share our love of climbing with everyone, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, uplifting spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and communities. We are seeking a Head Setter in Peoria, Illinois. As the Head Setter at First Ascent, you play a critical role in creating engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring climbing experiences for climbers of all abilities. We are looking for an individual with terrific communication skills and exceptional initiative who is solution-oriented, and thrives when challenged. You’ll receive direction and support from the Peoria leadership team to align with gym goals, challenge and inspire climbers, and reflect a wide range of styles and movements. We’re committed to building a diverse routesetting team and encourage individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, strengths, and perspectives to apply. We value a strong work ethic, openness to feedback, and enthusiasm for learning. This is a full-time hourly position with benefits. The responsibilities are subject to change based on the needs of the organization.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of climbing gym experience, including route setting and youth instruction
Must be adept at setting and forerunning climbs in any given style and on any given terrain
Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and variable environment
Must adhere to safe route setting and work-at-height practices, and enforce these requirements with other routesetting staff to maintain a safe workplace
Must possess the ability to thrive in a teamwork-based environment
Must be able to take constructive feedback well and to transform it into lasting positive changes
Must possess exceptional communication and organizational skills. Must have an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge, and love climbing and fitness
A positive attitude, flexible working style, and creative problem-solving skills are required
Must represent First Ascent in a professional manner and be an exceptional ambassador of climbing
Exceptional communication and creative problem-solving skills
Friendly demeanor, positive attitude and adaptability to various personality types Flexible working style and ability to multi-task, set priorities and manage time effectively
Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and love of climbing and fitness
Demonstrated knowledge of climbing equipment and proper belay technique
Ability to forerun the most difficult routes and boulders for our community
Ability to lift 50 lbs or more and perform strenuous physical labor regularly
Ability to work at height and on ladders
Ability to stand, reach, bend, climb, and move throughout the facility for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Prior management experience will be strongly considered but is not required
USAC Routesetting certification levels and prior competition routesetting experience will be considered but are not required

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Gym Manager for your facility on an ongoing basis to ensure that all concerns regarding routesetting there are addressed in a timely manner
Collaborate with the Gym Manager and other relevant staff to achieve gym and organization wide initiatives and goals
Collaborate with the Gym Manager and other relevant staff to set and maintain the target density, curve of grades, and turnover interval for all climbs at your facility
Manage / oversee all routesetting sessions at your gym and ensure that both quality and production are up to First Ascent standards
Procure and maintain supplies and equipment relevant to routesetting operations or that fall under WaH oversight protocols
Schedule routesetting activities for staff at your location
Ensure that all other daily and weekly duties of the routesetting team are executed for your location (hold stripping / washing, wall upkeep, organization of the hold room and setting supplies, etc.)
Ensure that all other daily and weekly duties of the routesetting team are executed for your location (hold stripping / washing, wall upkeep, organization of the hold room and setting supplies, etc.)
Ensure that all First Ascent Work at Height standards and risk-mitigation protocols in place are followed
Manage inspection duties for your location as scheduled (execution, logging, and delegation to other staff as required)
Hire new part-time staff and train and develop them as needed in all relevant tasks (routesetting, work at height, hold washing, inspection, etc.)
Evaluate and provide mentorship for your team throughout each stage of the routesetting process
Assist the Gym Leadership team with ongoing facility maintenances