Outdoor Climbing Guide

National Ability Center•Park City, UT

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Team: For over 40 years, the National Ability Center has been breaking barriers and expanding what’s possible through life-changing adaptive sports and outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. Now, we’re looking for passionate climbers ready to turn their skills into meaningful impact. Spend your summer guiding participants up incredible rock faces while building confidence, independence, and lifelong memories through adaptive recreation. This is more than a guiding job — it’s an opportunity to use your technical expertise, creativity, and leadership to push boundaries, solve challenges in real time, and be part of a team that believes adventure should have no limits. If you thrive in dynamic outdoor environments, love working with people, and want every day at work to make a real impact, we want you on our team. Job Summary: The Adaptive Outdoor Climbing Guide is responsible for taking the lead on creating inclusive outdoor rock-climbing experiences for individuals with physical, sensory, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities. This role involves providing safe, empowering, and accessible instruction tailored to each participant’s unique abilities. This is a part-time, seasonal position from May through September. It requires regular weekend and after-hours work as well as occasional overnight work depending on program needs. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) certification or equivalent required.
3 years of experience in outdoor climbing, including both trad and sport climbing.
Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) with First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain.
Valid Driver’s License.
Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical.
Pass pre-employment background check.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.
Knowledge of a variety of disabilities and ability to communicate effectively and connect with participants and their families.
Provide first aid and emergency response when necessary.
Ability to adapt and use innovative solutions to provide personalized experiences for every participant based on their individual needs and goals.
Outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to support program needs with a proactive and solution-oriented initiative.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a quick-paced environment.
Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively and collaboratively within a team.
Commitment to a positive, fun, and team-oriented working environment while promoting the NAC Values.
Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors while running programming activities in various weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions.
Ability to drive a 15-passenger vehicle.
Regular travel to designated outdoor climbing locations.
Available and willing to work a non-traditional schedule that may include occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially as needed for projects and special events.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience working with a variety of disabilities.
Knowledge of local climbing areas, access regulations, and seasonal conditions.
Knowledge of adaptive climbing systems and equipment (e.g., counter-balance systems, mechanical advantage systems, seated harness, chest harness, ascenders, etc..).

Responsibilities

Facilitate inclusive outdoor climbing experiences for individuals and/or groups with disabilities at designated locations.
Instruct participants in climbing techniques, knots, safety procedures, and climbing ethics.
Adapt climbing instruction to meet a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive needs.
Set up, inspect, and maintain climbing systems, including adaptive rigging (anchors, ropes, belay devices, adaptive gear, etc.).
Conduct pre-trip/pre-lesson assessments and communicate with participants and caregivers to understand individual needs.
Monitor and manage client safety throughout trips and lessons and adapt plans for weather, group needs, or hazards.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of instructors, volunteers, and interns.
Uphold and educate clients on Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship.
Build and maintain strong relationships with participants, families, and community partners; address participant concerns and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and necessary support for every individual participant.
Assist with key fundraising events and other special events as needed to help advance program goals and support; serves as an ambassador and representative for the National Ability Center.