Head Routesetter

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS:

First Ascent is focused on growing a vibrant community that shares a passion for climbing and fitness. For more information, please visit www.faclimbing.com, or facebook.com/faclimbing.

Our mission at First Ascent Climbing and Fitness is to share our love of climbing, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, supportive spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and communities. We offer indoor rock climbing, high-end fitness equipment, classes, personal training, and yoga at each of our locations. First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is a growing company, and we are looking for people who will help us continually improve what we do as we discover how to best serve our members and visitors. We will look to you to help us be creative, think outside the box, evaluate what works and what does not, and implement changes effectively—and have a blast in the process.

The Head Routesetter will provide an exemplary experience for all who visit First Ascent Block 37 and Uptown through thoughtful implementation and administration of the routesetting program at these locations. Through their work, the Head Routesetter will help foster the continued growth and development of the climbing community. This requires someone with exceptional initiative, problem-solving skills, routesetting experience, and who is solution-oriented and thrives when working with others. You will report to the Director of Routesetting. This is a full-time salaried position with benefits.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with the Director of Routesetting on an ongoing basis to ensure that all concerns regarding routesetting at your location(s) 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 Director of Routesetting and other FA Head Routesetters to ensure consistency in routesetting operations, training, grading, and member experience from gym to gym
• Collaborate with the Director of Routesetting 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(s)
• 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(s) 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
• Provide a stable leadership presence for all First Ascent employees at your gym(s), regardless of department
• Periodically assist other FA Head Routesetters in the region with competitions and special events at their location

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Minimum 5 years of commercial routesetting experience
• Candidates with prior management experience will be strongly preferred
• Must be adept at setting and forerunning in any given style and on any given terrain, up to 5.13+ for sport climbs and V9 and above for boulders
• Ability to lift heavy loads (50+ lbs.) and complete strenuous physical labor on a regular basis
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and variable environment
• Must adhere to First Ascent commercial routesetting and work-at-height practices, and enforce these requirements with all routesetting staff
• Must demonstrate the ability to lead and work effectively with a team
• Must possess exceptional communication, organizational, and computer skills
• Must have an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge, a solution-oriented mindset, and love climbing and fitness
• Must represent First Ascent in a professional manner and be an exceptional ambassador of climbing
• USAC Routesetting certification levels and prior competition routesetting experience will be considered but are not required

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Base salary will be determined based on experience.
• Quarterly bonus tied to individual and company-wide performance
• Generous PTO package
• Health, Dental, Vision & Disability Insurance Offered
• 401(k) Plan Offered
• Development Fund Offered
• Free membership to all First Ascent locations
• Access to pro-deals
• Standard 9am to 5pm schedule, Monday through Friday
• Some weekends or nights may be required based on gym events and competitions

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Predominantly in a climate controlled indoor environment
• Noise level ranges from moderate to loud
• Employee must be able to concentrate through distraction and communicate effectively

EEO STATEMENT:
First Ascent is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. First Ascent does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. First Ascent prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.