What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Routesetter - Block 37 Bouldering Gym position at First Ascent LLC?
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 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 Gym Manager. This is a full-time salaried position with benefits.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work closely with the Gym Manager 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 other FA Head Routesetters to ensure consistency in routesetting operations, training, grading, and member experience from gym to gym
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 and payroll for all part time setters at your facility
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)
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.
Trimester bonus tied to individual and company-wide performance
Generous PTO package
Health, Dental, Vision & Disability Insurance Offered
401(k) Plan 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.