Team Coach - Arlington Heights

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is looking for an individual with terrific communication skills and initiative who is solution-oriented, and thrives when challenged. This role will receive direction and support from the First Ascent lead coach in Arlington Heights. This is a part-time role with the primary hours between 4-8pm on weekdays. The season runs from the Tuesday after Labor Day through June 30th, with the possibility of further work in the summer to motivated and organized individuals.

This position requires someone who is inspired to teach youth in a competitive program, who is knowledgeable in climbing, willing to learn, and who is comfortable working with a diverse group of youth, parents, climbers, and route setters. 

The below responsibilities are subject to change based on the needs of the organization. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist the lead coach to execute, and contribute to, a training plan that the team will follow through the 10 month season, September through June.

• Execute climbing team practices with efficiency and accuracy

• Work with competitive youth climbers aged 6-18

•  Regular communication with the lead coach to ensure any concerns or issues are addressed in a timely manner

• Occasional travel to coach athletes participating in youth competitions, this includes working some weekends based on competitions and events

• Manage space usage between team and commercial members

• Teach technique on and off the wall

• Potential for team boulder setting during the season

                  EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

● Minimum 3 years of climbing gym experience, including youth instruction

● Minimum 1 years of experience training and educating youth climbers 

● Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and variable environment 

● 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 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

● 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 

PERKS & BENEFITS: 

● Free membership to all First Ascent locations

● Access to pro-deals

● Access to First Ascent’s Employee Assistance Program

● Pay begins at $16-18/hour

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.