Climbing Wall Supervisor

Regular part-time, non-exempt, benefited position up to 27 hours a week. Hiring range: $19.00–$22.00 per hour.

About the role

Under the direction of the Senior Recreation Manager, the Climbing Wall Supervisor assists with the oversight of daily operations at the outdoor climbing wall at Millcreek Common. This role encompasses facility upkeep and maintenance, staffing and scheduling support, customer relations, and management of service contractors to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Positions supervised:

• Recreation Shift Leads
• Recreation Crew Members
• Sport Equipment Vendors
• Service contractors and tradesmen
• Millcreek volunteers (in a limited capacity)

Responsibilities

• Support operations for the climbing wall and associated programs at Millcreek Common.
• Supervise Recreation Shift Leads and Crew Members, including scheduling, safety, training, and climbing/belaying instruction.
• Provide supervision of climbing wall participants, including belaying and spotting.
• Secure the climbing wall after hours.
• Assist in overseeing programming such as belay clinics, top rope or lead program training and testing, summer camp programs, and other climbing-related initiatives.
• Teach and demonstrate proper use of climbing wall equipment (harnesses, belay devices, shoes, etc.).
• Provide safety protocols, customer service, and workforce training for Millcreek personnel.
• Oversee maintenance and upkeep of the climbing wall, including wall panel replacement, T-bolt replacement/rethreading, speed wall equipment upkeep, route setting, belay device servicing, and installing top rope, lead anchors, and equipment.
• Notify management of faulty or old equipment needing replacement or retirement.
• Assist in defining, maintaining, and enforcing policies and procedures for recreational programs.
• Support Recreation Managers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations, larger events, and recreation programs across Millcreek Common.
• Assist in the management and enforcement of the Rules of Conduct for Millcreek Common.
• Work with the Facilities Department to ensure day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the common.
• Assist in managing inventory of tools, equipment, vehicles, and consumable items, potentially using asset management digital platforms.
• Assist in purchasing, maintaining, and servicing recreation sport equipment.
• Respond to general climbing-related communication via hello@millcreekcommon.org, phone, email, and other online inquiries and reviews.
• Ensure satisfactory performance of contractor-provided services.
• Resolve escalated customer, operational, and facility-related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a climbing gym or outdoor climbing.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working at a climbing gym or similar recreational activity.
• Two of the last five years managing or supervising staff, contracted tradesmen, or service contractors in facilities management (preferred).
• OSHA "Working at Heights" certification (preferred).
• Climbing Wall Association "CWI Level 3 Certification" (preferred).
• Dry tooling experience (preferred).

Skills

• Proficient top rope and lead belayer.
• In-depth climbing knowledge, including knots, hitches, and belaying with an Assisted Breaking Device (ABD).
• Route setting experience with ropes.
• Knowledge of climbing equipment and proper use based on manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Ability to provide high-level customer service and use tact and diplomacy under stressful situations.
• Strong decision-making and judgment skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, volunteers, city officials, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage and improve established processes and policies.
• Experience leading teams and fostering collaboration.
• Willingness to train and transfer knowledge to colleagues, subordinates, volunteers, and contractors.
• Ability to work self-sufficiently outside of normal business hours.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a mixed indoor/outdoor environment. The role requires the ability to:

• Lift at least 50 lbs. and handle or move more weight with assistance.
• Work in transitional settings, including sitting at a workstation, working at heights on or inside the climbing wall, and moving between indoor and outdoor environments.
• Perform physical tasks such as stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting.
• Operate office equipment, material handling equipment, utility vehicles (e.g., forklift, Zamboni), and other tools.
• Communicate verbally and visually in the normal range with or without correction.

The nature of the role requires working outside of traditional business hours and workweeks, with schedules provided in advance.