Head Coach & Instructor

Responsibilities

• Guide the overall vision and structure of the youth climbing teams, ensuring each team level has clear goals, consistent coaching, and a supportive environment.
• Build progressive training plans that develop movement skills, strength, strategy, and confidence for climbers at different ages and experience levels.
• Lead practices that balance challenge and encouragement, maintain athlete engagement, and promote safe, thoughtful climbing habits.
• Provide individualized guidance, track development, and help athletes set meaningful goals for both training and competition.
• Prepare athletes for competitions, coordinate logistics, and coach at events throughout the season.
• Recruit, train, and mentor assistant coaches; ensure coaching methods are aligned and consistent across the program.
• Work with route setters and gym leadership to ensure scheduling and program needs are met.
• Maintain open, professional communication with parents and guardians regarding expectations, schedules, and athlete progress.
• Organize tryouts, team meetings, mock competitions, and team-building activities.
• Uphold all safety procedures, teach proper warm-ups, and respond appropriately to injuries or incidents.
• Manage rosters, attendance, competition registration, and program logistics; participate in planning meetings and contribute to long-term program development.

Qualifications

• Prior experience coaching youth athletes in a competitive climbing program.
• Strong understanding of climbing movement, training fundamentals, and safe practices.
• Experience guiding a team, with the ability to give clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Skilled at connecting with youth, families, staff, and members of the community through clear communication and a supportive, approachable demeanor.
• Open to receiving constructive feedback from peers, supervisors, and climbers, and able to integrate it into practices and classes.
• Understanding of USAC rules, formats, and seasonal structure.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, events, schedules, and priorities simultaneously while maintaining high standards.
• Experience creating structured training plans and instructional curricula for youth athletes.
• Top rope & lead belay and climbing experience.
• A deep love for climbing and a commitment to nurturing a positive, inclusive community for all climbers.
• Prior experience teaching climbing classes, clinics, or private lessons in a structured indoor environment.
• Comfortable adjusting lessons to meet the needs, goals, and abilities of individual climbers.
• Able to explain concepts clearly, offer guidance in an encouraging way, and adapt communication style to different learners.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to represent the gym’s values while working with class participants.
• CPR/First Aid and SafeSport Certifications (or the ability to acquire them within 60 days of starting).
• USAC L2 Coach Certification (or the ability to acquire it within 60 days of starting).
• Experience preparing athletes for regional or national-level competitions preferred.

Hours and Schedule

16-18 hours per week (+ more during competition season).

Able to work regular evening and weekend shifts to support team practices and events.

Willing to travel for competitions and team-related events throughout the season.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay commensurate on candidate’s experience (expected range between $19-20 per hour).

Free Ruckus Membership + monthly guest passes.

Access to industry pro deals and in-gym retail discounts.

To Apply

Please email your resume to hello@ruckusclimbinggym.com.