Temporary Climbing Wall Route Setter

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, a diversely unique community, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, Syracuse offers a quintessential college experience with over 150 years of history.

About the role

Route setters are responsible for setting creative boulder problems and routes for top rope and sport lead climbing in an environment that welcomes and challenges climbers of all skill levels. Setters collaborate with student and professional climbing wall staff, Barnes Center staff, and the climbing community to address a variety of needs and develop the wall’s offerings. Responsibilities include all aspects of hold management—stripping, washing, sorting, and setting—while following safety protocols to create fun and accessible problems for climbers of different experience levels.

Responsibilities

• Create a variety of fun and accessible bouldering and top rope problems for climbers of different experience levels
• Forerun and adjust problems and route resets in a group environment
• Seek, accept, and give constructive feedback in a professional manner
• Participate in mentoring upcoming setters in the apprenticeship program
• Perform wall stripping, washing, and sorting of holds
• Maintain an organized and clean work area
• Manage risk in the facility’s climbing wall areas
• Support and be involved with competitions, events, and workshops
• Perform safety inspections of routes to identify fall hazards, rope drag concerns, etc.
• Maintain setting gear and equipment
• Organize and clean hold storage and setting rooms
• Assist with wall maintenance (spinners, t-nuts, etc.)
• Assist in implementing and enforcing facility rules
• Be polite and responsive to customer feedback
• Lift and carry heavy containers (over 50 lbs)

Requirements

• Two or more years of climbing experience
• In-depth knowledge of climbing techniques and movement
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Active involvement in the climbing community
• Ability to work with a team to give and receive constructive criticism
• Ability to work independently

Skills

• Ability to climb and forerun a variety of indoor climbing wall routes
• Comfortable working on ladders with tools at height
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand or walk for prolonged periods
• Experience working with hand-held power tools (impact driver, angle grinder, etc.)
• Rope and hardware management skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb and forerun a variety of indoor climbing wall routes
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand or walk for prolonged periods