Youth Climbing Coach

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt • Part-time: weekends, evenings, or varied hours for events • Reports To: Head of Youth Programming or Operations Manager, depending on role

About the role

Climbing coaches at Shaker Rocks play a key role in inspiring and empowering climbers of all ages and abilities. More than just teaching skills, our coaches spark confidence, foster strong coach-student connections, and guide each climber toward reaching their personal goals. By creating fun, supportive, and challenging experiences, coaches help nurture a passion for climbing that lasts a lifetime and encourage climbers to become active members of the broader climbing community.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead fun, challenging and purposeful practices, classes, and training sessions for youth and/or adult participants.
• Foster a positive and inclusive culture that supports personal growth, teamwork, and confidence.
• Maintain appropriate tracking of climber development.
• Ensure that course objectives are achieved while keeping sessions engaging and accessible.
• Adapt curriculum and coaching style to support a wide range of ages, abilities, and experience levels.
• Adhere to behavioral standards and community ethics for all courses.
• Exemplify, instruct, and monitor for proper climbing and belaying safety protocols.
• Be a team player by assisting other staff as appropriate.
• Demonstrate a positive influence on the Shaker Rocks community culture.
• Display a conscientious work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative spirit.
• Exemplify the Core Values of Shaker Rocks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2+ years of climbing and/or instructional experience
• Ability to be Top Rope Certified at Shaker Rocks

Preferred skills

• Ability to work with a wide range of ages and climbing abilities
• Experience coaching at a competitive level through USAC
• Experience in planning and instructing climbing practices/classes

Facility Environment and Physical Demands

• While performing the essential responsibilities of this job, the employee will be regularly required to:
  • Ascend/descend climbing walls
  • Sit in a harness
  • Stoop, kneel, and crouch
  • Walk up and down stairs
  • Walk and stand on hard and soft, even and uneven surfaces
  • Use both hands at the same time
  • Reach overhead with arms
  • Grip with hands
  • Talk, yell, and hear
  • Use a computer and other office equipment such as a copier
  • Use climbing equipment including but not limited to ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, belay devices, and carabiners
• The employee will regularly be required to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds, and occasionally to lift and/or carry between 25 and 100 pounds.
• The employee will regularly be exposed to chalk and other airborne particles, loud noise, falling objects, and trip hazards.

Pay

$17.00 per hour, with scheduled raises

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program - free confidential support for things like stress, anxiety, financial planning, and legal issues
• 401(K) Employer Match (based on plan eligibility requirements)
• Free membership to Shaker Rocks and a "plus one" membership after 6 months of employment
• Industry pro deals and in-gym retail discounts
• Professional development opportunities