Head Route Setter

Agility Boulders — Santa Cruz, California

Agility Boulders is seeking an experienced and creative Head Route Setter to lead our route setting program and help shape the climbing experience in our gym.

This is a full-time leadership position for someone who views route setting not just as a job, but as a craft. The ideal candidate is excited to mentor other setters, elevate the quality and diversity of our climbing, and contribute to the broader culture of the gym. A part-time arrangement may be considered for the right candidate.

About Us

Agility Boulders is a community-focused bouldering gym in Santa Cruz, California. For the past five years we’ve built a reputation for thoughtful, engaging setting that welcomes climbers of all ages and abilities.

Our facility includes indoor climbing walls and an outdoor bouldering area, and our community ranges from first-time climbers to experienced crushers, youth teams, and longtime locals. We strive to create an environment where climbers feel challenged, supported, and inspired.

Role Overview

The Head Route Setter is a member of the gym’s leadership team and reports directly to the General Manager. This role oversees all aspects of the route setting program, including team leadership, setting schedules, hold and equipment management, safety practices, and the overall quality and diversity of climbing.

The Head Route Setter works closely with management to align route setting with programming, competitions, events, and instructional classes, ensuring the climbing experience remains dynamic and engaging.

This position is primarily hands-on and onsite, within a standard 40-hour work week, with occasional weekend responsibilities for competitions and events.

Key Responsibilities

Route setting Leadership (Approx. 60%)

• Lead and mentor the route setting team to create safe, creative, and engaging boulder problems for climbers of all levels
  • Plan and manage the weekly and long-term setting schedule (typically ~6 week rotation)
  • Provide weekly direction to setters including themes, movement prompts, and grade distribution
  • Maintain high standards for route quality, diversity of style, and progression across grades
  • Foster a collaborative and supportive team culture, providing feedback and professional development opportunities
  • Maintain and organize hold inventory, tools, and setting equipment
  • Coordinate with management on hold and feature purchasing decisions
  • Oversee stripping, hold washing, installation, and coordination of wall maintenance needs
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized setting environment
  • Ensure adherence to industry safety practices for working at height and tool usage
  • Support hiring, onboarding, and training of new setting staff

Gym Operations & Team Support (Approx. 40%)

• Contribute as a member of the gym’s leadership team in day-to-day operations
  • Support front desk staff and assist with customer service when needed
  • Help maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all climbers
  • Assist management in coordinating events, competitions, and programming
  • Communicate operational needs, ideas, and improvements with the General Manager
  • Support staff communication and help maintain strong team culture across departments

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Senior or Head Route Setter in a commercial climbing gym strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated high-level climbing and setting ability (V8+ setting proficiency preferred)
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills
  • Experience planning setting schedules and managing workload across a team
  • Comfortable working at height and operating standard route setting tools and power tools
  • Highly organized, dependable, and able to manage deadlines and priorities
  • Strong communication skills and a collaborative, community-oriented mindset

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Based on experience (paid bi-monthly)
  • Full health coverage with no employee premium contribution
  • Two weeks paid time off plus holidays observed by the business
  • 30% employee discount on retail products, snacks, and beverages
  • Access to pro-deal and industry discounts through retail partners
  • Full gym membership with guest privileges
  • Partner gym benefits including 2 free day passes per month
  • Salary increases based on biannual performance reviews

Why This Role Is Unique

This role is ideal for someone who wants to:

• Shape the creative direction of a gym’s setting program
  • Mentor and develop a strong team of setters
  • Play a meaningful role in a community-driven climbing gym
  • Help evolve the climbing experience at Agility Boulders

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
  • Brief description of your route setting experience and philosophy
  • Photos or video of recent problems you’ve set (if available)

Applications can be sent to:
Scott@agilityboulders.com