The Routesetter is a fully skilled, experienced setter who takes pride in the quality of the climbing experience on the wall. This is not an entry-level or developmental position — you bring the craft, the movement knowledge, and the judgment to set at a commercial standard and contribute meaningfully to every setting day. You set routes and boulder problems that are hazard-free, well-featured, and worth climbing. You forerun collaboratively, speak up about what isn’t working, and welcome the same honesty from your teammates. Feedback isn’t a threat — it’s how the product gets better, and you treat it that way. You show up to every set ready to work with your team, not just alongside them. You share beta, flag concerns early, and leave your ego at the door when the forerun reveals something needs to change. That collaborative instinct is what makes the whole wall better, not just your section of it.

About 5.Life

5.Life is a community-driven climbing company with multiple gyms designed to inspire a lifelong love for climbing. Founded in 1994 as Vertical Adventures, we’ve expanded to offer diverse climbing experiences tailored to each local community. Our spaces—ranging from traditional rock climbing gyms to bouldering centers and training facilities—welcome climbers of all levels, fostering an inclusive, family-centered environment. Rooted in core values of community, adventure, and growth, we believe climbing can transform lives, and we’re dedicated to building not just gyms but communities that embrace challenge and connection.

Description

You report directly to the 5.Life Head of Routesetting at your facility.

Responsibilities

Route Setting & Quality

Set to the 5.Life quality standard — hazard free, well-featured, and appropriately graded
Set across the full grade range, including setting and forerunning boulder problems and routes beyond your personal onsight limit
Forerun all routes and boulder problems before opening; adjust based on forerun feedback
Design movement sequences that teach technique, reward effort, and engage climbers of all levels
Maintain accurate route logs, route tags, and tape — current and guest-ready at all times
Rotate the wall on schedule, meeting or exceeding stripping, washing, and setting quotas
Contribute to section and grade distribution planning to keep the wall diverse and accessible

Risk Management & Facility Integrity

Perform weekly inspections of routes, hardware, and fall zones; document findings in inspection logs
Identify and address fall hazards, spinner holds, bad t-nuts, and structural issues promptly
Maintain all personal setting gear, PPE, and shared equipment in safe working condition
Apply rope and hardware management best practices on every setting day
Enforce facility rules as a credible, visible presence on the floor
Report risks, quality, or personnel concerns to the Head Setter immediately

Hold & Setting Room Management

Strip and wash holds thoroughly; sort and store by shape, size, and color in an organized system
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the setting room, setter areas, and hold storage
Track hold inventory and communicate needs to the Head Setter proactively
Perform t-nut replacement, volume maintenance, and general wall repairs as assigned

Communication & Collaboration

Communicate clearly and proactively with the Head Setter and setting team
Relay guest and member feedback with context — not just complaints, but patterns and specifics
Give and receive constructive setting feedback professionally; contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
Participate in team forerun sessions and contribute to route adjustments collaboratively
Complete all pre- and post-shift tasks accountably and on time
Be polite and responsive to guests on the floor

Mentorship & Community

Mentor and support apprentice routesetters; model professionalism, craft, and accountability
Participate in competitions, clinics, events, and workshops at your home facility and other 5.Life locations
Stay actively engaged in the broader climbing community — indoors and outdoors
Represent 5.Life’s Core Values in all interactions

Results

You’re succeeding in this role when:

Every route and boulder problem you set meets the 5.Life quality standard — hazard free, well-featured, and worth the climb
You set and forerun independently across the full grade range without requiring ongoing supervision or correction
Your section of the wall turns over on schedule; the Head Setter can rely on you to meet quotas without follow-up
Inspections are completed on time and any issues are escalated promptly with clear, actionable information
Route logs, tags, and tape are always current — guests and staff can trust them
The setting room is clean and organized; hold inventory is maintained without being asked
Your feedback exchanges with teammates are professional, constructive, and make the product better
Apprentice setters improve because of the guidance and modeling they receive from you
Events and competitions run smoothly because you showed up prepared and contributed without being directed
Guests experience the wall as safe, challenging, and worth coming back for — and you’re part of why

Requirements

You Must Have

Minimum 2–3 years of commercial routesetting experience
Demonstrated ability to set and forerun routes and boulder problems at and above your personal onsight limit
In-depth knowledge of climbing technique, body positioning, and movement across styles (compression, slab, overhang, technical face)
Ability to set across the full commercial grade range — beginner-accessible through advanced
Physical ability to perform setting duties using ropes, ascenders, and ladders for extended periods
Knowledge of solo belay techniques and use of setting equipment and PPE
Ability to lift and carry heavy containers (50+ lbs)
Dependable, punctual, and consistent — your availability and reliability affect the entire setting operation
Demonstrated ability to give and receive constructive feedback professionally
Availability to work special events, clinics, and competitions at home and other 5.Life facilities, including evenings and weekends
Experience using hand-held power tools (impact driver, angle grinder, etc.)

Preferred (Not Required)

USA Climbing (USAC) Setter Certification Level 1 or higher
PRS & CWI certification or equivalent training
Experience mentoring or training apprentice setters
Experience setting for competitions, youth programs, or team-specific setting contexts
Outdoor climbing experience — multipitch, trad, sport, or bouldering
Familiarity with youth climbing team programming and team-specific setting needs

Compensation & Benefits