Head Route Setter

The Head Route Setter at 5.Life leads the route-setting program, ensuring high-quality experiences for members, developing team skills, and maintaining climbing wall standards. This position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to safety and inclusivity, creating an engaging environment for all.

Performance Metrics

• Route Quality and Turnover: 90% of routes and boulders reset according to schedule.
• Team Development and Efficiency:Ensure 100% team completion of professional training annually.
• Achieve a Gallup Q12 survey score of 3.75 or higher.
  Conduct annual performance reviews with 100% of route setters for feedback and growth.
• Facility and Equipment Maintenance:Maintain and inspect all holds, tools, and equipment monthly, with 100% completion.
• Resolve maintenance issues within 72 hours.

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Functional oversight by the Director of Operations and Department Heads.

Supervises Lead Route Setters and Apprentices.

Key Responsibilities
Manage Route Setting Team:

• Lead, inspire, and support a diverse team of route setters, including employees and contractors.
• Recruit, train, and manage new route setters, fostering growth for experienced team members.
• Oversee daily operations, including route setting, stripping, and hold washing.
• Maintain accurate timesheets and route logs.

Route Setting Program & Wall Maintenance:

• Collaborate on monthly and annual budgets with facility management.
• Plan and execute a route-setting schedule that meets customer needs and minimizes disruption.
• Coordinate with other 5.Life locations for program consistency.
• Maintain routes and ensure that storage areas are organized and safe.
• Inspect walls, holds, bolts, and equipment to ensure functionality and safety.

Competitions & Special Events:

• Serve as Chief Route Setter for local competitions; manage crews, schedule routes, and oversee logistics.
• Act as liaison for Regional, Divisional, and National Competitions.
• Host route-setting clinics and support special events.

Communication & Coordination:

• Engage with the climbing community and respond to customer feedback.
• Communicate new routes promptly via social media.
• Collaborate with coaching staff to align with training goals.
• Coordinate with instructors for program support.

Risk Management:

• Enforce risk management policies for the safety of setters, staff, and customers.
• Maintain and update route-setting policies and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other tasks as needed to support facility operations.

Experience & Qualifications
Climbing & Route Setting Experience:

• Extensive experience in indoor and outdoor climbing.
  3+ years of route-setting experience (Head Route Setter experience preferred).
• USA Climbing Route Setting Level 1 Certification (required within one year); Level 2+ preferred.
• PSR 3 required within one year.
• Ability to forerun 5.12a/V6 (preferred).

Management & Communication:

• 2+ years of management experience (preferred).
• Strong communication and feedback skills.

Industrial & Maintenance Skills:

• Proficient with rope systems and comfortable working at heights.
• Experience with climbing wall maintenance (preferred).
• Boom lift experience (training provided if needed).

Environmental & Physical Demands

• Availability for weekends and evenings.
• Quarterly travel to Pennsylvania location and occasional travel to Adventus gym in Toledo.
• Ability to work in loud environments, stand/walk on uneven surfaces, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform all route-setting duties a minimum of four days a week.

The Head Route Setter is expected to work 38-40 hours per week, typically from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional Sunday night shifts as needed. They will set 2-6 routes and 10-12 boulders each week to keep the climbing walls fresh and engaging for our community. Professionalism is essential, as punctuality, dependability, and integrity are required in this role. Additionally, the Head Route Setter must be available to support special events, clinics, and competitions at other facilities.

Compensation for this position is competitive and based on experience. Our benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plans, profit-sharing, paid time off, and free memberships to all 5.Life climbing facilities. Team members also enjoy discounts on instruction, plus access to pro-deals through our outdoor industry partners.

5.Life is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We adhere to all federal and state employment laws, including OSHA standards, FLSA regulations, and ADA compliance for reasonable accommodations.

*Strictly no third party recruitment agencies please*