about beargrass
beargrass is a beautifully individualistic and expressive northwest wildflower. distinctive and unconventional. like the fauna and flora that make its name, it is also radically connected to its surrounding ecosystem. people, and climbing, can pull on these threads.
beargrass is currently being built on the footsteps of the central cascades, with a sweet view into the range. we chose the name to express what we hope to create. we’re going to obsess about the boulders and fitness, but it’s about more than that. it’s about what different people want to make of them. the curiosity and the growth. embracing the rebellious in spirit, and finding beauty in differences. we will share the love and move slowly to smell the flowers.
we are looking for someone to help bring our bouldering to life. a person who wants to help create a place where people can feel these things.
beargrass is an equal opportunity employer. we are committed to continuous work to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company culture, and offering an equitable hiring process. we are seeking applications from candidates of all identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. at beargrass we will offer ongoing DEI trainings.
about this role
the beargrass director of climbing will be handed a clean slate to holistically create a climbing and routesetting program to serve leavenworth, wa. they will be responsible for designing, managing, and continuously improving every facet of our bouldering to welcome, engage, and inspire a diversity of people. our bouldering will meet the different goals of different people, and serve core climbers, local outdoor enthusiasts, families, kids, casual tourists, and people who have never climbed before. the director of climbing will have the experience, vision, and leadership to build the climbing product at every level. along with holistic ownership of the climbing program, this role includes the function of head routesetter. they will sustain a steady rhythm of awesome fresh sets.
the beargrass director of climbing will also be responsible for climbing programing. they will build programs and classes for adults and youth – designing the curriculum, managing the calendar, hiring, training, and managing employees to run the day-to-day operation of climbing programs. they will also manage programs for schools and outside organizations.
this role requires a person with an open mind and curiosity, who enjoys listening and learning, and that prioritizes the experience of people. the director of climbing will operate in a feedback loop with customers and setters — evolving the climbing, and managing the setting team to effectively serve a diversity of people with opportunity for growth and engagement.
the director of climbing will cultivate a culture of inclusivity, respect, and safety. they will lead a team that cares about the process of how things are done, and acts like the details matter — because we believe the details matter. holds stay clean, walls stay fresh, training boards and workout spaces stay dialed, and programs flourish.
qualifications
• setting experience – at least three years heading a routesetting team in a commercial setting. you know what it takes to make a setting program run smoothly. you have experience training and mentoring setters to be safe, thoughtful, and customer-oriented.
• program management – previous experience developing youth and adult climbing programs, or extensive experience as a climbing coach.
• leadership – you excel at leadership. you prioritize serving others, the growth, well-being, and empowerment of employees. you listen, learn, and create an inclusive and safe environment.
• teamwork – communicate effectively, collaborate, take feedback, build trust, be accountable, hold yourself to a high standard, be respectful.
• climbing ability – you should probably be able to pull pretty hard.
• physical fitness – comfortable hauling buckets, running power tools, and working high off the ground. you can carry 50+ lbs.
• strong organizational and time management skills. high attention to detail.
• psyched – we care a lot about what we’re doing and why. you must also.
• human – be a good one.
responsibilities
• climbing product – create from the ground up, manage, and continually improve a climbing product that welcomes, engages, and inspires a diversity of people. continually assess the product and bring new ideas. evolve the climbing product to better serve people who are not included or underrepresented. create pathways for personal growth through the bouldering experience.
• climbing programs – own the design and implementation of adult and youth climbing programs. this includes deciding what programs we will offer, creating curriculums, managing the calendar, overseeing budget, and hiring and managing staff who will execute the day-to-day operation of the programs.
• setting and grades – prioritize focus on diversity of setting style, the impact of how grading is used, and outward communication that improves customer journey among a diverse range of climbers.
• risk management and safety – safety of all customers and employees is paramount. consider every aspect of your work through the lens of prioritizing safety. establish and uphold risk management standards for routesetting, maintaining a controlled and well-managed environment. proactively identify hazards, refine protocols, and respond to incidents, spinning holds, and facility needs related to flooring, walls, routes, and gear, even outside of setting shifts.
• hiring and team management – responsible for inclusive hiring processes, onboarding, training, and resourcing to ensure a highly skilled team with a supportive work environment.
benefits
• this is a salaried FTE position; compensation ranging from $60,000 – $90,000 at 1.0 FTE
• we will contribute 75% of the cost towards your participation in the company’s health insurance program
• paid vacation
• flexible work schedule
• gym membership for you and your family
• prodeals for yourself
• a positive, balanced, and respectful work environment
• living in beautiful leavenworth, wa. with access to a lifetime of mountain adventure out your backdoor
