Head Routesetter

Starting: July 2024

Work load: FT,  32+ hours/week
Pay-rate: $25-$29/hour DOE

Hiring Head Route Setter (FT) for our family-owned bouldering gym in Seattle, WA. The 11.000 SF facility, located in the heart of Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, hosts 5.000 SF of bouldering terrain, specialty training equipment, a learning area, a yoga studio, a workout area, and a retail shop.

Half Moon Bouldering is a hub for social connection and intergenerational climbing in the Greenwood/Phinney neighborhood and beyond. We are focused on access and education. As a small business grounded in the social fabric of our neighborhood, we serve a multitude of local communities, offer weekly discounted access nights for womxn, queer, BIPOC guests, and strive to create a welcoming environment for all.

We encourage a full range of diverse and talented candidates to apply, including but not limited to individuals identifying as female and non-binary, and of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Are you the best match for the job?

Constant communication, empathy, and a work-ethic that inspires our team are invaluable in this position. You’ll channel a team of “Us” in this position. Together we’ll guide and grow our team. We’ll work closely with one another: from the most recent hire to the company’s founders, department leads, and peers across the board. You’ll be hands-on minds-on setting with your team and the rest of us. You’ll mull over ways to marry the current trends in bouldering with customers’ needs and you’ll convert data into the best climbing experience for our guests. As part of our team, you’ll be at the heart of our vibrant and inclusive community.

Core Functions

Manage route setting program and wall maintenance, from planning to execution to analytics
Work with leadership and departments across the board to ensure HMB’s boulders represent our mission of inclusivity and education, both in the gym and in the digital space
Hire, train, and manage team of route setters and route maintenance
Create interesting and inclusive boulder problems by working with your team of route setters and with input from several departments (i.e. programs, yoga, marketing, etc.)
Advise leadership on route setting budget, manage and comply with the budget
Convert feedback from teammates and customers into memorable climbing experiences
Organize, order, and maintain setting equipment, supplies, documentation, and digital platforms
Maintain company risk management standards and collaborate with leadership on refining them
Plan future improvements related to route setting and HMB’s mission of expanding access and inclusivity

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES 

Route Setting Program Management 

Define/refine route setting standards referring to number, distribution, quality, inclusivity, cohesion with programs and educational goals, etc.
Ensure route quality and consistency and adjust as needed
Use, manage, and integrate digital platforms for setting into your day-to-day
Create, maintain, and expand documentation for the setting department

Team Management 

Manage staffing, including hiring, scheduling, training, performance growth, one-on-ones, team meetings, and departures from the company, as needed
Supervise and work with your team on route setting, stripping and cleaning activities
Boost your team’s motivation and grow with your team
Communicate with your team about HMB’s goals and vision and help them be active participants in this process
Maintain professionalism among your team and lead by example
Assess and evaluate your team and set growth goals with them.

Risk Management

Comply with our risk management and training policy, including the use of appropriate personal safety equipment
Ensure that routes minimize risk by design.

Wall Maintenance and Inventory 

Maintain route shop cleanliness and functionality
Maintain climbing wall cleanliness and functionality
Manage hold assortment through new hold purchases and used hold sales/retirement
Manage supply inventory, including consumable supplies and tools
Create and manage documentation for wall maintenance and inventory
Communicate improvement ideas with leadership and collaborate on improvement plans

Budget Management 

Work with leadership to create and submit annual expense budget requests
Continuously review annual expense budgets and adjust scheduling accordingly

Other Duties

Communicate closely and frequently with leadership and all departments
Work with leadership and across departments to deliver on HMB’s goal and vision
Contribute actively to team efforts as needed.
Review systems and strategies to ensure route setting procedures are in tune with HMB’s mission

Qualifications 

Minimum 3 years route setting experience
Management experience (preferred)
USAC Certification
Excellent oral communication skills
Experienced and proven team contributor

Employment Status, and Benefits 

Full-time (hours may include working events, weekends, projects and/or working before/after regular hours)
Paid time off
Membership for employee and significant other(s)
Employee wellness program with collaborating local businesses
Public transit pass
Industry discounts/pro-deals