JOB TITLE: Head Routesetter
DEPARTMENT: Routesetting
REPORTS TO: Leadership Team
CLASSIFICATION: Full Time, Exempt
OVERVIEW:
Located in Boulder, Colorado, ABC Kids Climbing is a unique climbing facility for kids and the home of Team ABC.
Fostering foundational climbing experiences for preschoolers, leading developmental climbing experiences for kids, coaching competitive climbing experiences for athletes and guiding outdoor climbing experiences for families.
We’re here to share unique climbing experiences with kids and families while developing the next generation of youth climbers.
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Head Routesetter is a strategic and engaged leader who oversees all Routesetting operations and supports key facility needs across the gym. This position works closely with the Leadership Team to lead, support, and develop the Routesetting department operations. The Head Routesetter demonstrates professionalism while contributing to a healthy, fun, and high-performing company culture. The ideal candidate is an experienced routesetter with a background that includes youth climbing, competition, and strong understanding of USAC and IFSC circuit. Comfortable setting a diverse range of styles and levels, the Headsetter is committed to delivering a stellar product for all user groups at ABC Kids Climbing. The ideal candidate will take ownership of the Routesetting Department and seek to grow, innovate, and nurture it.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● 2+ years routesetting experience
● USA Climbing L1 or higher
● Familiarity with USAC and IFSC rules and standards
● Passion for the advancement of rock climbing as a youth sport
● Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills
● Skilled at both receiving and giving constructive feedback and fostering strong
collaboration
● Proficiency in Google Workplace
● Flexible schedule with some weekend availability
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Ability to forerun and test climbs up to V8 or 5.12+ in various styles
● USA Climbing L2 or greater, competition setting experience at the Divisional level or
beyond
● Background in coaching or prior experience routesetting for youth climbers
● First Aid/CPR/AED certification (available upon hiring)
● SafeSport certification (available upon hiring)
RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Manage, staff, and oversee the Routesetting department
● Set 2-4 days per week, creating thoughtful and inspiring climbs for youth athletes of all
levels. Lead forerunning process ensuring product is appropriate, safe, and in line with
the program goals.
● Stay up to date on movement trends, industry innovation, and seasonality of the
business.
● Schedule, train, hire, and mentor routesetters
● Establish and maintain safety, quality, and production standards
● Collaborate with other ABC leaders to align setting product with programming needs,
including ABC Kids Classes, Team ABC, ABC Outdoors, and Camp ABC.
● Support special events such as competitions, USAC events, training camps, and
assessments with custom setting
● Maintain inventory of holds and setting equipment, including ordering and budgeting
● Conduct facility and equipment safety audits and manage repairs and updates on a
regular cadence
● Plan and execute maintenance project sprints, typically twice per year
● Support programming, parent education, and athlete development by sharing insights
about setting and movement.
● Contribute to strong ABC culture by engaging with climbers and families in the field of
play
EMPLOYMENT PACKAGE:
● Compensation starting at $55,000, commensurate with experience
● Paid Sick and Safe Time off factored at 1 hour earned for every 30 hours worked
● Up to 4 weeks paid vacation time
● Company/Industry perks
APPLICATION PROCESS:
● Cover Letter
● Professional Resume
● Email to: [email protected] with subject line: HEAD ROUTESETTER
OPPORTUNITY
