Position: Head Route Setter
Location: Federal Way, WA
Employment Type: Full Time
Salary: $60K+/year DOE + up to 10% performance bonus, overtime eligible
Benefits: Employer provided health insurance, SIMPLE IRA match, year-round access to a company Leavenworth apartment, annual company outdoor trips, gym membership, and professional development opportunities.
About Climb Nora
Climb NORA is about climbing access.
Climb NORA is crowdsourced from our lived experiences across the climbing communities of Canada, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, New York, and of course, Seattle.
Inspired by Brooklyn’s vibrant climbing scene where folks from all over the world come together and connect through movement, and grassroots nonprofits lowering economic barriers to the sport like All Rise Climbing; Climb NORA is on a mission to bring an equitable climbing gym to Washington’s Southside communities.
From gym-to-crag efforts to subsidized programs, we put local communities at the forefront of Climb NORA and our hearts. With diverse roots grounding the team to build a gym where access meets outdoor grit, Climb NORA is breaking ground in 2025.
Key Responsibilities
Route Setting & Gym Experience
- Design, set, and forerun high-quality boulder problems catering to various skill levels and movement styles.
- Maintain a consistent and engaging setting schedule, ensuring a balance of grades and styles.
- Implement creative and innovative setting techniques, including both traditional and competition-style routes.
- Regularly inspect and maintain climbing holds, volumes, and wall surfaces for quality and safety.
- Gather feedback from the climbing community and adjust setting to improve the overall gym experience.
Leadership & Team Management
- Recruit, train, and lead a team of route setters, fostering a positive and productive setting culture.
- Organize and oversee part-time setters and volunteers to maintain a consistent rotation of routes.
- Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for setting staff.
- Collaborate with management on long-term route-setting strategies and vision.
Safety & Maintenance
- Enforce proper safety practices related to route setting, including PPE usage and risk management protocols.
- Ensure compliance with industry safety standards for climbing gym operations.
- Conduct routine inspections to address spinning holds, structural integrity, and general maintenance.
- Oversee inventory management for holds, tools, and setting equipment.
Community Engagement & Events
- Be an approachable and active leader within the Climb Nora community.
- Plan and facilitate gym competitions, events, and member engagement activities.
- Represent Climb Nora in the local climbing scene and encourage community involvement.
Qualifications
Required:
- 3+ years of commercial route-setting experience.
- Experience in a leadership or management role within a climbing gym setting.
- Ability to set efficiently while maintaining high-quality routes.
- Strong understanding of climbing movement, techniques, and training principles.
- Physical capability to lift holds, operate power tools, and work at heights (ability to carry 50+ lbs).
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with smaller gym cultures and community-driven climbing spaces.
- Competition route-setting experience.
- CWI, USAC, or other relevant route-setting or climbing certifications.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
How to Apply
If you’re excited to be a key part of Climb Nora’s opening team and help shape the climbing experience for our members, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, and any portfolio materials (photos/videos of prior setting work) to [email protected]
Come join us in building something special at Climb Nora!
