EPIC Climbing and Fitness Head Routesetter
ABOUT EPIC
Epic is a locally owned gym that has earned the reputation as one of the friendliest and best all-round climbing facilities in the Midwest and located only 3 and half hours from the world class climbing at the Red River Gorge. We pride ourselves on being welcoming to all and providing a facility where the new climber to the advanced climber can grow in their climbing, make friends and become the best climber they want to be. Our great route setting has a direct effect on that.
Job Description
The Head Route Setter is responsible for leading a team of various skilled route setters in the day-to-day creation of boulder, top rope and sport routes. High quality routes that pair with the wants and needs of the community are paramount to the success of our climbing gym.
Attitude is everything. Must be a positive person with a can-do attitude. A problem solver. Willing to both take direction and lead others.
The Head Setter must be passionate, willing to work hard physically and mentally, promote team collaboration, and provide excellent risk assessment. Must also possess the desire to be a part of the EPIC community, nurturing our friendly atmosphere and a willingness to share their passion and knowledge with the community. This key person will serve as a key ambassador between the route setting department and gym members to enhance customer experience; and oversee route setting for all EPIC competitions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The position of Head Route setter is broad and adaptive. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Managing the route setting team by providing daily guidance, ongoing training, leadership and feedback to ensure high-quality boulder problems and routes
- Manage route setting program and wall maintenance: including but not: Draw replacement, T-nut replacement, patching walls, hanging auto belays, tool repair and upkeep, setter closet organization, and hold washing as needed.
- Along with Front Desk Manager: Floor repair and maintenance
- Always maintain risk awareness and enforce safety measures. Ensure route setting program is adhering to best practices and safety procedures
- Hiring and training new route setters as necessary in collaboration with management
- Setting 3 -4 quality boulder problems and 2 -3 routes (depending on terrain) within a setting day
- Maintain appropriate route/problem turn over by setting 4-5 days a week keeping it fresh for our members
- 1 shift a week to updating route tags, wall maintenance or washing holds as needed.
- Control the flow during setting days to assure the crew is working efficiently, setting quotas are met and areas set are cleaned and open to public no later than 4:30p
- Maintaining the organization and management route setting equipment ensuring it is in working order and that the setters have the tools they need to do their jobs
- Actively monitor and seek customer feedback regarding routes and problems adjusting sets to best address the community’s needs as well as working with management to ensure these needs are met.
- Always ensuring healthy distribution routes and boulders appropriate for our gym membership at any given time.
- Maintain consistent communication with the GM for any issues with employees, safety, needs, or general concerns.
- Must be available to work nights and weekends if needed. Long weeks and weekend work during competitions required.
- Working with management in planning events and competitions
- Collaborating with coaches and instructors to ensure route inventory is meeting their needs
- Update Setter’s Manual as needed
BENEFITS
- Full time: 32 – 40 hrs/week
- Starting wage $18 – $20/hour DOE
- Structured wage increase
- Pro-deal privileges
- PTO
- Employee membership with access to all programs and classes
- Reimbursement for climbing shoes after one year of employment
- Significant other membership
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years climbing experience – Extensive outside actual rock climbing preferred.
- 2+ years commercial route setting in a rope environment
- Ability to climb 5.12 and V6 and forerun up to 5.13 and V8
- USAC Level 2 certification preferred
- Experienced and extremely competent setting from ropes and rope systems
- Proven ability to set efficiently and quickly while maintaining quality
- Ability to work within a team or in a solo setting environment
- Ability and willingness to lead by example and be supportive of the setting crew
- Previous experience as a head route setter or assistant head route setter preferred
- Minimum 1 year of personnel management experience is preferred.
- Must have a desire to be actively involved in the Epic community
- In-depth knowledge of how gyms operate and able to focus on the business/cost aspects of setting along with the creative
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. overhead and stand and hang in a harness for extended periods of time.
- In-depth experience working with tools and equipment
- Microsoft Office: excel and word literacy
To Apply: Please send your letter of application along with your work and climbing resumes to scott@climbepic.com. Let us know how you are uniquely qualified to lead Epic’s route setting program into the next chapter.
We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
