HEAD ROUTESETTER & YOUTH CLIMBING COACH
25–35 hrs/week
ABOUT THE OVERLOOK
The Overlook Boulder + Fitness is Atlanta’s community-first bouldering gym, rooted in the West End and built on the belief that climbing is for everyone. We’re an 18,000 square foot bouldering-only facility — no ropes, no lead, just movement, community, and an incredible wall experience.
Our community programming includes events like Boulder in Color, Ladies Climbing Coalition, and the West End Boulder Brawl competition. We have an established and growing youth climbing team, engaging programming, and we need someone who cares as much about the experience on the wall as we do.
THE ROLE
The Head Routesetter & Youth Coach is a dual-role position at the center of what makes The Overlook great. You’re responsible for the quality, creativity, and safety of every boulder problem on our walls — and during coaching shifts, for the development of our youngest climbers.
This is a part-time, hourly position structured around two dedicated setting days per week, one 4-8 hour admin/planning day, and two to three coaching shifts per week (approximately 3–8 hours of coaching). You’ll have real creative ownership of the wall and a meaningful impact on a growing youth program.
Interested in routesetting only? We’d still love to hear from you. The coaching component is a valued part of this role, but candidates who want to focus solely on routesetting are welcome to apply and that scope can be discussed during the interview process.
ROUTESETTING RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead all routesetting sessions — planning, execution, quality control, and safety oversight
- Set boulders across the full grade range to serve every level of climber, from first-timers to experienced athletes
- Develop and maintain a setting rotation schedule with input from management, keeping the wall feeling fresh and exciting
- Manage the forerunning of all problems and hold the team to consistent grading and movement standards
- Hire, train, mentor, and lead a team of routesetters; provide regular feedback and development opportunities
- Establish and maintain hold cleaning, washing, inventory, and storage schedules
- Keep the setters’ closet and hold room organized and hazard-free
- Ensure the setting team has the proper tools, training, and PPE to work safely
- Assist management with new hold research and ordering recommendations
- Lead routesetting for The Overlook’s competitions and community events
- Engage with members to gather feedback and ensure the wall reflects the needs of the community
- Conduct regular safety inspections of wall hardware, flooring, and setting equipment; flag issues promptly
ADMIN & PLANNING (approx. 1 day/week)
- Maintain route tracking and tagging (physical tags + any digital system)
- Coordinate setting schedule and team assignments week to week
- Track hold inventory and flag reorder needs
- Communicate with gym management on budget, purchasing, and facility needs related to routesetting
- Participate in planning for upcoming events and competitions
YOUTH COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES (2–3 shifts/week)
- Lead youth climbing sessions for recreational and developing competitive climbers
- Implement age-appropriate training plans and progressions for each session
- Create a positive, athlete-centered environment where climbers feel challenged, supported, and excited to return
- Communicate clearly and consistently with athletes and their families
- Support athletes attending local competitions; potential for travel to regional events
- Help shape the long-term structure of The Overlook’s youth climbing program
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 2+ years of commercial routesetting experience with leadership experience; bouldering-focused experience a strong plus
- Ability to set and forerun boulders up to V8
- Experience coaching youth climbers, or a demonstrated passion for working with young athletes
- Comfortable working on ladders
- Friendly, professional, and reliable — someone the team and the community can count on
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Computer literacy for scheduling, inventory, and basic communication tools
- CPR / First Aid certified, or willing to obtain prior to start
Preferred
- L1 Certification preferred
- Competition routesetting and/or coaching experience
- Experience managing hold inventory and departmental budgets
- Familiarity with route-tracking apps or spreadsheet-based system
- USAC coaching certification or equivalent coaching background
SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY
This position requires approximately 25–35 hours per week, structured as follows:
- 2 dedicated setting days per week (specific days determined with candidate)
- 1 admin/planning day per week (approximately 4-8 hours per week)
- 2–3 coaching shifts per week (approximately 3–8 hours of coaching total)
Some Saturday and/or Sunday availability is required for competitions, events, and special programming. A specific schedule is set collaboratively — we want this to work for the right person.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Pay rate based on experience (range discussed during interview process)
- Potential health insurance stipend (details discussed during interview)
- Full, complimentary membership to The Overlook Boulder + Fitness
- Discounts on climbing gear and in-gym retail
- Access to industry pro deals
- Opportunities for professional development (certifications, clinics, and industry events)
- Creative ownership of the wall and direct input on the direction of the setting program
HOW TO APPLY
* A resume highlighting climbing industry experience in detail is a must. *
- Your resume
- A link to a setting portfolio, reel, or Instagram if available
- Any relevant certifications
