Route Setter
Position Title: Route Setter
Locations: Vertical Rock Manassas and Vertical Rock Tysons
Job Type: Full-time or Part-time (15-40 hours)
Position Summary
Vertical Rock is hiring Route Setters for our Manassas and Tysons locations. This role is responsible for creating engaging, safe, and varied climbing routes and boulder problems for a wide range of members, from first-time climbers to experienced athletes. The ideal candidate is creative, movement-focused, collaborative, organized, and excited to help shape the climbing experience in a community-driven gym environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Set high-quality boulder problems and roped routes that are creative, progressive, and appropriate for a range of abilities
- Forerun and refine climbs to align with gym grading standards, movement goals, and member experience
- Work closely with the route setting team and gym leadership to maintain a consistent setting style and schedule
- Reset terrain efficiently and safely, including stripping, washing holds, sorting hardware, and preparing walls for new sets
- Inspect routes, holds, and wall features for safety and maintenance concerns
- Follow all route setting safety procedures, including use of PPE, ropes, ladders, and lifts as needed
- Participate in team discussions, feedback sessions, and ongoing calibration of grades and style
- Contribute to a positive climbing culture by setting climbs that are inclusive, fun, challenging, and instructional
- Assist with events, clinics, competitions, and specialty setting as needed
- Support general wall and setting-area organization, cleanliness, and equipment care
Qualifications
- Prior indoor route setting experience preferred
- Strong climbing movement knowledge across a range of styles
- Ability to set for multiple skill levels with attention to progression and accessibility
- Comfortable working at height and using standard route setting tools and PPE
- Ability to take and apply feedback in a collaborative team setting
- Strong time management and reliability
- Positive attitude and professional communication
- Availability to work early mornings, weekdays, and occasional evenings or weekends as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience setting both boulders and ropes
- Experience with commercial gym setting volumes, macros, and modern movement styles
- Familiarity with route setting best practices, risk management, and wall maintenance
- USA Climbing or other route setting certification is a plus, but not required
- Competition setting experience is a plus
Physical Requirements
- Ability to climb, lift, carry, and move setting equipment and climbing holds
- Ability to work on ladders, ropes, or lifts for extended periods
- Ability to repeatedly bend, reach, pull, and use power tools safely
- Ability to forerun and demonstrate movement regularly as part of the job
What We’re Looking For
- Creative setters who care about member experience
- Team players who communicate well and work efficiently
- People who can balance quality, volume, safety, and consistency
- Setters who want to grow with a strong community-focused climbing program
