This position will require travel to both Terra Firma locations: 2655 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing MI and 1555 Marshall Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI.
Vision — Showing up fully for ourselves, so we may better show up for others.
Mission– A place where community grows through connection and joyful effort.
Statement (North Star) — To create a space of refuge through climbing
Values
Growth
We cultivate an investigative mind, curious, open, and willing to explore new possibilities. Just because something has been done one way before doesn’t mean we can’t ask, What else can we learn here? We move forward confidently, knowing exploration is how we grow stronger.
Community
We believe that it’s not our job to decide who’s part of our community, but it is our job to make them feel a part of it. If they climb, they are a climber in this community. We cultivate a space where everyone belongs.
Connection
On and off the wall, we practice being present, connecting deeply with ourselves and others. When our attention falters, as in climbing, we fall.
Joyful Effort
The problem is the path. Through mindful effort, we approach challenges as an opportunity to grow, staying aware of where our energy goes and how we show up. Our attitude shapes the joy we find in the process.
About Us
Terra Firma Bouldering Co. is more than a gym—it’s a community built on joyful effort, meaningful connection, and shared growth. We create a space where climbers of all levels feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Together, we cultivate an experience rooted in care, fueled by joy, and grounded in community.
Position Summary:
As a Route Setter, you will be responsible for creating and turning over the routes at Terra Firma Grand Rapids, and Terra Firma East Lansing. The full time position will cover routesetting, wall and resource maintenance, as well as working desk shifts in East Lansing. Your responsibilities consist of ensuring you are setting safely, efficiently, and building routes that reflect the communities needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Creative Setting: Maintain high standards for boulders. Create artistic and athletic bouldering routes and features, following the standards for movement style, aesthetics, and range of difficulty.
Team Player: Problem-solve with teammates to build and forerun routes, accepting and giving feedback. Work with members, managers, and climbing community to gather information to shape setting based on climber needs and demographics. Regularly review and adjust the setting plan based on feedback and usage.
Risk Management: Setters will follow safety protocols for power tool use, ladder-use while installing routes, and doing route removal. Ensure all routes meet safety standards, considering fall risks and potential climber injuries.
Event Setting: Work with the Competition team members to ensure the creation, forerunning, ranking and marking of competition routes. Setters will be part of Boulder Leagues, Citizens Comps, and community based competition events.
Community Engagement: Setters will be leaders in their climbing gym communities. The conversations they have are opportunities for building relationships and connecting with the member-base.
Development & Evaluations: Setters will utilize training opportunities to grow skill sets and develop their skill sets physically and mentally. They will participate in team building exercises and outings to connect the team. They will be evaluated on a scorecard, tracking their progress and goals. Setters will keep an open conversation with their head setter to allow for growth as individuals and a collective.
Maintenance: Setters are responsible for keeping their bag and tool cart organized. Hold storage and work areas are to be kept clear. Setters will wash holds and take on tasks assigned by the head setter.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 6 months of professional route setting experience
- Proven experience setting a wide range of grades and styles
- Strong understanding of risk management and professional industry best practices
- Experience setting for competitions or high-traffic commercial gyms a plus
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work at height and on ladders, and use power tools confidently
- Ability to set and forerun all varieties of routes up to a V9 boulder problem.
Skills:
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think strategically and execute weekly setting plans effectively
- Willingness to interact with members weekly through conversations or teaching climbing lessons
Full Time Setter Compensation
Rate of Pay:
- $16 – $18 per hour
- Hybrid schedule of 20 hours of setting, 15 hours of desk work and maintenance
Additional Benefits:
- Free couples membership to Terra Firma.
- Annual bonus tied to individual and company-wide performance.
- Industry pro deals and in-gym retail discounts.
- One pair of climbing shoes per year, up to $250 per pair.
- Coverage of growth based classes, seminars, conventions up to $500/yr (upon approval).
- Mileage Reimbursement, Travel Allowance M&IE, & Lodging [$0.70 per mile reimbursement] [$50 per day travel allowance M&IE] [Lodging up to $110 per night]
- Paid Time Off earned via ESTA
- 5 sick days
