Head Routesetter

Shift is looking to make a change in the climbing industry. We’re not trying to do the same thing everyone else is doing because we have a unique love for climbing, and we have an equal, if not greater, love for creating one of a kind, life changing places for really great people to work! This starts with our company culture, and we see you (the team) as the most important part of the business!

What is a Shift Head Routesetter?

Shift Head Routesetters will work closely with Shift’s Gym Director and Co-founders to design an unparalleled climbing experience that ensures every climber in our space is met with inspiring challenges. Shift will be the premier destination for new climbers by creating fun and accessible challenges at the most entry levels. We will also provide incredibly thought-provoking, aesthetic, and inspiring climbs to climbers of all levels that seek to test them both physically and mentally.

Head Routesetters will manage Shift’s 5,100 sq ft of bouldering terrain and 100+ problems to ensure all of our circuits (defined by hold color) are inspiring and aid in climbers’ progression, connection to the community, and health/wellbeing.

Shift’s Head Routesetter must have their finger firmly on the pulse of the brand, vibe, and community while seeking to differentiate Shift with inspiring climbs that fit the brand experience. All Shift employees will play multiple roles as we believe it to be imperative that individuals and departments within Shift are not siloed from one another. Everyone should feel like they are a part of the same team! We also believe that, for any individual to have a great impact in their job, they must understand the product and experience as a whole.  For these reasons, Shift’s Head Routesetter will also play the role of Hospitality Guide and hold all associated responsibilities.

Shift’s Head Routesetter will be expected to be intimately familiar with all of the offerings in our gym, including: instruction, events, retail, and more. We won’t expect you to learn this on your own – with a great level of frequency, collaboration and support, all of our staff will work together to share knowledge of processes, experiences, and results so that everyone’s knowledge is elevated. This may look like frequent team meetings, participation in classes, or team outings. We expect our customers’ experience to be elevated so we, in turn, will work hard to ensure that our staffs’ experiences are elevated and their journeys are very well supported.

Responsibilities 

• Oversee all routesetting operations, staff management, and all maintenance/upkeep of the climbing area and related elements.
• Act as a leader among Shift’s community and staff – sharing your knowledge of the climbs on the walls and fostering deep connections between climbers and the climbing product.
• Manage and design quality climbs in line with Shift’s vision for an inspiring, accessible, and creative climbing experience.
• Aid in the development and growth of Shift Routesetters
  Ensure the upkeep and cleanliness of Shift’s climbing walls, pads, climbing areas, and routesetting spaces.
• Consistently participate in Shift events, programs, and other happenings – acting as a leader and sharing expert knowledge of movement and routesetting..
• Work with Shift’s leaders to create unique, fun, and inspiring experiences.
• Ensure that every member and guest feels welcome, at home, inspired, and supported for the duration of their time in our space. Our Routesetters should also have a passion for serving others and creating hospitable environments.
• Stay knowledgeable about every component of the experience we seek to create. We expect all our staff to have intimate knowledge of all our experiences and how they relate to our customers’ journeys so that they can help guide our guests and members whenever needed. Shift will support this endeavor through training, education, collaboration, and involvement in many aspects of the business including routesetting, instructions, and events.
• Help to ensure the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility and collaborate with other Shift employees on ways to improve the experience in our gym.
• When acting as a Hospitality Guide, manage all front desk and cafe operations during their time at work – ensuring every member and guest receives the information and service they need that will allow them to make a decision that best suits their needs.
• Exude high levels of attentiveness to risk management, maintaining and overseeing safe practices in the gym and confidently communicating with customers when safe practices are not being met

The ideal candidate will

• Feel that they share our core values – this is key for us.  Everyone we hire needs to have these values in their DNA (we can’t change DNA, so this is important 🙂 )
• Display extremely high levels of creativity, collaboration, innovation, passion and professionalism
• Have experience routesetting in commercial climbing environments (management experience is a plus)
• Display a climbing ability that demonstrates expert knowledge of climbing movements as well as an ability to forerun at all the necessary levels of difficulty
• Bring with them knowledge of industry trends, practices, and experiences
• Maintain high standards for a clean, professional product
• Exude a natural passion for servicing and supporting others
• Holds self to high standards
• Interested in learning and growing
• Has a team mindset
• Is an outgoing person / a “people person” full of energy
• Has an relatively flexible schedule that will allow them to work some nights and weekends
• Be able to move 50+lbs on uneven surfaces

Compensation & Benefits  

In a move of differentiation, we aim to compensate for full time roles via a salary + benefits model.  Our salary range is $45,000 – $60,000 full-time, depending on experience, tenure, and related skill sets. It’s mandatory that members of our team stay healthy and psyched, so in addition, we will offer a comprehensive benefits package inclusive of bonuses, health insurance, 401k, and a handful of other benefits.

We will also be offering a generous paid time off package to our full time employees as well as a paid sabbatical after years of employment.

Other perks to working with Shift

• Opportunities for paid travel and professional development
  A supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on work-life balance
• Membership at Shift for you and family members or partners in your household
• Discounts on cafe items, retail, gear, and events
• Pro deals with industry-leading brands

What do I do if I’m interested, or if I know someone who would be a killer addition to Shift?

Connect them with our Gym Director, Chase (chase@shiftclimbing.com) or our Co-Founder, Jonathan (jonathan@shiftclimbing.com)!

Applicants should submit a resume, examples of past work, and a short video of themselves talking about their related experiences, what excites them about Shift and the open position,  and displaying their personality that they will bring to the Shift community!

Check out our Company Overview