Climbing Instructor

YMCA Robin Hood Group; Newark and Sherwood; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Funded training

Career progression

Wellbeing package

23 days annual leave (plus bank)

Discounted YMCA childcare

Refer-a-friend bonus

Blue Light Card eligibility

Job summary

YMCA Robin Hood Group's Climbing Centre in Newark is seeking a dedicated Climbing Instructor to welcome climbers of all ages and abilities. You will lead sessions across boulder tots, youth climbing, NICAS and adult coaching, while maintaining safety and delivering high-quality instruction.

You'll hold a Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) or RCI qualification, enjoy mentoring others, and work shifts across days, evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Must hold Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) or Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) qualification.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Flexibility to cover shifts across opening hours (Mon–Sun 9am–9pm).

Responsibilities

• Interact positively with climbers, families and visitors to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Lead sessions across the timetable (boulder tots, youth, NICAS, Wild Climbers, Clip n climb, adult coaching).
• Open and close the Climbing Center as part of the team.
• Respond to enquiries, take bookings, update registers and send email communications.
• Perform floor‑walks and act as a lifeguard in emergencies when required.
• Conduct health & safety checks; report issues and safeguarding concerns.
• Assist with route setting and maintenance of bouldering areas and walls.
• Provide first aid when required.
• Train and support climbing assistants; help organise large events and NICAS competitions.

Skills

CWI/RCI certification

Job description

The Climbing Centre at YMCA Community & Activity Village in Newark is looking to recruit a Climbing Instructor to join our wonderful team. Since opening in 2022, our team has worked relentlessly to create an inclusive climbing community where people of all ages and abilities can challenge themselves, grow in confidence and discover what they are capable of. From first time climbers to experienced competitors, we support individuals to develop new skills, overcome challenges and achieve personal goals in a safe, welcoming and encouraging environment. Through expert instruction, positive relationships and a passion for climbing, we help people build resilience, confidence and a sense of belonging. Our climbing community spans generations, from young children taking their first steps onto the wall to experienced climbers continuing their journey decades later. We believe climbing has the power to strengthen both physical and mental wellbeing, helping people discover their strengths and shape their own futures. If you are passionate about climbing, committed to safety and driven by inspiring others to achieve more than they thought possible, this is where your work can make life-changing impact.

Role Highlights

• Job Title: Climbing Instructor
• Location: YMCA Community & Activity Village, Lord Hawke Way, Newark
• Salary:£26,759
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week across days, evening and weekends.

The Role

• Interact positively and confidently with climbers, their families and any visitors to the Climbing Centre, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Support and lead on our entire timetable of sessions including boulder tots, youth climbing, NICAS and Wild Climbers, Clip n climb sessions as well as adult coaching and community sessions
• Work as part of the team to open and close the Climbing Center.
• Shared with the rest of the team, respond to enquiries, make bookings, update registers, and send out email communications.
• Floor‑walk and act as a “lifeguard” within the facility, able to rescue someone in an emergency, if required.
• Perform health & safety checks, record and report any issues including any safeguarding concerns.
• Support with route setting and maintenance of the bouldering areas and main climbing walls.
• Perform first aid when required.
• Train and support Climbing assistants
• Assist with the organising and running of large events and bookings including NICAS competitions.

About you

You will first and foremost be both a passionate and competent climber, holding your Climbing Wall (CWI) or Rock Climbing (RCI) Instructor qualification. You will enjoy climbing as a hobby and be excited to share this with others. You will have fantastic communication skills, able to engage with a variety of people from different background, different ages and different climbing abilities. You will be a natural coach, able to inspire or encourage no matter who you are working with. You will also be able to manage and instruct a group of climbers, ensuring they remain safe at all times. You will have great customer service skills ensuring the customer has a great experience no matter if this is a one off visit or a weekly climb. You will need to be fairly flexible to cover shifts across our opening hours which are Monday to Sunday – 9am to 9pm although this will all be discussed on an individual basis to find a rota pattern that suits you. It would be an advantage if you were already first aid qualified although we are happy to support you achieve this qualification if required.

What We Value

• We Seek Out – We’re always looking for ways to do better
• We Welcome – We include, respect, and support everyone
• We Inspire – We believe in every person’s potential
• We Speak Out – We advocate for what’s right
• We Serve Others – We act with compassion and purpose

Our North Star

• Builds the relationships that help them discover who they are
• Develops the skills and confidence to shape their own life
• Learns how to connect with and contribute to the world around them

Our Benefits

• Funded training, qualifications & career progression across YMCA services
• Quarterly Campfires – celebrating our impact across the organisation
• Wellbeing package (after passing probation): 24/7 GP access, health/dental cashback, Employment Assistance Programme
• Minimum of 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to 28 days with service
• Discounted YMCA childcare & holiday clubs
• £500 refer‑a‑friend bonus
• Blue Light Card eligibility + 10% discount at YMCA Café and Malt Cross

Diversity & Safer Recruitment

YMCA Robin Hood Group is committed to equal opportunities, promoting diversity, and creating an inclusive culture where all staff can thrive. Should you require any adjustments to support your full participation in our recruitment process, we would encourage you to share your needs with us so we can support you with your requirements. Please contact us in the first instance. We follow rigorous safer recruitment processes to ensure the protection of children, young people, and adults at risk. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and thorough vetting as part of our commitment to safeguarding.