Climbing Routes Architect

Session Climbing; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Session Climbing is seeking a Routesetter to design, set, and maintain bouldering problems and roped routes in alignment with our standards and setting plans.

You will work with a collaborative routesetting team to create safe, engaging experiences for climbers of various abilities, including installing holds, calibrating grades, and supporting facility upkeep. Prior gym routesetting and indoor climbing experience are valued, with a focus on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous indoor climbing experience required (bouldering and/or sport climbing).
• Routesetting experience in a climbing gym is preferred but not required.
• Experience working in a recreation, fitness, or customer-facing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set, modify, and remove climbing routes and boulder problems in accordance with Session Climbing standards and setting schedules.
• Install and remove climbing holds, volumes, macros, route tags, and related hardware.
• Participate in route planning, grade calibration, and forerunning to evaluate movement quality and safety.
• Create climbing experiences supporting diverse abilities and progression pathways.
• Maintain route quality through observation, feedback, and adjustments as needed.
• Follow safety procedures and work-at-height protocols.
• Safely operate ladders, ropes, and routesetting tools/equipment.
• Inspect holds, hardware, and equipment for wear or damage and report issues.
• Participate in route stripping, hold washing, wall prep, and facility maintenance.

Skills

Belay assessment proficiency

Climbing movement knowledge

Forerunning

Communication

Safety judgment

Height safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Indoor climbing experience

Routesetting experience preferred

Experience in recreation/fitness/customer-facing environment

Job description

Session Climbing is seeking a Routesetter to design, set, and maintain bouldering problems and roped routes in alignment with our standards and setting plans.

You will work with a collaborative routesetting team to create safe, engaging experiences for climbers of various abilities, including installing holds, calibrating grades, and supporting facility upkeep. Prior gym routesetting and indoor climbing experience are valued, with a focus on safety and teamwork.