Climbing Routesetter - Design Safe, Progressive Routes

SESSION CLIMBING LLC; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Session Climbing LLC is seeking a Routesetter to design, set, and maintain bouldering problems and roped routes in a collaborative team at our Santa Rosa gym. You will install holds and hardware, participate in planning and grading, and ensure high-quality experiences for climbers of all levels.

The role requires belay proficiency, climbing movement knowledge (min V4 / 5.11a), and the ability to work safely at height. Prior gym routesetting experience is preferred, with certifications encouraged.

Qualifications

• Pass Session Climbing belay assessment (PBUS) for top rope and lead.
• Demonstrate fundamental climbing movement for boulders and roped routes (min V4 / 5.11a).
• Demonstrate forerunning and evaluation of movement quality and grading consistency.
• Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork.
• Ability to work safely at height and follow safety procedures.
• Willingness to learn routesetting systems, standards, and progression frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Set, modify, and remove climbing routes and boulder problems per standards and schedules.
• Install/remove holds, volumes, macros, route tags, and hardware.
• Participate in route planning, grading calibration, and forerunning for quality and safety.
• Create experiences for a diverse range of abilities and progression pathways.
• Maintain route quality via observation, feedback, and adjustments.
• Follow routesetting safety procedures and work-at-height protocols.
• Operate ladders, ropes, hand tools, power tools, and equipment safely.
• Inspect holds, hardware, anchors, and equipment for wear or safety concerns.
• Assist in route stripping, hold washing, wall prep, and facility maintenance.
• Keep organized workspaces and inventories; collaborate with team and Session staff.
• Communicate priorities, safety concerns, and needs with supervisors and coworkers.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies per Session policies.

Skills

P.B.U.S. belay method

climbing movement

forerunning

communication

safety judgment

team collaboration

height safety

Education

High school diploma

Indoor climbing experience

Routesetting in gym (preferred)

Customer-facing environment experience

PRS/ Certifications (preferred)

Tools

Routesetting equipment

Ladders & harness use

Safety equipment inspection

Job description

Session Climbing LLC is seeking a Routesetter to design, set, and maintain bouldering problems and roped routes in a collaborative team at our Santa Rosa gym. You will install holds and hardware, participate in planning and grading, and ensure high-quality experiences for climbers of all levels.

The role requires belay proficiency, climbing movement knowledge (min V4 / 5.11a), and the ability to work safely at height. Prior gym routesetting experience is preferred, with certifications encouraged.