Competitive Youth Climbing Coach (Part-Time)

Ghclimbing; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership + 1 more

Employee discounts on gear

Professional development opportunities

Reciprocal access to local climbing}}]

Job summary

Greater Heights Climbing in Madison, WI is seeking a part-time Competitive Youth Climbing Coach to lead youth competition training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. You will develop athletes from emerging competitors to regional contenders, emphasizing technique, training plans, and positive team culture.

The role requires strong leadership, mentorship, and collaboration with staff, parents, and the head coach to deliver a high-quality athlete experience in a welcoming gym

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of competitive climbing coaching experience with youth athletes.
• Experience coaching USA Climbing or similar circuits.
• Knowledge of climbing movement, training systems, and competition prep.
• Ability to plan annual/seasonal training for youth.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain.
• Evenings and weekends availability including travel.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead structured training sessions for youth climbers in bouldering and lead climbing.
• Implement age-appropriate training plans focused on technique, strength, endurance, and mental performance.
• Provide individualized coaching, goal setting, and performance feedback.
• Prepare athletes for USA Climbing/local competitions.
• Travel with athletes to competitions as required.
• Collaborate with families and coaching staff to meet program goals.
• Maintain attendance and training progress documentation.
• Uphold safety standards and gym policies.
• Support recruitment, evaluations, and athlete placement.

Skills

Climbing movement

Coaching youth

Communication

Long-term athlete development

Structured practices

Independent work

Job description

Part-Time Competitive Youth Climbing Coach

Job Description

Greater Heights Climbing is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Competitive Youth Climbing Coach to join our growing team. This position is ideal for a coach with a strong background in competitive climbing, youth athlete development, and performance-based training.

As a Competitive Youth Climbing Coach, you will play a critical role in developing athletes across our youth competition programs, from emerging competitors to advanced climbers pursuing regional, divisional, and national-level goals. You will help cultivate a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, discipline, and long-term athlete development while maintaining a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are looking for a coach who is passionate about helping athletes reach their full potential and who is eager to contribute to the growth and vision of the Greater Heights climbing program.

To apply for this position, you must be available Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 5:00pm-6:30pm.

Who is Greater Heights Climbing?

Greater Heights Climbing is a community-driven climbing gym located in Madison, Wisconsin, that opened its doors in December 2024. We are focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive space for climbers of all ages and skill levels.

As our youth programs continue to grow, we are committed to building a high-quality competitive climbing team that emphasizes technical excellence, athlete development, and positive team culture. Our goal is to create an environment where athletes can thrive both as climbers and as individuals.

Maintain open and professional communication with the Greater Heights leadership team.

Report directly to the Head Coach and Programs Manager.

Serve as a leader and role model for athletes, co‑coaches, and gym members.

Assist in the implementation, and evaluation of competitive team training plans and seasonal objectives.

Contribute expertise and insight toward the continued growth of Greater Heights’ competitive youth programming.

Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, sportsmanship, and athletic excellence.

Build strong relationships with athletes and parents through proactive communication and mentorship.

Collaborate with coaching staff to deliver a consistent and high-quality athlete experience.

Uphold and model the Greater Heights Coaches Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead structured training sessions for competitive youth athletes in bouldering, lead climbing, and overall competition preparation.
• Implement age-appropriate training plans focused on technique, movement efficiency, strength, endurance, mental performance, and injury prevention.
• Provide individualized coaching, goal setting, and performance feedback to athletes.
• Analyze athlete performance and suggest adjustments in training plans to support long-term development.
• Prepare athletes for USA Climbing local, regional, divisional, and national-level competitions.
• Travel with and supervise athletes at competitions as required.
• Work closely with athletes and families to support competitive goals and program expectations.
• Mentor and support coaches and newer coaching staff.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, athlete progress notes, and training documentation.
• Monitor and enforce safety standards, gym policies, and best practices for youth athletes.
• Attend coaching meetings, staff development opportunities, and competition planning sessions.
• Assist with competitive team recruitment, evaluations, and athlete placement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of climbing movement, training methodologies, competition strategies, and athlete development.
• Strong ability to motivate, mentor, and develop youth athletes across varying skill levels.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with both athletes and parents.
• Knowledge of long-term athlete development principles and effective coaching practices.
• Ability to implement structured, engaging, and challenging practices that align with competitive objectives.
• Ability to evaluate athlete performance and provide constructive, actionable feedback.
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and athlete-centered culture.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a coaching team.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of competitive climbing coaching experience with youth athletes.
• Demonstrated experience coaching athletes in USA Climbing competitions or other organized competition circuits.
• Strong technical knowledge of climbing movement, training systems, and competition preparation.
• Experience developing annual and seasonal training plans for youth athletes.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain before employment).
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, including competition travel.
• Strong leadership, communication, and athlete management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• USA Climbing Level 2 Coach Certification or higher.
• Experience coaching athletes who have qualified for Regional, Divisional, or National Championship events.
• Experience coaching both bouldering and lead climbing disciplines.
• Previous experience coaching a competitive climbing team or coaching program.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage commensurate with qualifications and coaching experience.
• Free gym membership plus one additional complimentary membership.
• Industry discounts on climbing and outdoor equipment.
• Reciprocal access to select local climbing facilities.
• Additional 10% employee retail discount (20% total).
• Professional development opportunities, including coaching education and certification support.
• Opportunity to help shape and grow one of the region's premier youth climbing programs.
• Consistent schedule, working Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00pm-6:30pm. Additional coaching opportunities available based on program and personal needs.