Head Route Setter

fiddleheadff; Fletcher (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

fiddleheadff in Fletcher, NC is looking for a Head Route Setter to lead the setting department and enhance the climbing experience. You will develop the setting schedule, manage the setting team, and ensure adherence to safety standards.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in commercial climbing routes and supervisory skills, ensuring both quality and safety in crafting our gym's environment for all climbers.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of professional commercial setting experience.
• 1 year in a supervisory or Assistant Head Setter role.
• USAC Level 2 or equivalent certification preferred.
• Ability to climb V7+ / 5.13-.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a long-term setting schedule.
• Hire, train, and mentor setters; manage payroll.
• Ensure all routes meet safety standards.
• Manage department budget and inventory.

Skills

Leadership

Technical proficiency in climbing tools

Communication skills

Safety enforcement

Job description

We are seeking a visionary Head Route Setter to lead our setting department and define the climbing experience at our facility. This is a management-level position responsible for the creative direction, safety standards, and administrative oversight of the setting team. You will be the architect of our gym’s “product,” ensuring that our walls offer a balanced, inclusive, and high-quality experience for everyone from first-time climbers to elite athletes.

Leadership & Management Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and maintain a long-term setting schedule (rotation of zones/walls) that keeps the gym feeling fresh and engaging.
• Team Leadership: Hire, train, and mentor a crew of part-time and full-time setters. Manage payroll, scheduling, and performance reviews for the setting department.
• Quality Control: Lead forerunning sessions with a critical eye, ensuring all routes meet our standards for safety, grade consistency, and ergonomic movement.
• Budgeting: Manage the department budget, including the procurement of new holds, hardware, and specialized tools.
• Inventory Management: Oversee the organization of the hold room and implement a rigorous cleaning and maintenance schedule.

Technical & Safety Oversight

• Safety Culture: Enforce strict OSHA and industry-standard work-at-height protocols. Ensure all equipment (lifts, ropes, PPE) is inspected and maintained.
• Wall Maintenance: Oversee T-nut replacement, wall texture repairs, and general facility upkeep related to the climbing surfaces.
• Competition Setting: Lead the design and execution of setting for local “comps,” member events, and seasonal leagues.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3–5+ years of professional commercial setting, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or “Assistant Head Setter” capacity.
• Certifications: USAC Level 2 or higher (or equivalent experience) is strongly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of all setting tools, rigging techniques, and aerial lift operation.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to provide constructive, ego-free feedback to a creative team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb at a high level (e.g., V7+ / 5.13-) for forerunning purposes.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor at height for extended periods.