Head Setter

Climbing Business Journal; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay $20–$30

Free Planet Rock membership

Guest pass daily

Retail discounts

Paid time off 2 weeks

Sick time

Gear discounts

Free coffee

Job summary

Planet Rock in Ann Arbor is seeking a Head Routesetter to lead our routesetting operations, delivering safe, dynamic, and progressive climbs for all levels. You will supervise the local routesetting team and coordinate with other Planet Rock gyms.

Responsibilities include setting strategy, quality assurance, scheduling, safety inspections, wall maintenance, and organizing events and youth programs. A background in climbing and belaying is preferred, with strong leadership and communication

Qualifications

• Previous climbing and belaying experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter with good communication.
• Weeknights + weekend availability.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the routesetting team through training, feedback, and performance coaching.
• Create and manage the routesetting schedule to maintain consistency and minimize disruption to members.
• Provide setting assignments to team.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and positive team environment.
• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training new routesetters.
• Design and maintain a diverse selection of high-quality routes and boulder problems for all ability levels.
• Ensure a consistent flow of newly set climbs throughout the facility.
• Monitor route quality, movement variety, grading consistency, and member experience.
• Plan seasonal resets and coordinate specialty setting for events, competitions, advanced classes, and youth programs.
• Lead setting for local competitions and special events according to the annual competition schedule.
• Ensure all routesetting follows current industry safety standards and best practices.
• Inspect climbing terrain, anchors, volumes, and hardware during each reset.
• Oversee proper use and maintenance of routesetting equipment and PPE.
• Identify and address safety concerns promptly.
• Oversee hold inventory, organization, washing, and replacement.
• Coordinate wall maintenance needs with the Facility Manager.
• Ensure holds, volumes, and hardware remain in excellent condition.
• Work closely with Head Routesetters and routesetting teams at other Planet Rock locations to maintain consistency across the organization.
• Share setting ideas, techniques, and best practices between facilities.
• Coordinate with gym management regarding programming, competitions, member feedback, and facility needs.
• Stay current with industry trends and routesetting techniques.
• Pursue and maintain applicable routesetting certifications when appropriate.
• Encourage continuing education and skill development within the routesetting team.

Skills

Climbing experience

Belaying

Problem solving

Communication

Evenings and weekends

Job description

Reports to

The Head Routesetter directs the routesetting operations at Planet Rock, delivering safe, dynamic, and progressive climbing experiences for all skill levels and age groups. Key responsibilities include overseeing setting strategy, quality assurance, and execution, as well as supervising the local routesetting team, collaborating with other Planet Rock gyms, and upholding top industry standards for safety and wall maintenance.

Job Description

The Head Routesetter directs the routesetting operations at Planet Rock, delivering safe, dynamic, and progressive climbing experiences for all skill levels and age groups. Key responsibilities include overseeing setting strategy, quality assurance, and execution, as well as supervising the local routesetting team, collaborating with other Planet Rock gyms, and upholding top industry standards for safety and wall maintenance.

General Manager, Managing Director, & President/CEO

Responsibilities + Duties

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the routesetting team through training, feedback, and performance coaching.


• Create and manage the routesetting schedule to maintain consistency and minimize disruption to members.


• Provide setting assignments to team


• Foster a collaborative, professional, and positive team environment.


• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training new routesetters.

Routesetting

• Design and maintain a diverse selection of high-quality routes and boulder problems for all ability levels.


• Ensure a consistent flow of newly set climbs throughout the facility.


• Monitor route quality, movement variety, grading consistency, and member experience.


• Plan seasonal resets and coordinate specialty setting for events, competitions, advanced classes, and youth programs


• Lead setting for local competitions and special events according to the annual competition schedule.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure all routesetting follows current industry safety standards and best practices.


• Inspect climbing terrain, anchors, volumes, and hardware during each reset.


• Oversee proper use and maintenance of routesetting equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).


• Identify and address safety concerns promptly.

Wall & Hold Maintenance

• Oversee hold inventory, organization, washing, and replacement.


• Coordinate wall maintenance needs with the Facility Manager.


• Ensure holds, volumes, and hardware remain in excellent condition.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Head Routesetters and routesetting teams at other Planet Rock locations to maintain consistency across the organization.


• Share setting ideas, techniques, and best practices between facilities.


• Coordinate with gym management regarding programming, competitions, member feedback, and facility needs.

Professional Development

• Stay current with industry trends and routesetting techniques.


• Pursue and maintain applicable routesetting certifications when appropriate.


• Encourage continuing education and skill development within the routesetting team.

Qualifications

• Previous climbing and belaying experience preferred


• Problem-solving


• Self-starter


• Strong communication skills


• Weeknights + weekend availability


• Physical requirements include: climbing, belaying, walking and standing during the entire shift, climbing stairs, kneeling, pushing and pulling objects, lifting, and moving heavy objects

Pay + Benefits

• $20—$30 an hour


• Free membership to Planet Rock


• 1 free guest pass per day


• 35% off retail


• 2 weeks PTO (Full-Time)


• Sick Time


• Pro deal qualification, gaining access to additional discounts on gear


• Free coffee