Routesetter – Chicago Bouldering Gyms

First Ascent Climbing; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership

Job summary

First Ascent Climbing is seeking an upbeat Routesetter to craft engaging climbing experiences for climbers of all abilities. You’ll work with the Head Setter to align routes with gym goals, while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and movements that inspire progression.

The role involves forerunning routes, collaborating to meet wall turnover and grade distribution, and assisting with routine maintenance. Training and a free gym membership are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of setting experience preferred.
• Ability to climb V7.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Set boulder problems to productivity, quality, and safety standards.
• Collaborate with the routesetting team to meet turnover schedules.
• Forerun routes and adjust to improve movement quality and safety.
• Assist with hold stripping, washing, and wall maintenance.
• Work at height using ladders following risk-management protocols.
• Receive and incorporate constructive feedback with a growth mindset.
• Maintain professionalism, respect, and a collaborative attitude.
• Pitch in on other tasks to support gym operations.

Skills

Climbing V7

Routesetting

Team collaboration

Safety orientation

Job description

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is on a mission to share our love of climbing with everyone, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, uplifting spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and communities. We are looking to grow our Routesetting team with proactive, friendly, and psyched individuals who will help us continually get better at what we do as we discover how to best serve our members and guests.

ROLE SUMMARY

As a Routesetter at First Ascent, you play a critical role in creating engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring climbing experiences for climbers of all abilities. You’ll work closely with the Head Setter and setting team to set routes that align with gym goals, challenge and inspire climbers, and reflect a wide range of styles and movement.

We’re committed to building a diverse routesetting team and encourage individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, strengths, and perspectives to apply. We value a strong work ethic, openness to feedback, and enthusiasm for learning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Set boulder problems at productivity, quality, and safety standards set by the Head Setter

Collaborate with the routesetting team to meet wall turnover schedules and grade distribution goals

Forerun routes and make adjustments to improve movement quality, safety, and accessibility

Assist with routesetting-related tasks such as hold stripping and washing, wall maintenance, and workspace organization

Work at height using ladders and other equipment while following all routesetting and risk-management protocols

Receive and incorporate constructive feedback with a growth-oriented mindset

Conduct yourself with professionalism, respect, and a collaborative attitude

Pitch in on other tasks as needed to support gym operations and team success

JOB DETAILS

Hourly, full-time position (approximately 32–40 hours per week)

Health, Dental, Vision & Disability Insurance Offered

Occasional evenings or weekends may be required for competitions or special events

Starting hourly pay commensurate with experience

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities, including risk-management training

Free membership to all First Ascent locations

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Minimum 2 years of setting experience preferred

Ability to climb V7

Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and as part of a small team

Comfort working in a fast-paced, highly variable environment

Enthusiasm for learning, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive team culture

Commitment to safety, communication, and continuous improvement

Love of climbing and excitement about shaping others’ climbing experiences

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENT

Ability to lift 50 lbs or more and perform strenuous physical labor regularly

Ability to work at height and on ladders

Ability to stand, reach, bend, climb, and move throughout the facility for extended periods

Indoor, climate-controlled environment with moderate to loud noise levels

Ability to focus and communicate effectively amid distractions

EEO STATEMENT First Ascent is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. First Ascent does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. First Ascent prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS Since 2015, First Ascent Climbing & Fitness has been sharing our love of climbing, yoga and fitness with everyone that walks through our doors. With 8 gyms in the First Ascent family, we’re excited to keep serving and growing the climbing community, one climber at a time.