Youth Climbing Coach for Classes & Camps

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership

Job summary

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness in Chicago is seeking a Youth Climbing Instructor for Avondale & West Loop locations. Lead safe, engaging classes for youth ages 3–17, delivering the established curriculum and maintaining a positive learning environment.

This part-time, hourly role requires at least one year of experience with children and personal climbing experience; availability 4:00–8:00 p.m. on weekdays and weekends is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with grade-school-aged children.
• Minimum of 1 year of personal climbing experience.
• Previous experience teaching or coaching climbing to youth preferred.
• Confidence and competency in top rope belaying upon hire.
• Strong commitment to safety and ability to remain attentive and engaged while supervising youth.
• Positive, energetic, and encouraging presence when working with children.
• Strong communication skills with both youth and adults.
• Ability to adapt instruction to different ages, abilities, personalities, and learning styles.
• Patient and supportive approach to helping young climbers navigate challenges.
• Creative and flexible approach to teaching, problem-solving, and maintaining participant engagement.
• Ability to receive and apply feedback to continually improve instruction.
• Dependable, punctual, and prepared for scheduled programs.
• Collaborative and team-oriented working style.
• Enthusiasm for climbing, youth development, teaching, and community building.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging, and age-appropriate climbing instruction for youth ages 3–17.
• Independently lead 60–90 minute classes of approximately 4–6 participants or co-instruct larger groups of approximately 6–12 participants.
• Implement First Ascent's established curriculum while adapting activities and instruction to meet the needs of individual participants.
• Maintain participant engagement through creative climbing activities, games, challenges, and teaching techniques.
• Teach and reinforce climbing movement, equipment use, belay practices, and safety expectations appropriate to each program and age group.
• Provide positive, constructive, and age-appropriate feedback that helps young climbers build skills, confidence, and independence.
• Create an inclusive learning environment where participants feel welcomed, encouraged, and comfortable trying new things.
• Maintain active supervision and prioritize participant safety throughout classes and activities.
• Communicate professionally with parents and guardians regarding participant progress, successes, and areas for continued development.
• Coordinate regularly with program leadership regarding participant needs, program concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with fellow instructors to provide a consistent, high-quality experience across youth programs.
• Contribute ideas for new teaching exercises, games, activities, and other ways to improve the youth program.
• Represent First Ascent professionally and contribute positively to the broader gym community.

Job description

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness in Chicago is seeking a Youth Climbing Instructor for Avondale & West Loop locations. Lead safe, engaging classes for youth ages 3–17, delivering the established curriculum and maintaining a positive learning environment.

This part-time, hourly role requires at least one year of experience with children and personal climbing experience; availability 4:00–8:00 p.m. on weekdays and weekends is preferred.