Youth Climbing Coach — Growth, Competition & Community

Central Rock Gym; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Rock Gym is seeking a Youth Coach to foster a fun, welcoming environment for climbers of all ages. You will introduce fundamentals, build a solid base, and develop athletes through a structured curriculum, reinforcing team values of community and growth.

The role emphasizes leading practices, maintaining engagement, and supporting athletes in competitions and youth programs, with a focus on safety, feedback, and development.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching youth climbers.
• Strong in-person and remote communication skills.
• Minimum 4 years of climbing experience.
• Proficiency in lead climbing and belaying.
• Ability to analyze movement and provide feedback.
• Ability to support teenage athletes in stressful training environments.

Responsibilities

• Regularly lead practices with confidence.
• Complete SafeSport training for youth coaches.
• Adhere to coaches’ code of conduct.
• Create and follow structured training programs.
• Maintain clear communication with coaching staff on scheduling and athlete progress.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Youth coaching

Communication

Climbing experience

Lead climbing

Belaying

Feedback & analysis

Stress management

Tools

Video analysis

Job description

Central Rock Gym isn’t just a climbing gym — it’s a community-powered space where confidence is built, limits are challenged, and everyone is welcome. From first-time climbers nervously tying in to seasoned athletes projecting hard routes, CRG is a place where people come to grow — physically, mentally, and socially.

Our gyms are vibrant, high-energy environments that combine world-class climbing with fitness, youth programs, and a strong sense of belonging. What truly sets us apart isn’t just the walls — it’s the people who create the experience every day.

Summary:
As a Coach, you will foster a fun and welcoming environment for youth athletes of all ages by introducing fundamentals of climbing, building a strong base, continuing to develop skills, creating a solid curriculum and ensuring a highly-engaged CRG youth community experience; will reinforce the competitive team pillars of community, grit, and growth for our youth program; and maintain excitement for climbing, investment in the progress of athletes, and determined to constantly improve the environment.

Responsibilities:

• Regularly leading practices with confidence.
• Completion of SafeSport training for youth coaches.
• Strict adherence to our coaches’ code of conduct.
• Creating and following carefully structured training programs.
• Consistent communication with coaching staff regarding scheduling, practice, and athlete progress.
• Other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Previous experience working with youth climbers.
• Strong in-person and remote communication skills.
• Minimum 4 years of climbing experience.
• Weekday afternoon availability and willingness to work weekends to support athletes in competitions and youth programs.
• Proficiency in lead climbing and belaying.
• Careful attention to detail, ability to analyze movement and provide insightful feedback.
• Ability to support teenage athletes in an often-stressful training environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of USA Climbing competition formats, rules, and strategies.
• Passionate climber with competition experience.
• A desire to be with our program long-term.
• Strong desire to develop professionally as a coach.