Climbing Wall Manager (10-month Seasonal Contract)

New York City Outward Bound Schools•New York, NY

39d•$52,433•Onsite

About The Position

The Climbing Wall Manager is responsible for the development, management, and day-to-day operation of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ outdoor climbing wall and indoor climbing gym programs, ensuring young people have access to safe, engaging, and inclusive climbing experiences that promote leadership, personal growth, and teamwork. The Climbing Wall Manager oversees all aspects of the climbing programs, including staff supervision, equipment maintenance, safety systems, instructional delivery, and partnerships with local climbing gyms. This role also includes leading or supporting youth programs on outdoor courses as needed, providing belay instruction, conducting facility inspections, and supporting rescue procedures. The Climbing Wall Manager reports to the Director of Outdoor Adventures and establishes strategic goals and annual programming plans. This is a 10-month seasonal position that runs from August through June 2026 and includes a combination of on-site work at the Long Island City (Queens) office, travel to climbing facilities in NYC, and occasional overnight fieldwork on courses throughout New York State.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to educational equity for BIPOC youth and to NYCOBS values of community, courage, equity, integrity, and learning.
Minimum of three (3 )years experience on climbing walls or climbing programs (indoor and/or outdoor walls) with one year of management preferred
Current ACCT‑approved Climbing Wall Instructor or ACCT Level 2 certification
Competence to climb 5.7 top‑rope, lead wall inspections, and execute rescues, anchor skills a plus
Successful completion of NYCOBS practical skills assessment (self‑belay ascent, rappel, rescue demo).
Strong verbal and written skills; ability to present to diverse stakeholders
Judgment & Initiative: Sound decision‑making under stress; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently.
Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid (WFA preferred);
Valid U.S. driver’s license (5‑year history)
Ability to pass NYC DOE fingerprinting/background check.
Ability to lift 50 lbs, work at heights, and spend up to five consecutive days outdoors (including overnights) in varied weather.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising staff, giving feedback, and managing risk in experiential‑education or outdoor‑recreation settings, preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement an exciting experience for young people and adult educators that provides a unique learning experience aligned to the mission and vision of NYC Outward Bound Schools
Implement, monitor, and refine systems that ensure efficient, safe, and high‑quality climbing‑wall programs, fully aligned with Outward Bound policies (5‑Point Check, Triangle of Safety, PBUS, Helmet Zones, Challenge by Choice).
Oversee all climbing‑wall sessions—on campus and at partner gyms—maintaining a holistic, “big‑picture” perspective of risk management and student experience.
Report all incidents, near‑misses, and safety concerns; activate facility emergency procedures when necessary.
Manage routine inspection, regular maintenance, care, and documentation for the 55‑foot artificial wall, belay anchors, lead bolts, holds, rope systems, and equipment closet.
Demonstrate and teach proper use, maintenance, care, and inspection of harnesses, shoes, helmets, ropes, belay / rescue devices, and cordage; ensure equipment logs are current and compliant.
Model and teach belay set‑up, knot tying (figure‑eight follow‑through / on‑a‑bight, single fisherman’s, butterfly, prusik, Kleimheist), rope management, and hazard mitigation.
Perform—and train staff to perform—technical assists/rescues (load transfers, mechanical ascents, auto‑belay rescues) in a timely, controlled manner; pass annual climbing, rescue, and systems assessments.
Instruct students on specific outdoor adventure courses on a regular basis, modeling the approach that “everyone is an instructor”
Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise Site Managers and Climbing Instructors; deliver climbing‑wall trainings and skills check‑offs, and provide clear, documented feedback.
Coach staff in behavior management, inclusive facilitation, and conflict resolution; ensure consistent adherence to safety and equity standards.
Communicate expectations and logistics to participants, instructors, and school partners before, during, and after programs; represent NYCOBS professionally with facility managers and families.
Collaborate with the Director of Outdoor Adventures and Director of Safety to implement appropriate and reasonable accommodations for students on course.
Maintain accurate records of equipment inspections, incident reports, staff observations, and program data.
Support broader outdoor‑adventure or school‑based programming as assigned.
Attend all required NYCOBS and partner trainings and pass annual technical assessments.