Rock Climbing Instructor

Santa Monica Family YMCA•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the Sports Coordinator, the Climbing Wall Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality climbing instruction and ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for all participants. This role includes supervising climbing activities, enforcing safety protocols, maintaining equipment, and providing excellent member service while promoting the YMCA's mission and core values. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provide safe, engaging instruction in climbing techniques, equipment use, and belaying for participants of all skill levels. Supervise all climbing wall activities, ensuring adherence to safety policies and proper use of equipment. Inspect, maintain, and properly store climbing equipment; ensure the wall and surrounding area are clean, organized, and hazard-free. Fit harnesses and safety gear correctly and verify participant readiness before climbing. Monitor climbers at all times, belay as needed, and respond quickly to incidents or emergencies following YMCA procedures. Adhere to and enforce all association risk management and safety protocols. Lead classes, orientations, and programs for youth and adults, adapting instruction to meet varying needs and abilities. Provide coaching, encouragement, and support to help participants build skills, confidence, and achieve goals. Assist with program development, events, and basic wall maintenance, including route setting support (as trained). Deliver excellent customer service by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and building positive relationships with members. Complete required documentation, including incident reports and daily logs. Open, close, and secure the climbing wall area in accordance with YMCA procedures. Support association events such as: Healthy Kids Day, Spooktacular & Winter Wonderland. Attend staff meetings and trainings. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Must be 18+ years or older.
Climbing Wall Instructor or Belay Certification required.
Experience in rock climbing and belaying; instructional experience preferred.
Knowledge of climbing techniques, safety practices, and equipment.
Successful completion of background check.
Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to enforce safety rules, assess risk, and respond effectively in emergencies.
Reliable, attentive, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
Passion for climbing, fitness, and working with diverse populations.
CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross American Heart Association American Safety & Health Institute

Responsibilities

Provide safe, engaging instruction in climbing techniques, equipment use, and belaying for participants of all skill levels.
Supervise all climbing wall activities, ensuring adherence to safety policies and proper use of equipment.
Inspect, maintain, and properly store climbing equipment; ensure the wall and surrounding area are clean, organized, and hazard-free.
Fit harnesses and safety gear correctly and verify participant readiness before climbing.
Monitor climbers at all times, belay as needed, and respond quickly to incidents or emergencies following YMCA procedures.
Adhere to and enforce all association risk management and safety protocols.
Lead classes, orientations, and programs for youth and adults, adapting instruction to meet varying needs and abilities.
Provide coaching, encouragement, and support to help participants build skills, confidence, and achieve goals.
Assist with program development, events, and basic wall maintenance, including route setting support (as trained).
Deliver excellent customer service by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and building positive relationships with members.
Complete required documentation, including incident reports and daily logs.
Open, close, and secure the climbing wall area in accordance with YMCA procedures.
Support association events such as: Healthy Kids Day, Spooktacular & Winter Wonderland.
Attend staff meetings and trainings.
Other duties as assigned.