Youth Climbing Instructor - West Loop

First Ascent Llc•Chicago, IL

1d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

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 Youth Instruction 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 Youth Climbing Instructor at First Ascent Climbing & Fitness, you play an essential role in creating a safe, welcoming, and fun environment where young climbers can build confidence, develop skills, and foster a lifelong love of climbing. You are a positive and caring presence within our ever-expanding youth program, supporting climbers ages 3–17 across 8-week rec classes, drop-in programs, camps, group events, and our competitive youth team. We look to you to deliver engaging, age-appropriate instruction that balances skill development, safety, and fun. You’ll help uphold program standards, adapt to the diverse needs of our growing community, and contribute to a consistent, high-quality experience for climbers and their families. Working collaboratively with fellow instructors and program leadership, you’ll help cultivate a supportive team culture and ensure every young athlete feels encouraged, challenged, and excited to return—while having a great time along the way.

Requirements

Applicants must have availability during the 4-8pm time slot on weekdays and/or 8am-2pm time slots on weekends.
1 year or more of experience working with grade school children is required, preferably in a group setting
1 year or more of personal climbing experience is required
High level of energy and affect
Belay certified at FA or ability to pass belay certification upon hire
Be safety focused and vigilant
Possess excellent communication skills with children and adults
Be dependable and timely
Upstanding reputation in the climbing community

Nice To Haves

The ideal applicant will have previous experience teaching rock climbing to children

Responsibilities

Independently run 50-60 minute classes with 4-6 students or co-instruct with 6-12 students
Implement a structured curriculum but also be creative and flexible when necessary to maintain maximum student engagement at all times, and adapt to individual student needs
Communicate with parents regarding their child’s progress
Coordinate and communicate with management on a regular basis
Contribute ideas for new teaching exercises or games