Youth Lead Climbing Instructor - West Loop

First Ascent LLC•Chicago, IL

2d•$23•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. As a Lead Youth Climbing Instructor, you play a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and growth-oriented experience for youth climbers and their families. You are a leader within First Ascent’s youth programs—supporting instructors, guiding students along their climbing journey, and serving as a consistent, trusted point of contact for parents and guardians. We look to you to model excellent instruction, uphold program standards, adapt to the evolving needs of a robust youth program, and help make it right when we miss the mark. You’ll work collaboratively with fellow instructors and program leadership, contribute to a positive team culture, and help ensure every youth climber feels supported, challenged, and excited to return—while having fun along the way.

Requirements

Applicants must have availability during 4-7pm time slot on weekdays and at least one weekend day between 7:50-3pm
Applicants must have the ability to travel between West Loop, Uptown, Avondale, and Humboldt Park locations
The ideal applicant will have previous experience teaching rock climbing to children
2 years or more experience working with children is required
1 year or more of personal climbing experience is required
High level of energy to match the energy of kids who are always “climbing the walls!”
Safety focus and vigilant
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills with both children and adults
Be dependable and timely
Upstanding reputation in the climbing community
CPR & First Aid or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment
CWI Level 3 or ability to obtain within the first 3 months of employment

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Along with the Youth Program Director and West Loop Program Manager, you will assist with overseeing the Youth Rec program at West Loop
Collaborate with the Program Manager as youth instructors’ first line of contact regarding issues they may have during normal class operations. This may include difficulties with individual students, help with teaching methods, or program resources.
Coordinate with Program Manager to ensure class coverage
Assist with organizing and running Summer, Spring, and Winter Break Camps
Independently run 1 to 1.5 hour classes with 4-6 students (depending on age)
Communicate with parents regarding their child’s progress
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
Collaborate with Youth Program Director and Program Manager to develop curriculum and grow program resources
Meet weekly with the Program Manager