Instructor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience working with grade-school-aged children.
• At least 1 year of personal climbing experience.
• Confidence and competency in top rope belaying upon hire.
• Strong commitment to safety and ability to remain attentive and engaged while supervising youth.
• Positive, energetic, and encouraging presence when working with children.
• Strong communication skills with youth and adults.
• Ability to adapt instruction to different ages, abilities, personalities, and learning styles.
• Patient and supportive approach to helping young climbers navigate challenges.
• Creative and flexible approach to teaching, problem-solving, and maintaining participant engagement.
• Ability to receive and apply feedback to improve instruction.
• Dependable, punctual, and prepared for scheduled programs.
• Collaborative and team-oriented working style.
• Enthusiasm for climbing, youth development, teaching, and community building.
• Ability to stand and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to actively supervise youth throughout climbing activities.
• Ability to lift and move climbing or program equipment as needed.
• Ability to demonstrate climbing movements and techniques as needed to instruct participants.
• Ability to maintain focus in a busy environment with frequent distractions and communicate effectively with youth, families, and staff.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience teaching or coaching climbing to youth.
• Additional weekday availability beyond the required availability may be preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging, age-appropriate climbing instruction for youth ages 3–17.
• Independently lead 60–90-minute classes of approximately 4–6 participants or co-instruct larger groups of approximately 6–12 participants.
• Implement First Ascent’s established curriculum and adapt activities and instruction to individual participants’ needs.
• Keep participants engaged with creative climbing activities, games, challenges, and teaching techniques.
• Teach and reinforce climbing movement, equipment use, belay practices, and safety expectations appropriate to each program and age group.
• Provide positive, constructive, age-appropriate feedback to help young climbers build skills, confidence, and independence.
• Create an inclusive learning environment where participants feel welcomed and encouraged to try new things.
• Actively supervise participants and prioritize their safety throughout classes and activities.
• Communicate professionally with parents and guardians about participant progress, successes, and areas for continued development.
• Coordinate with program leadership about participant needs, program concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with fellow instructors to provide a consistent, high-quality experience across youth programs.
• Contribute ideas for teaching exercises, games, activities, and other program improvements.
• Represent First Ascent professionally and contribute positively to the broader gym community.

Benefits

• Free membership to all First Ascent locations.
• Access to pro deals.
• Opportunities may be available to work private lessons, camps, birthday parties, group events, and other youth programs at a premium rate.