Focus Route Setter

About Focus:
Focus Climbing Center located in Mesa, Arizona is a community-focused facility who’s ultimate goal is improving people’s lives through the sport of indoor rock climbing. We offer a wide variety of climbing terrain for bouldering and have several auto belays as well. The mission of the routesetting team at Focus is this – create and curate the best experience possible, for every individual who walks through our door. These are serious and recreational climbers, first-timers getting a taste of our amazing sport, athletes training for competitions or projects outside and enthusiasts using climbing to reach health and fitness goals. As a member of the routesetting team, you will help curate the best possible experience this unique community.

Part-Time Position – Routesetter reports to: Head Routesetter/Assistant Head Routesetter

Description: This person will work directly for the Head Routesetter (HS) and Assistant Head Routesetter (AHS) as a routesetter. For this position, you will be setting both boulders and autobelay/lead routes as the rotation demands.

The high quality of the routesetting at Focus has been a defining feature since the gym opened 9 years ago. A constant pursuit of the best climbing we can create is an essential quality of a successful routesetter. You will be expected to set based on community needs and encouraged to express your individual style and skill, while creating the ultimate learning environment for all members.

Job Requirements:

  • Set 2-3 days per week as needed.
  • Minimum of 1 year of rock climbing experience indoors and outdoors.
  • Comfort working at heights around large extension ladders.
  • Ability to forerun (move-to-move, does not mean send) at least V6 and top rope 5.12.
  • Ability to carry up to 50 lbs and move large ladders.
  • Adherence to safe routesetting practices, such as the use of PPE, proper ladder usage, etc. If this is new to you, the setting team will provide a full training, but the expectation is that all setters will strictly adhere to all safety guidelines.
  • Meet the daily setting requirements for quantity, quality, style and difficulty.
  • Contribute as a team member to daily forerunning.
  • Collaborate with members of setting team on boulders and routes.
  • Set for and attend all competitions and events (includes occasional weekends).
  • Help introduce fresh ideas and concepts during setting days – your perspective is important!
  • Assist with stripping of walls and hold washing, & wall maintenance as needed.
  • Assist with auto belay and rope inspections and replacements.
  • Maintain cleanliness of setting room and organization of personal gear.
  • Communicate and engage with the climbing community.
  • Be on your feet, standing and working for 8hrs + each day.
  • Previous setting experience is preferred. Have you set for another gym, a home wall, made up problems as a coach? Make sure to include any relevant background in your cover letter & resume.

Focus Routesetters are:

  • Kind
  • Adaptable
  • Compassionate
  • Creative
  • Empathetic
  • Passionate about their craft.
  • Professional
  • Hard workers

Responsibilities

  • Create and foster a culture of respect, hard work, appreciation of difference, and kindness. Support and encourage each team member in their individual goals and development as a climber and remain empathetic to the gym members for whom we work.
  • Follow setting schedule and maintain the high quality standards Focus aims to reach.
  • Proper and continuous communication with HS, AHS and Setting Team.
  • Perform safety inspections of routes and equipment to identify fall hazards, injury risks, rope drag concerns, life-span and wear issues, etc.
  • Maintain setting gear and equipment.
  • Hold cleaning and storage/setting room organization and cleanliness.
  • Assist with wall maintenance (stuck holds, t-nuts, etc.).
  • Support Head Setter with competitions and special events as needed.
  • Aid in implementing and enforcing facility rules.
  • Forerun all routes and witness member/user sends.
  • Be polite and responsive to community feedback.
  • Provide mentorship as needed for Route Setting Apprenticeship program.
  • Work with HS, AHS and team coaches for youth climbing team-specific setting.
  • Participate in route setting related events (or events that include a route setting component).
  • Develop and master rope and hardware management skills.
  • Perform routine wall, hold, and t-nut inspections.

Compensation:

  • Compensation based on individual experience.
  • Complimentary membership for a significant other or family members
  • Daily buddy passes

Other benefits:

  • Paid Setters’ Day Out (visiting & climbing at local destinations)
  • Annual shoe reimbursement (1 pair Mad Rock or equivalent cost)

If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to: Justin Wagner (HS) at [email protected]

In-person interview with the Head Routesetter will be scheduled on a rolling basis. There will be a second round interview with qualified applicants where you will be invited to set with the team for a day. This will help us get to know you, and help you determine if we are the right fit.

 

Focus Climbing Center strives to provide equal opportunity in our workplaces. We believe that different perspectives and identities strengthen our community. We welcome all interested applicants to apply, regardless of experience.