Routesetter (Apprentice) - UG Denver/Castle Rock (Part Time)

 Join Ubergrippen Indoor Climbing Crag as a part time hourly Routesetting Apprentice. Ubergrippen is an indoor rock climbing facility with locations in the Colorado Front Range (NE Denver and Castle Rock). Share your love of climbing by joining our team!  We are currently hiring people interested in becoming professional routesetters. This is an entry level route setting position that requires no previous commercial setting experience. This position will be split between Denver and Castle Rock locations.  UG's setting team has a fixed setting schedule with 4 setting days per week (split between Denver and Castle Rock). The schedule may vary or change at any time, but the current schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

The Routesetting Apprentice position is for new or aspiring routesetters with no or minimal commercial route setting experience who are excited about developing into a professional route setter with a focus on creating world class climbing routes in a community/commercial setting! Our setting team's role is to maximize the guest experience through the creation of engaging, thoughtful, and creative climbing routes and problems that work to create good movement and minimize risk of injury. Must be interested in setting great routes for the first time climber, the elite team crusher, and everyone in between! We are looking for people with a passion for climbing and interest in mastering your knowledge of climbing movement.

Job Duties

• Perform all daily activities on the routesetting team under the direction the the UG Head Route Setter / Director of Setting:
  1. Gain mastery of all rigging and safety equipment to UG standards for setting on ropes and boulders. 
     
  2. Set on average 2-3 routes per shift (4-8 boulders) of a full range of grades and and diverse styles at grade specified by head setter that are high-quality and require minimal adjustments during forerunning.
  3. Take part in the all daily setter duties with minimal direction and supervision including stripping and hold wash, setup and cleanup of all setting equipment, and organizing setting equipment and room.
  4. Participate in daily forerunning up to 5.12+/V7 and provide valuable feedback with a demonstrated understanding of variables such as climber size, intended difficulty, etc.
  5. Perform wall maintenance (e.g. behind the wall repairs, t-nut replacement, anchor checks, rope checks, Auto Belay inspections, Auto Belay take down and installation).
• Maintain strict adherence to all UG safety practices and policies including usage of PPE and following industry best practices for work at heights

Job requirements

1. Minimum 18 years old and HS diploma or equivalent.
2. 2+ years previous rock climbing experience with a strong understanding of climbing movement and experience in both bouldering and roped climbing including lead climbing proficiency.
3. 0 to 2 years setting previous commercial routesetting experience
4. Audition required with the UG Head Route Setter and Sr. Route Setter where you can demonstrate ability to onsite 5.12/V5 and forerun 5.12+/V7.
5. Competent in the use of various routesetting related tools (impact drivers and bits, ratchets, wrenches, pressure washer, bolts, screws, thread taps, etc).
6. Comfortable and competent to set on rope systems using various climbing equipment (Gri-gri, RIG, ascenders, micro traxion, carabiners, etc.)
7. Ability to stand for for duration of shift (8-hours) assuming normal allowed work breaks.
   
8. Ability to walk up and down stairs while carrying loads up to 30 lbs without assistance from others.
9. Ability to lift and move boxes up to 30 lbs without assistance.
10. Ability to climb ladders.
11. Ability to ascend and descend on ropes using typical work at heights equipment (ascenders, descenders) with 50+ pounds of equipment
12. Ability to attach climbing holds to walls up to 10 pounds in weight using hand tools and power tools (drills) with no aid from others.
13. Ability to lead climb 5.12+ (minimum) and boulder V7 (minimum) (using UG's in-house route grading standards).
    
14. Ability to top rope and lead belay.
15. Ability to wear and work in climbing equipment (harness, etc) for up to 8-hour shift (assuming typical work breaks).
16. Must pass a criminal background check.
    

Part Time Benefits

• Great work environment: Our staff and members are THE BEST!
• Participation in UG's Profit Sharing Bonus plan annually with bonuses determined by both company profits, AND individual performance, annual hours worked, tenure, and leadership position.
• Free Ubergrippen membership with minimum 8-hours worked per 2 week pay period.
  
• Opportunities to take free climbing and fitness classes to help you advance your own climbing skills.
• Paid sick leave.
  
• Advancement opportunities: Opportunity to join our team as a Routesetting Professional after demonstrated mastery of all skills required for the position AND potential to join our staff as a full time employee with other roles (e.g. coach, team member, etc).
  
• Discounts in UG's retail shop and access to industry Pro Deal discounts.
• Being part of a great team of coworkers who share a passion for climbing and community and take extreme pride in providing an excellent experience to all our guests!

Compensation

• Starting compensation $19.00/hr with semi-annual adjustments based on demonstrated professional growth, quality of work, output (volume), and expertise in climbing and movement and how it applies to setting.
• Candidate will be eligible for a promotion to the Route Setting Professional position once they are able to consistently demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements for the Route Setting Professional position.  

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.