Lead Team Coach - Arlington Heights na First Ascent

First Ascent Arlington Heights is looking for an individual with youth coaching and/or youth instruction experience, terrific communication skills, initiative, who is solution-oriented, and thrives when challenged. This full-time role will receive direction, and support from the First Ascent Head Coach at Arlington Heights. Primary working hours are between 3-9 pm on Sundays - Thursdays, with several days having earlier start times. Competitions can range from one weekend day (usually Saturdays) to seven days in a row (Nationals).  The season runs from the Tuesday after Labor Day through June 30th, with the July and August including summer training during the week, and a climbing team summer camp for younger athletes. There is also the opportunity to help improve our program, and embrace personal growth.

First Ascent is a nationally competitive youth program with multiple athletes on the National Team, and with IFSC Youth World Championship experience. 

This position requires someone who is inspired to teach youth in a competitive program, who is knowledgeable in climbing–especially competition climbing, willing to learn, and who is comfortable working with a diverse group of youth, coworkers, parents, climbers, and route setters. 

The below responsibilities are subject to change based on the needs of the organization. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Execute, and contribute to, a training plan that the team will follow through the 10 month season, September through June

• Work with smaller groups over summer, and work with youngest athletes in a summer camp 

• Conduct climbing team practices with efficiency and accuracy

• Work with competitive youth climbers aged 6-18

• Regular communication with the head coach to ensure any concerns or issues are addressed in a timely manner

• Occasional travel to coach athletes participating in youth competitions, this includes working some weekends based on competition and event dates

• Manage space usage between the climbing team and commercial members

• Teach form, and technique for climbing, and off-the-wall workouts

• Set specific team boulders during the season

• Represent First Ascent in a professional manner, and be an exceptional ambassador of climbing 

                   EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

● Newer Coaches

• Minimum of one year working with youth climbers

• Minimum of two years climbing experience

● Experienced Coaches

• Minimum of one year coaching at USAC Youth Nationals

• Minimum of two years coaching in USA Climbing

• Minimum of three years of climbing experience

● Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, and variable environment

● Must be comfortable leading groups of athletes, and coaches (for experienced coaches)

● Must possess the ability to thrive in a teamwork-based environment 

                    ● Must be able to take constructive feedback well, and to transform it into lasting positive changes

● Must have an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge, and love climbing, and fitness  

● Must be willing to offer collaborative, and constructive feedback 

● A positive attitude, flexible working style, and creative problem-solving skills are required 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

● Friendly demeanor, positive attitude, and adaptability to various personality types 

● Flexible working style and ability to multi-task, set priorities, and manage time effectively 

● Enthusiasm for sharing climbing knowledge – approach, technique, analysis, and debrief

● Enthusiasm for your love of climbing, and fitness

● Proper top rope, and lead belaying techniques

● Knowledge of climbing safety  

● Familiarity with USA Climbing Rules, disciplines, and competition formats

● Ability to meet USA Climbing’s Level 2 Coach certification requirements  

PERKS & BENEFITS: 

● Pay range is $19-$23/hr depending on experience. 

● Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, accident, disability)

● 401k Available

● Free membership to all First Ascent locations

● Access to pro-deals

● Access to First Ascent’s Employee Assistance Program

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

● Predominantly in a climate controlled indoor environment

● Noise level ranges from moderate to loud

● Commercial gym space with non-team members in the same, or adjacent space

● Most of the working time is spent on your feet

EEO STATEMENT: 

First Ascent is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. First Ascent does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. First Ascent prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.