Work for Us

Thanks for your interest in Vertical World employment!

Mission Statement:
As a company we strive to provide the best customer service, route setting, music, and cleanliness to
our customers on a daily basis. We treat all customer interactions as if we are serving our friends or
family. We accomplish this by hiring employee associates who care about climbing and our customers
and provide them with the training and motivation to give great customer service.

We are currently hiring (click position for more info):

HEAD SETTER

CONSTRUCTION LABORER & WALL BUILDER

CONSTRUCTION FABRICATOR ENTRY LEVEL

YOUTH PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

GROUP INSTRUCTOR

ROUTESETTER

HEAD SETTER

The practice of route setting is central to the climbing gym industry, playing a critical role in determining whether a climbing gym thrives or not. High-quality routes and boulders impact every part of a VW establishment. As the Head Setter, your duty is to craft exceptional experiences for customers through your creations. The role entails ensuring the excellence, customer approval, and progressive development of the route setting at a Vertical World location. They are also more engaged with certain elements of the route setting program, including managing setters, overseeing procurement and budgeting associated with time and resources, and fulfilling administrative tasks necessary for the role.

They are entrusted with controlling the core product of Vertical World climbing gyms.

Location: Vertical World North

Hours: Full Time 32hrs+

Reports to: Head Setter

Compensation: Between $25-$30 hourly

Work Location: 100% In-person

This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, VW reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed.

Responsibilities:

All duties of a standard Setter
Scheduling staff according to gym rotation needs
Motivating the route-setting team
Managing gym rotations
Keeping desired grade distributions on track
Conducting routesetter training as per VW guidelines
Keeping direct communication with operations and gym management
Handling hiring, dismissals, and staff reviews
Keep routesetting management software up to date and accurate on a daily basis
Ordering equipment for route setting
Keeping track of inventory like holds, tools, and gear
Organizing staff shifts within budget constraints
Performing safety inspections and upkeep on climbing areas
Organizing climbing contests and events
Informing setters about VW policies and expectations
Completing daily routesetting activities
Preparing and ensuring availability of all setting tools
Execute any tasks or goals from Gym Management

Expectations/Values:

Prioritize safety in every action
Aim for a balance between efficiency and quality to continuously improve
Maintain consistent, appropriate grades in the gym
Foster a positive, team-oriented mindset
Model excellent teamwork
Create high-quality, engaging movements
Pursue personal improvement in setting and leadership, embracing learning opportunities
Ensure customer satisfaction and contribute to the success of VW with each action
Approach tasks with exceptional work ethic and job pride
Possess strong communication, computer, organizational, and managerial skills
Demonstrate self-motivation
Handle challenges with composure and a positive attitude
Must be able to travel to various locations

Preferred Experience and Abilities:

5 Years previous commercial setting experience
Ability to set 2-3 rope routes and 5-7 boulders in a day
High access rope skills expertise
Self-motivated, hard-working, and able to act independently
Previous experience working in an environment where feedback/constructive criticism is welcomed and desired
Competition experience and USAC certification

Benefits:

Combined Sick/PTO accrual
Free VW membership
Paid professional development opportunities
Access to industry pro deals
Access to all Seattle area gyms
Health care and dental if full time for 60 days

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to bret@verticalworld.com

CONSTRUCTION LABORER & WALL BUILDER

Elevate Climbing Walls and Vertical World are looking to add to our team of builders to assist in building the newest Vertical World Gym in the Seattle area. We are currently hiring for several positions. All lasting about 9 to 12 months, with the potential to become a permanent Elevate employee. Please contact Elevate Climbing Walls with questions.

Expectations:

Keep the construction site clean.
Keep tools organized and put away.
Must be able to work in a physical environment all day.
Must be able to lift and carry 50 – 70 lbs.
Perform basic carpentry skills.
Be able to frame walls.
Be able to panel walls.
Should have a basic set of tools.
Can take direction from lead and Project Manager.

Starting at $22/hr

To apply, please send resume to the Elevate Office.

CONSTRUCTION FABRICATOR ENTRY LEVEL

Expectations:

Follow direction form the lead fabricator.
Be Familiar with metal working tool.
Be familiar with welding process.
Have some experience with stick and mig welding.
Must be able to lift 60-70 ponds.
Must be able to work at heights.

$22 – 25/hr DOE

To apply, please send resume to the Elevate Office.

Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator

Compensation: $16 – $20 hourly

YOUTH PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Vertical World has a longstanding legacy of producing the highest quality youth programs in the Region and has the reputation of being an industry leader in the category Nationwide. Youth Program (YP) Instructors teach rock climbing classes and camps to a wide range of youth climbers enrolled in our programs. The ages range from 2 – 19. YP instructors will teach classes throughout multiple seasons within the program department; School year programs, Day Camps, Summer Camps, and more. Duties may also include group offerings like Birthday Parties and groups. It is the duty of the YP Instructor to deliver the highest level of climbing instruction and professionalism to all youth climbers. YP Instructors uphold the exceptional legacy of the Vertical World youth climbing community.

Location: Vertical World North

Hours: 5 – 40 hrs per week (Part Time or Full Time)

Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator

Compensation: $16 – $22 hourly

This position has the potential to combine with other duties at VW to create a full-time position

Responsibilities:

Teaching Vertical World Youth Programs
Work in various youth climbing offerings such as VW Groups and Parties
Assist participants and their families with their needs
Maintain consistent and thorough class notes

Expectations/Values:

Uphold the highest possible standard of care and instruction
Have great enthusiasm for the job
Bring positivity to the work environment
Work collaboratively with all VW staff to achieve our goals
Show initiative to learn and adapt to situations to benefit VW and its climbers
Implement age-appropriate lessons plans for students
Plan for a balance of safety, technical skill, and fun in each class
Always follow VW practices

Requirements:

Attend all required staff meetings and 1:1’s with supervisors
VW Top Rope belay certified or ability to pass test
Current First Aid certification and Safesport certification (can be completed within first 3 months of employment)
Must work at least two programs per week
Seasonal commitment required (school year and/or summer camp)

Benefits:

Free VW Membership
Pro Deal and industry discounts
Combined Sick/PTO
Company matching retirement plan

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to north-programs@verticalworld.com

GROUP INSTRUCTOR

Vertical World has a longstanding legacy of producing the highest quality youth programs in the region and has the reputation of being an industry leader in the category Nationwide. Group Instructors teach single visit group bookings such as Birthday Parties and Rock Climbing Experiences as well as ongoing groups with the need to lesson plan and create curriculum content as well. Other instruction will include School Groups, Not For Profit Groups, and Kids Night Out, and custom groups, all with a wide age range (children and adults) and ability of climbers. It is the duty of the Group Instructor to deliver the highest level of climbing instruction and professionalism to all youth climbers. Group Instructors uphold the exceptional legacy of the Vertical World youth climbing community.

Location: Vertical World North

Hours: 5 – 28 hrs per week (Part Time)

Reports to: Groups Coordinator

Compensation: $20 – $22 hourly

This position has the potential to combine with other duties at VW to create a full-time position

Responsibilities:

Work in single visit groups such as Birthday Parties and Rock Climbing Experiences
Teach School Groups and Not For Profit Groups which can be single visit and ongoing
Instruct kids and create lesson plans for those signed up for Kids Night Out
Assist participants and their families with their needs
Maintain consistent and thorough notes for ongoing groups and Kids Night Out
Cleaning, organizing and other tasks to service the gym when needed

Expectations/Values:

Uphold the highest possible standard of care and instruction
Have great enthusiasm for the job
Bring positivity to the work environment
Work collaboratively with all VW staff to achieve our goals
Show initiative to learn and adapt to situations to benefit VW and its climbers
Implement age-appropriate lessons plans for students
Plan for a balance of safety, technical skill, and fun in each class
Always follow VW practices

Requirements:

Attend all required staff meetings and 1:1’s with supervisors
VW Top Rope belay certified or ability to pass test
Current First Aid certification and SafeSport certification (can be completed within first 3 months of employment)
Seasonal commitment required (school year and/or summer season)

Benefits:

Free VW Membership
Pro Deal and industry discounts
Combined Sick/PTO
Company matching retirement plan

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to north-groups@verticalworld.com

YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT COORDINATOR

Vertical World has a longstanding legacy of producing the highest quality youth programs in the Region and has the reputation of being an industry leader in the category Nationwide. The Assistant Programs Coordinator (APC) plays a crucial role in working with the Program Coordinator (PC) to uphold these standards. The position helps oversee daily activities in programs and the troubleshooting staffing challenges on various levels. It is the duty of the APC to lead by example and help our program staff members deliver the highest level of climbing instruction and professionalism to all youth climbers. The APC will uphold the exceptional legacy of the Vertical World youth climbing community.

Location: Vertical World North

Hours: 24 – 28 hrs per week as APC. Full time requires other duties at VW.

Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator

Compensation: $21 – $24 hourly

This position alone is part time, but may be combined with other positions to make a full time position. This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, VW reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed.

Responsibilities:

Program sign ups, cancellations, make ups, wait list additions, and enrollment status maintenance
Assist with:
Scheduling and staffing of programs
Finding substitutes when needed
Make sure schedule is correct on website and in house
Program paperwork processing and management like program contracts and any other documents
Logistics of summer camps and seasonal offerings
Checking in with program staff on a regular basis and assist with performing annual reviews
Shadow program staff and give constructive criticism when necessary
Update staff paperwork i.e. training documents, etc.
Assist in training new program staff and perform biannual training for program staff when applicable
Sub for classes as needed
Promptly respond to emails and communications from parents and program members about programs
Setting up program billing configurations in RGP and setting up and managing prorated amounts or special circumstances
Communicate to parents and program members about special offerings, holiday schedules, and other special circumstances
Outreach to marketing team to promote programs
Attend camp fairs and other public outreach sources
Present updates at staff meetings, coordinator meetings, and in the com log
Creating ongoing program resources
Class content and expectations, tasks, and games
Work front desk or other duties outside of core responsibilities
Any task given by PC or gym management

Expectations/Values:

Uphold the highest possible standard of care and instruction
Have great enthusiasm for the job
Bring positivity to the work environment
Work collaboratively with all VW staff to achieve our goals
Show initiative to learn and adapt to situations to benefit VW and its climbers
Implement age-appropriate lessons plans for students
Plan for a balance of safety, technical skill, and fun in each class
Always follow VW practices

Skills:

Thrives working in a team
Self-motivated and able to act independently
High level of organization and attention to detail
Great communication skills
Ability to deal with difficult circumstances with a positive attitude
Great with kids and their families

Requirements:

Experience with Rock Gym Pro software or ability to quickly learn new software
Experience working with youth climbers and their families
Wide range of climbing skills knowledge
Must be able to reliably commute to any VW location

Benefits:

Free VW membership
Pro Deal and industry discounts
Combined Sick/PTO
Company matching retirement plan
Health Insurance if full time (30+ hrs/ week)

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to north-programs@verticalworld.com

EXPERIENCED ROUTESETTER

Routesetting exists at the core of the climbing gym industry and is an integral part of the success or failure of a climbing gym. Great routes/boulders influence every aspect of a VW facility. From setting routes for our everyday members, to providing excellent teaching tools for our instructional classes, as route setter, you are responsible for creating amazing customer experiences through your work. At Vertical World, all of our setters must adhere to a high level of route setting standards that are required to maintain our product excellence. This not only includes exceptional route quality, but also high standards of safety and a positive teamwork-centric environment. All safety procedures must be upheld to the highest level and mutual respect is required. Our setting team is comprised of a committed group of climbers dedicated to upholding a high level of quality and excellence. Crews sets 3-5 days per week. They set top ropes, lead climbs, and boulders, for all abilities, ages, sizes, and grade levels. As a setting team we will strive to create a setting program that produces accomplished setters through multiple learning and growth opportunities.

Location: Vertical World North

Hours: 24 –36 hrs

Reports to: Head Routesetter

Compensation: Between $22- $26 hourly

Work Location: 100% In-person

Responsibilities

Setting 3-5 days a week
Show up on time and ready to work
Follow all VW safety protocols at all times
Participate in all set up and tear down processes as outlined at each facility
Stripping section of wall to be set for the day
Washing dirty holds
Setting the required number of routes/boulders problems that will meet VW’s standards of time, efficiency, and quality
Maintaining a tidy, orderly, and safe setting area throughout the day
Ensuring desired grade is hit consistently with initial skeleton
Keep route management software up to date throughout setting day
Forerunning
Grading routes or boulder problems
Being open to feedback and constructive criticism from peers and members
Be willing to make necessary changes to your route/boulder o Ensuring all routes/boulders are not unnecessarily dangerous
Hold sorting
Hold room organization
General maintenance of climbs and tags/tape
Keeping up to date with training material from Head Setter
Keep climbing wall surfaces and equipment up to VW and manufacturer standards
Set for competitions and events
Execute any tasks or goals from Head Setter or Gym Manager

Expectations/values

Have safety at the forefront of every action
Focus on the balance of efficiency of quality and strive to always become more efficient and more effective
Hit grades that are assigned consistently
Have a positive and collaborative attitude
Be an exemplary team member
Set high quality and engaging movement
Strive to be a better setter every day and take opportunities for learning and growth when available
Care the success of VW and the experience of the customer with every move
Perform all tasks with an outstanding work ethic and pride for the job

Preferred Experience and Abilities

Previous commercial setting experience
Ability to set 2-3 rope routes and 5-7 boulders in a day
High access rope skills
Self-motivated, hard-working, and able to act independently
Previous experience working in an environment where feedback/constructive criticism is welcomed and desired
Ability to deal with difficult circumstances with a positive attitude
Ability to lead climb
Competition experience and USAC certification

Benefits

Combined Sick/PTO accrual
Free VW membership
Paid professional development opportunities
Access to industry pro deals
Access to all Seattle area gyms
Health care and dental if full time for 60 days
Retirement plan after 2 years employment earning at least $5,000 per year

Intangible Benefits

Access to high level mentorship
Many opportunities to set USAC Championship level events
Exposure to elite level climbing athletes of all ages
Awesome access to outdoor climbing and other outdoor activities 😉
A relaxed environment that encourages climbing outside, training for and competing in comps, and a very family style atmosphere.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Bret

Vertical World is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Here at Vertical World, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We pride ourselves in creating an inclusive and welcoming community in our facilities.