Routesetter

You report directly to the 5.Life Head of Routesetting at your facility. 

Responsibilities 

Route Setting & Quality 

• Set to the 5.Life quality standard — hazard free, well-featured, and appropriately graded 
• Set across the full grade range, including setting and forerunning boulder problems and routes beyond your personal onsight limit 
• Forerun all routes and boulder problems before opening; adjust based on forerun feedback 
• Design movement sequences that teach technique, reward effort, and engage climbers of all levels 
• Maintain accurate route logs, route tags, and tape — current and guest-ready at all times 
• Rotate the wall on schedule, meeting or exceeding stripping, washing, and setting quotas 
• Contribute to section and grade distribution planning to keep the wall diverse and accessible 

Risk Management & Facility Integrity 

• Perform weekly inspections of routes, hardware, and fall zones; document findings in inspection logs 
• Identify and address fall hazards, spinner holds, bad t-nuts, and structural issues promptly 
• Maintain all personal setting gear, PPE, and shared equipment in safe working condition 
• Apply rope and hardware management best practices on every setting day 
• Enforce facility rules as a credible, visible presence on the floor 
• Report risks, quality, or personnel concerns to the Head Setter immediately 

Hold & Setting Room Management 

• Strip and wash holds thoroughly; sort and store by shape, size, and color in an organized system 
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the setting room, setter areas, and hold storage 
• Track hold inventory and communicate needs to the Head Setter proactively 
• Perform t-nut replacement, volume maintenance, and general wall repairs as assigned 

Communication & Collaboration 

• Communicate clearly and proactively with the Head Setter and setting team 
• Relay guest and member feedback with context — not just complaints, but patterns and specifics 
• Give and receive constructive setting feedback professionally; contribute to a culture of continuous improvement 
• Participate in team forerun sessions and contribute to route adjustments collaboratively 
• Complete all pre- and post-shift tasks accountably and on time 
• Be polite and responsive to guests on the floor 

Mentorship & Community 

• Mentor and support apprentice routesetters; model professionalism, craft, and accountability 
• Participate in competitions, clinics, events, and workshops at your home facility and other 5.Life locations 
• Stay actively engaged in the broader climbing community — indoors and outdoors 
• Represent 5.Life’s Core Values in all interactions 

Results 

You’re succeeding in this role when: 

• Every route and boulder problem you set meets the 5.Life quality standard — hazard free, well-featured, and worth the climb 
• You set and forerun independently across the full grade range without requiring ongoing supervision or correction 
• Your section of the wall turns over on schedule; the Head Setter can rely on you to meet quotas without follow-up 
• Inspections are completed on time and any issues are escalated promptly with clear, actionable information 
• Route logs, tags, and tape are always current — guests and staff can trust them 
• The setting room is clean and organized; hold inventory is maintained without being asked 
• Your feedback exchanges with teammates are professional, constructive, and make the product better 
• Apprentice setters improve because of the guidance and modeling they receive from you 
• Events and competitions run smoothly because you showed up prepared and contributed without being directed 
• Guests experience the wall as safe, challenging, and worth coming back for — and you’re part of why 

Requirements 

You Must Have 

• Minimum 2–3 years of commercial routesetting experience 
• Demonstrated ability to set and forerun routes and boulder problems at and above your personal onsight limit 
• In-depth knowledge of climbing technique, body positioning, and movement across styles (compression, slab, overhang, technical face) 
• Ability to set across the full commercial grade range — beginner-accessible through advanced 
• Physical ability to perform setting duties using ropes, ascenders, and ladders for extended periods 
• Knowledge of solo belay techniques and use of setting equipment and PPE 
• Ability to lift and carry heavy containers (50+ lbs) 
• Dependable, punctual, and consistent — your availability and reliability affect the entire setting operation 
• Demonstrated ability to give and receive constructive feedback professionally 
• Availability to work special events, clinics, and competitions at home and other 5.Life facilities, including evenings and weekends 
• Experience using hand-held power tools (impact driver, angle grinder, etc.) 

Preferred (Not Required) 

• USA Climbing (USAC) Setter Certification Level 1 or higher 
• PRS & CWI certification or equivalent training 
• Experience mentoring or training apprentice setters 
• Experience setting for competitions, youth programs, or team-specific setting contexts 
• Outdoor climbing experience — multipitch, trad, sport, or bouldering 
• Familiarity with youth climbing team programming and team-specific setting needs 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Full-time; ability to work up to 4–5 days per week 
• $20–24 per hour, non-exempt, depending on qualifications and experience 
• Participation in 5.Life’s health insurance and retirement plans 
• Paid Time Off 
• Free membership to all 5.Life climbing facilities 
• Discounts on 5.Life instruction and programs 
• Access to pro-deals through our outdoor industry partners