Team Coach – Level 1

You’re here to learn the craft of team-level coaching: periodized training, athlete-centered development, and the dynamics of a competitive climbing team. You bring energy, climbing knowledge, and a genuine investment in your athletes’ long-term growth.

Reports to: Head Team Coach / Youth Program Manager

Responsibilities

Team Practice & Training Delivery

• Assist senior coaches in executing structured team practice sessions for assigned athlete groups
• Deliver technical instruction on movement, footwork, route reading, and competition strategy at a foundational level
• Lead warm-ups, conditioning segments, and skill drills as assigned
• Support individual athletes with targeted feedback during practice
• Foster a culture of effort, sportsmanship, and team belonging

Athlete Development

• Observe and track athlete progress session-to-session and report observations to senior coaches
• Assist with basic goal-setting conversations with athletes
• Identify athletes who may need additional attention, modified training, or parent communication
• Contribute to a positive, growth-oriented team environment

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain consistent monitoring of all athletes during practice
• Enforce all gym risk management procedures, including harness checks and fall zone awareness
• Report incidents and complete required documentation accurately

Competition Support

• Attend competitions with the team as scheduled; this is a core part of the role
• Assist with athlete check-in, warm-up supervision, and on-the-ground logistics at events
• Represent 5.Life professionally at all USA Climbing and sanctioned events

Parent & Community Relations

• Communicate respectfully and professionally with parents during and after practice
• Provide basic progress updates when requested and escalate complex conversations to senior coaches

Operations

• Complete pre- and post-shift duties reliably
• Assist with equipment setup and teardown for practice
• Maintain accurate attendance and session notes

Results

• Athletes in your charge feel coached, supported, and challenged every practice
• Risk management is never compromised, regardless of pace or pressure
• You grow visibly as a coach each season by seeking feedback and applying it
• Parents and athletes trust you as a reliable, invested member of the team coaching staff

Requirements

You Must Have

• Minimum 20 years of age
• 3+ years of climbing experience with the ability to climb V4 or higher
• Experience with competitive climbing, either as an athlete or coach
• Current SafeSport certification
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification
• USA Climbing Coaches membership (Level 1 or higher), or willingness to obtain within 90 days
• Availability for weekend competitions as scheduled

Preferred (Not Required)

• 1+ year of experience coaching youth climbing teams
• Familiarity with USA Climbing competition formats, including bouldering, lead, and speed
• Background in periodized athletic training or sport science

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $19/hour, increasing to $20/hour after the initial review, commensurate with experience. Eligible for annual merit review.

Perks: Free gym membership, competition travel support, continued education, and direct mentorship from experienced competitive coaches.