Head Route Setter

Position: Head Routesetter

Location: Sarasota, FL

Company: Project 24 Climbing

About Us

Project 24 Climbing is Sarasota’s first indoor climbing gym, opening early 2026. With 13,000 square feet of climbing terrain and a mission to build an inclusive, fitness-driven community, we’re looking for a Head Routesetter to shape the core climbing experience that our members and climbers will come back for again and again.

The Role

As Head Routesetter, you’ll lead the creative vision and practical execution of our routesetting program. This means curating fun, challenging, and progression-oriented climbs across bouldering, top rope, auto-belay, and lead terrain for climbers of all ages and abilities. You’ll work side-by-side with your routesetting team, oversee safety standards, collaborate with coaches and management, and help design climbs that cater to everyone — from first-timers to high-level competitions. This role combines technical expertise, leadership, creativity, and community presence.

Key Duties

• Route Setting Program: Develop and maintain a comprehensive setting schedule. Assign team members to set, inspect, and maintain routes and walls.
• Climbing Routes: Design and distribute routes for all skill levels. Monitor community engagement and adjust to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
• Youth Programs: Collaborate with the Head Coach and Program Director to build routes tailored to youth teams and specialized events.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and lead the Route Setting Team, fostering creativity, professional growth, and a positive culture.
• Route Safety: Make final calls on route safety and grading to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices and highest standards.
• Team Safety: Maintain high safety standards in routesetting practices.
• Competitions & Events: Lead route setting for comps and community events.
• Risk Management: Create and maintain a risk management program in line with CWA and industry standards to minimize risk as best as possible.
• Team Development: Mentor setters through regular feedback, growth plans, and skill-building opportunities while fostering a creative, collaborative culture.
• Purchasing & Equipment: Research and recommend new holds, volumes, and gear. Manage vendor relationships and coordinate orders with management; oversee inventory of holds, volumes, and setting equipment.
• Facility Maintenance: Ensure hold/wall cleanliness, inspections, and maintenance; manage inspection and maintenance schedules.
• Community Engagement: Be a visible presence on the floor—engage with climbers, gather feedback, and support a welcoming environment.
• Flexibility: Work evenings, weekends, or special event hours as needed.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
• Ability to safely operate setting equipment (impact drills, ladders, lifts).
• Comfortable working at height using ladders, lifts, and rope systems.
• 2.5 years of experience in route setting, climbing wall safety, and facility maintenance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Desire to continue learning through classes or certifications in route setting, height safety, and management.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a team-driven environment. Broad understanding of modern setting styles, comp setting, and progression for climbers of all levels.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• CWI, routesetting certifications, or competition setting experience are a plus.
  
  

Perks & Benefits

• Hourly Wage: $27–$29/hour (approx. $56,000–$60,000 annually for a full-time, 40-hour work week).
• Vacation: 3 weeks paid vacation annually (accrued at 1 day per month during the first year).
• Paid Professional Training: Paid online and in-person development opportunities, plus up to $1,000 annually toward outdoor climbing excursions.
• Insurance: Health insurance with 75% of the base plan covered by the company (for you, your spouse, and minor children).
• Membership: Free household membership to Project 24 Climbing.
• Discounts: 30% off climbing gear, apparel, and retail goods in our gear shop.
  
  

How To Apply

Send your resume, portfolio (if applicable), and a short note (e.g. cover letter) about your setting philosophy to Aaron@Project24Climbing.com with the subject line: Head Routesetter Application – [Your Name].