What are the responsibilities and job description for the Climbing and Rappelling Instructor position at Southeast Mountain Guides?
SINGLE PITCH INSTRUCTOR & VIA FERRATA INSTRUCTOR
Southeast Mountain Guides – Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Position Overview
This dual-role position includes both Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) guiding and Via Ferrata Instructor (VFI) responsibilities. You will guide clients on the astounding Red River Gorge sandstone, lead rappelling trips, and facilitate experiences on our Via Ferrata course. This is an ideal position for passionate climbers who love teaching others and want to grow professionally in a world-class climbing region.
What Is a Via Ferrata?
Via Ferrata is an outdoor climbing system in which participants traverse a cliff face using iron rungs while being continuously secured to a steel cable. It provides a unique, accessible, and exciting climbing experience for individuals and groups, young and old.
Employment Information
- Location: Campton, Kentucky
- Seasonal Position: March 1 – December 1
- Typical Weekly Hours: ~32 hours across 4 days per week
- Full Range: 25–45 hours across 3–5 days, including weekends
- We prioritize developing professionals who desire to grow in and with Southeast over multiple seasons.
About Southeast Mountain Guides
Our mission is to help people who want to experience rock climbing or become rock climbers. At Southeast Mountain Guides (“Southeast”), we value authentic connection, professionalism, servant leadership, and teamwork.
We offer:
- Via Ferrata (cabled climbing system)
- Guided Rock Climbing
- Guided Rappelling
All in the legendary Red River Gorge, one of the premier climbing destinations in the world.
Position Description
This role offers a rich variety of climbing-related work. One day, you may guide a couple through their first multi-hour climbing experience. Next, you might introduce a troop of Scouts to their first-ever climbing adventure on our Via Ferrata. Every day involves connecting authentically with people, teaching technical skills, and helping clients grow in confidence and ability.
This position is ideal for someone who:
- Loves climbing and the outdoors
- Enjoys teaching and encouraging others
- Wants to invest in a client’s progression and experience
- Values being part of a mission-driven, growth-oriented team
Position Responsibilities
As a Single Pitch Instructor
- Guide rappelling trips in the Red River Gorge
- Guide single pitch climbing on both sport and traditional routes in the Red River Gorge
- Occasionally guide trips at Breaks Interstate Park, VA
- Work effectively with a variety of client profiles, including:
- Families and beginners seeking a fun day outside
- Adults transitioning from gym to crag
- Advanced climbers seeking beta, mentorship, or route application
- Youth competition climbers
- Traveling professionals needing a reliable partner
- Check in clients and operate a basic point-of-sale system
- Maintain guided climbing and rappelling equipment
- Participate in continuing guide development with Southeast leadership
As a Via Ferrata Instructor
- Check clients in, verify waivers, and process payments
- Facilitate hands-on 45-minute via ferrata orientations
- Supervise climbers on the course, offering corrections and encouragement
- Perform via ferrata rescues using a rope system and 3:1 haul
- Clean and inspect climbing equipment
- Maintain the facility and grounds
- Assist with light manual labor such as trail work and weedeating
Minimum Qualifications
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification (or in progress) or equivalent
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or higher medical certification (or in progress)
- Ability to guide 5.10 sport and 5.8 trad in the Red River Gorge
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Genuine alignment with Southeast’s mission, values, and service standards
- Strong passion for teaching, instructing, and encouraging others
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Weekend availability
Preferred Qualifications
- Desire to work multi-seasonally and grow with the company
- Prior guiding experience
- Extensive RRG climbing experience
- Additional climbing experience in the Southeast region
- Ability to guide 5.11 sport and 5.9 trad (or higher)
- Reliable AWD/4WD vehicle capable of accessing remote climbing areas
Hours, Pay & Scheduling
- SPI Guiding Rate: $21/hour
- VFI Rate: $17/hour
- Overtime: Time-and-a-half for hours over 40
- Expected schedule: approximately 32 hours/week over 4 days, with most weekends required
- Learn more about scheduling and hours during the interview process
How to Apply
Submit your application at:https://www.southeastmountainguides.com/employment/
For questions, email nicole@southeastmountainguides.com or call 606-668-6613.
Interview Process
Approximately four interviews, which may be virtual or in person:
- Initial Interview
- Skills Test Interview
- Culture Fit Interview
- Co-lead a Southeast guided trip
Training
Training includes:
- ~4 weeks of initial training
- 1–2 months of intermittent mentorship
- Training pay begins at $16/hour, with increases as milestones are met
Training typically begins mid-February. Exceptions may be made depending on candidate experience or timing.
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $21