Climbing Team Lead

About the Role

The Climbing Team Lead is a member of Cougars Athletics and Recreation (CAR) which actively creates, promotes, and sustains an environment in which the Mount Royal University community is challenged and supported in pursuit of personal growth in the areas of Athletics and Recreation.

Reporting to the Adventure Programs Supervisor, the Climbing Team Lead is an integral member of the programs and services team. The team is driven by their why: to inspire people to move so that they can be the best versions of themselves. We invite and welcome people to show up as their authentic selves; we develop people in ways that matter most to them; we build communities that connect people to what brings them joy; we create accessible and inclusive spaces, places, and programs; and we establish relationships that foster a sense of belonging.

The Climbing Team Lead assists with daily administration duties that support climbing programs, bookings, and operations during the spring/summer academic term. To ensure a dynamic and engaging experience for students and members at the Climbing Centre, this role will focus on adhering to the standards of CAR, the Canadian Standards Association, and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG).

Responsibilities

Climbing Centre Operations

• Greet and sign participants into the facility
• Conduct Base Camp orientations and belay tests – top rope and lead
• Sign out rental equipment and ensure it is returned and put away
• Engage with climbers to foster our strong sense of community
• Present waivers and answer any related questions
• Actively supervise the Climbing Centre, ensuring our policies are being followed and that all climbers and belayers are safe
• Provide coaching and corrective instruction on techniques as necessary
• Open and/or close the facility, performing regular checks and equipment storage
• Strip and clean climbing holds from old routes and problems
• Set up personal rigging system to ensure safety of oneself and other setters
• Set creative and challenging routes and problems while avoiding common pitfalls
• Grade own routes and problems with assistance from other setters
• Respond to feedback from facility users in route upkeep and future setting
• Ensure holds and setting equipment are stored neatly and organized

Program Leadership

• Lead climbing experiences during birthday parties, group events, and MRU Camps programs
• Coach and supervise MRU Camps staff on belaying and risk management skills during programs
• Teach adult climbing courses based upon personal experience and certifications, including the following skills: top roping, belaying, lead climbing, rappelling, movement, equipment checks, and others as necessary
• Teach youth climbing programs through skill development and climbing games
• Belay climbers and/or assist with auto-belay devices
• Assist with development of program plans under outdoor adventure program portfolio

Facility Management

• Review and coordinate private facility booking requests
• Perform weekly inspection of Climbing Centre equipment
• Support with monthly equipment and facility inspection as required

Qualifications

• Must be available to work evenings and weekends.
• Passion and energy to inspire people to move so that they can be the best version of themselves.
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
• Personal Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Verification.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and work as a member of the team.
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Computer/technical proficiency in Microsoft and Google applications.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Familiarity and personal experience with climbing rope use and safety techniques.
• Understanding of Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and V-scale grading systems.
• Ability to utilize creativity in route design for a varied climber experience.
• Personal route setting capability to a 5.10+ grade.
• Demonstrated commitment to the application of equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in a campus recreation context.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ActiveNet or similar recreation registration and facility management software.
• Involvement with the MRU Climbing Centre community.
• Climbing experience at a variety of indoor facilities and/or outdoor sites.
• Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Climbing Gym Instructor Level 1 and/or Top Rope Climbing Instructor certification, or higher.