Climbing Center Monitors and Setters
The Lindseth Climbing Center is always on the lookout for passionate people to join the team. Our hiring process typically happens in April for Summer and Fall Semester appointments, and in November for Spring Semester appointments. If you are interested in being notified when positions become available, please complete the appropriate Google Form(s) of Interest below.
Cornell Students - Use the online form to indicate interest in current or future opportunities. Additionally, all student hires will apply through Workday. Search "climbing" in Find Student Employment Opportunities to see and apply for any current openings.
External Candidates - Use the online form to indicate interest in current or future opportunities.
Wall Monitoring
Wall Monitors are responsible for setting and maintaining the overall tone of professionalism and safety at the wall to create an environment that welcomes and challenges climbers of all skill levels. Primary duties include climber orientation and check-in, monitoring the floor for safety, and performing Top Rope Belay Proficiency Tests.
Prerequisites include familiarity with the Lindseth climbing environment and community, Top Rope belay certification, and a commitment to teamwork and excellent customer service.
Additional training is available to teach Introductory Belay and Climbing classes, to give Lead Proficiency Tests, and to take on a more supervisory role.
View our complete Wall Monitor job description.
Apply through Workday or by using our Wall Monitor Interest Form.
Routesetting
Routesetters are responsible for setting creative Boulder problems and routes for Top Rope and Sport Lead climbing, in an environment that welcomes and challenges climbers of all skill levels. Setters are responsible for all aspects of hold management, from stripping, washing, sorting, and setting, while following all proscribed safety protocols. Setters are expected to collaborate with each other, as well as with wall monitors, COE rock climbing instructors, and the climbing community, to address a variety of needs and develop the wall's offerings.
Prerequisites include familiarity with the Lindseth climbing environment and community, advanced knowledge of climbing movement, Top Rope and Lead climbing certification at LCC, and a commitment to safe practices, teamwork, and growth.
All setters will receive training in accepted industry setting standards for proper use of PPE and working at height.
View our complete Routesetter job description.
Apply through Workday or by using our Routesetter Interest Form.
Holdwashing
Holdwashers are responsible for supporting the setting team through weekly holdwashing sessions, while following all prescribed safety protocols.
There are no prerequisites for the job, though a love of climbing doesn’t hurt!
Contact Josh Giblin at jbg286@cornell.edu with your interest in holdwashing at any time.
Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities may be available to support general operations and special programming.
Contact Josh Giblin at jbg286@cornell.edu with your interest in volunteering.
Wall Monitor, Level 1
As a Wall Monitor you are responsible for setting and maintaining the overall tone of professionalism and safety at the wall to create an environment that welcomes and challenges climbers of all skill levels.
Requirements
- Top rope belay certified
- Knowledge of safety issues at Lindseth Climbing Center
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
- CPR and First Aid certified (training support available)
Duties
Monitor for Safety
- Ensure all who enter the wall area have a current waiver and associated paperwork
- Administer top rope belay tests
- Identify and coach or correct undesirable or unsafe behavior
- Observe belay parties for completeness of safety system and proper belay technique
- Retest or revoke TR belay tags if necessary
- Observe boulderers for clear fall zones and controlled descents
- Clear floor and mats of trip hazards
- Implement emergency procedures (911 and other injuries) when necessary
Provide Customer Service
- Welcome all to the wall and make yourself available to them
- Provide consistent messaging regarding wall policies and procedures
- Process payment for passes and rentals
- Anticipate and respond to challenging interactions with professionalism and courtesy
- Answer in-person, phone, and email questions regarding climbing facility and learning opportunities
- Maintaining cleanliness of check-in area, benches, shelves
Build Community
- Develop rapport with climbers, and support a variety of climbing goals
- Make connections between new and experienced climbers, help establish “belay-tionships”
- Ensure safe and supportive culture for all patrons
- Collaborate with other Czars, Routesetters, and Rock Staff Instructors to achieve shared goals
Time Commitment
At least 1 regular shift a week
Reports To
LCC Wall Manager, with regular check-ins with Shift Supervisor for shift feedback, and policy and procedure updates.
Advancement Opportunity
Training is available to level up! Level 2 Monitors administer and monitor sport lead climbers, and teach belay and climbing classes on shift. Shift Supervisors are responsible for staff and customer service on shift, including advanced technical RecTrac issues, and are involved in staff training on and off shift.
Apply using our Wall Monitor Google Form Application.
Route Setter, Level 1
As a Route setter you are responsible for setting creative boulder problems and routes for top rope and lead climbing, in an environment that welcomes and challenges climbers of all skill levels. Setters are expected to collaborate with each other, as well as with wall monitors, COE Rock Climbing instructors, and the climbing community, to address a variety of needs and develop the wall’s offerings.
Qualifications
- Top rope and lead climbing certified, previous setting experience is desired
- Skills sets that complement the current team, experience with other wall teams preferred
- Familiarity with a socket wrench, impact driver, mechanical ascenders, working on a ladder or rope, and in appropriate physical condition for manual labor at height
- Commitment to safe practices at all times
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
- Desire to improve by gaining a greater understanding of climbing movement and program needs
- Engaged in the Lindseth climbing community
Duties
Routesetting
- Route and Boulder problem setting, ensuring safety and accessibility for a wide range of climbers
- Forerunning of routes and problems (not just your own), and participation in the editing process
- Actively seek, accept, and give constructive feedback in a productive manner
- Challenge themselves and other setters in their goals
- Attend regular routesetting meetings, participate in maintenance or development projects
Monitor for Safety
- Ensure staff and climber safety during route setting activities
- Inspection of of wall, holds, bolts, tools, equipment, etc. for damage on a regular basis
- Set with injury prevention in mind, avoiding unnecessarily awkward movement, or difficult clips
Provide Customer Service
- Welcome all to the wall and make yourself available to them
- Maintaining cleanliness of setting closet, hold storage, and tool kits
- Understand and Help reinforce wall policies and procedures
Build Community
- Develop rapport with climbers, and support a variety of climbing goals
- Ensure safe and supportive culture for all staff and climbers
- Collaborate with other Routesetters, Czars, and Rock Staff Instructors to achieve shared goals
Time Commitment
6-12 hours per week, which includes setting, forerunning, and meeting time
Reports to
LCC Wall Manager
Advancement
Routesetters advance by demonstrating proficiency at setting benchmarks for bouldering and top rope environments, then working through lead climbing and advanced setting considerations.
Apply using our Routesetter Google Form Application.