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Climbing Instructor

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Date: 08/24/2009	Office/Department: Outdoor Program
Starting Wage: Minimum Wage + $0.25 for returning employees	Supervisor: OP Director
Openings: No	Department Head: OP Program Director

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POSITION PURPOSE 

Climbing instructors are responsible for teaching one weekly class with the help of another climbing instructor lasting 1.5 hours with eight-ten students.  Beginning climbing instructors will teach the skills necessary for top-rope climbing at the Sherwood Climbing Wall.  Intermediate climbing instructors teach students how to lead climb sport routes as well as build and clean sport route anchors in a safe manner.  All climbing instructors are required to attend all meetings throughout the semester and training sessions at the beginning of the semester, as well as lead at least one of the scheduled SSRA climbing trips.  The goal of the climbing instructor is to teach students fundamental climbing skills along with how to identify and manage risks and hazards inherent in the sport.   

PRINCIPAL REQUIREMENTS 

 1.     Be ready to begin class on time by having ropes and climbing holds set up before it is time to begin class.  Instructors to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of class for set-up and to remain at least 15 minutes after class for take down.

2.     Be confident in what you are teaching so that students feel comfortable trusting what methods are being taught to them.  Also, be aware of the abilities of the students and what is happening during class. 

3.     Be sure to keep track of the abilities of the students on an individual level, and the class as a whole, throughout the semester so that the material covered in a given class is appropriate. 

4.     Enforce the posted rules for the climbing wall.

5.     At the end of each class period all ropes must be coiled and returned to their appropriate place in the climbing closet.  All of the bottom climbing holds for the first six feet must be taken down and stored in the closet as well.  The climbing instructor keys should be returned immediately after class is over. 

6.     In general, help keep the climbing wall closet as clean and neat as possible.

7.     Record attendance on the attendance sheet that is kept in the climbing folder appropriate to the class.

8.   At the end of the semester give students evaluation sheets to be filled out.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1.     Advanced climbing systems and site managment class.

2.     Ability to effectively teach all elements of top-rope climbing including proper use of a harness and belay device, as well as the B.U.S. belay technique and proper commands. 

3.     Ability to effectively teach all elements of lead climbing a sport route including lead belaying, proper clipping technique, anchor construction and anchor cleaning (Intermediate Climbing Instructors).

4.     Ability to teach enthusiastically and accurately and creatively.

5.     An ability to establish a rapport with students.

6.     An ability to work with and constructively supervise peers.  

7.     Ability to lead sport routes and set up a safe top-ropes for the SSRA climbing trips.

8.     Climbing instructors must have, as a minimum requirement, current First Aid and CPR certification and Whitman van driver certification.

9.     Ability to maintain a safe environment at the Sherwood Climbing Wall and at the local climbing areas (Frenchmen's Coulee and Spring Mountain).

10.    Must go through Whitman Defensive driving program.

MEETING/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• All staff training at the start of each semester.
• Monthly meetings for all climbing staff.

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