5.Life Routesetter Columbus, OH · Full time Company website
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The Routesetter is a fully skilled, experienced setter who takes pride in the quality of the climbing experience on the wall. This is not an entry-level or developmental position — you bring the craft, the movement knowledge, and the judgment to set at a commercial standard and contribute meaningfully to every setting day. You set routes and boulder problems that are hazard-free, well-featured, and worth climbing. You forerun collaboratively, speak up about what isn't working, and welcome the same honesty from your teammates. Feedback isn't a threat — it's how the product gets better, and you treat it that way. You show up to every set ready to work with your team, not just alongside them. You share beta, flag concerns early, and leave your ego at the door when the forerun reveals something needs to change. That collaborative instinct is what makes the whole wall better, not just your section of it.

About 5.Life

5.Life is a community-driven climbing company with multiple gyms designed to inspire a lifelong love for climbing. Founded in 1994 as Vertical Adventures, we’ve expanded to offer diverse climbing experiences tailored to each local community. Our spaces—ranging from traditional rock climbing gyms to bouldering centers and training facilities—welcome climbers of all levels, fostering an inclusive, family-centered environment. Rooted in core values of community, adventure, and growth, we believe climbing can transform lives, and we’re dedicated to building not just gyms but communities that embrace challenge and connection.

Description

You report directly to the 5.Life Head of Routesetting at your facility. 

 

Responsibilities 

Route Setting & Quality 

  • Set to the 5.Life quality standard — hazard free, well-featured, and appropriately graded 
  • Set across the full grade range, including setting and forerunning boulder problems and routes beyond your personal onsight limit 
  • Forerun all routes and boulder problems before opening; adjust based on forerun feedback 
  • Design movement sequences that teach technique, reward effort, and engage climbers of all levels 
  • Maintain accurate route logs, route tags, and tape — current and guest-ready at all times 
  • Rotate the wall on schedule, meeting or exceeding stripping, washing, and setting quotas 
  • Contribute to section and grade distribution planning to keep the wall diverse and accessible 

Risk Management & Facility Integrity 

  • Perform weekly inspections of routes, hardware, and fall zones; document findings in inspection logs 
  • Identify and address fall hazards, spinner holds, bad t-nuts, and structural issues promptly 
  • Maintain all personal setting gear, PPE, and shared equipment in safe working condition 
  • Apply rope and hardware management best practices on every setting day 
  • Enforce facility rules as a credible, visible presence on the floor 
  • Report risks, quality, or personnel concerns to the Head Setter immediately 

Hold & Setting Room Management 

  • Strip and wash holds thoroughly; sort and store by shape, size, and color in an organized system 
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the setting room, setter areas, and hold storage 
  • Track hold inventory and communicate needs to the Head Setter proactively 
  • Perform t-nut replacement, volume maintenance, and general wall repairs as assigned 

Communication & Collaboration 

  • Communicate clearly and proactively with the Head Setter and setting team 
  • Relay guest and member feedback with context — not just complaints, but patterns and specifics 
  • Give and receive constructive setting feedback professionally; contribute to a culture of continuous improvement 
  • Participate in team forerun sessions and contribute to route adjustments collaboratively 
  • Complete all pre- and post-shift tasks accountably and on time 
  • Be polite and responsive to guests on the floor 

Mentorship & Community 

  • Mentor and support apprentice routesetters; model professionalism, craft, and accountability 
  • Participate in competitions, clinics, events, and workshops at your home facility and other 5.Life locations 
  • Stay actively engaged in the broader climbing community — indoors and outdoors 
  • Represent 5.Life’s Core Values in all interactions 

 

Results 

You’re succeeding in this role when: 

  • Every route and boulder problem you set meets the 5.Life quality standard — hazard free, well-featured, and worth the climb 
  • You set and forerun independently across the full grade range without requiring ongoing supervision or correction 
  • Your section of the wall turns over on schedule; the Head Setter can rely on you to meet quotas without follow-up 
  • Inspections are completed on time and any issues are escalated promptly with clear, actionable information 
  • Route logs, tags, and tape are always current — guests and staff can trust them 
  • The setting room is clean and organized; hold inventory is maintained without being asked 
  • Your feedback exchanges with teammates are professional, constructive, and make the product better 
  • Apprentice setters improve because of the guidance and modeling they receive from you 
  • Events and competitions run smoothly because you showed up prepared and contributed without being directed 
  • Guests experience the wall as safe, challenging, and worth coming back for — and you’re part of why 

 

Requirements 

You Must Have 

  • Minimum 2–3 years of commercial routesetting experience 
  • Demonstrated ability to set and forerun routes and boulder problems at and above your personal onsight limit 
  • In-depth knowledge of climbing technique, body positioning, and movement across styles (compression, slab, overhang, technical face) 
  • Ability to set across the full commercial grade range — beginner-accessible through advanced 
  • Physical ability to perform setting duties using ropes, ascenders, and ladders for extended periods 
  • Knowledge of solo belay techniques and use of setting equipment and PPE 
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy containers (50+ lbs) 
  • Dependable, punctual, and consistent — your availability and reliability affect the entire setting operation 
  • Demonstrated ability to give and receive constructive feedback professionally 
  • Availability to work special events, clinics, and competitions at home and other 5.Life facilities, including evenings and weekends 
  • Experience using hand-held power tools (impact driver, angle grinder, etc.) 

 

Preferred (Not Required) 

  • USA Climbing (USAC) Setter Certification Level 1 or higher 
  • PRS & CWI certification or equivalent training 
  • Experience mentoring or training apprentice setters 
  • Experience setting for competitions, youth programs, or team-specific setting contexts 
  • Outdoor climbing experience — multipitch, trad, sport, or bouldering 
  • Familiarity with youth climbing team programming and team-specific setting needs 

 

Compensation & Benefits 

  • Full-time; ability to work up to 4–5 days per week 
  • $20–24 per hour, non-exempt, depending on qualifications and experience 
  • Participation in 5.Life’s health insurance and retirement plans 
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Free membership to all 5.Life climbing facilities 
  • Discounts on 5.Life instruction and programs 
  • Access to pro-deals through our outdoor industry partners 


Salary

$20 - $24 per hour

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