Bloc Garten, Chambers, Vertical Adventures Team Coach – Level 1 Columbus, OH · Part time Company website

Apply for Team Coach – Level 1

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.

You’re here to learn the craft of team-level coaching: periodized training, athlete-centered development, and the dynamics of a competitive climbing team. You bring energy, climbing knowledge, and a genuine investment in your athletes’ long-term growth.

Reports to: Head Team Coach / Youth Program Manager

Responsibilities

Team Practice & Training Delivery

• Assist senior coaches in executing structured team practice sessions for assigned athlete groups
• Deliver technical instruction on movement, footwork, route reading, and competition strategy at a foundational level
• Lead warm-ups, conditioning segments, and skill drills as assigned
• Support individual athletes with targeted feedback during practice
• Foster a culture of effort, sportsmanship, and team belonging

Athlete Development

• Observe and track athlete progress session-to-session and report observations to senior coaches
• Assist with basic goal-setting conversations with athletes
• Identify athletes who may need additional attention, modified training, or parent communication
• Contribute to a positive, growth-oriented team environment

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain consistent monitoring of all athletes during practice
• Enforce all gym risk management procedures, including harness checks and fall zone awareness
• Report incidents and complete required documentation accurately

Competition Support

• Attend competitions with the team as scheduled; this is a core part of the role
• Assist with athlete check-in, warm-up supervision, and on-the-ground logistics at events
• Represent 5.Life professionally at all USA Climbing and sanctioned events

Parent & Community Relations

• Communicate respectfully and professionally with parents during and after practice
• Provide basic progress updates when requested and escalate complex conversations to senior coaches

Operations

• Complete pre- and post-shift duties reliably
• Assist with equipment setup and teardown for practice
• Maintain accurate attendance and session notes

Results

• Athletes in your charge feel coached, supported, and challenged every practice
• Risk management is never compromised, regardless of pace or pressure
• You grow visibly as a coach each season by seeking feedback and applying it
• Parents and athletes trust you as a reliable, invested member of the team coaching staff

Requirements

You Must Have

• Minimum 20 years of age
• 3+ years of climbing experience with the ability to climb V4 or higher
• Experience with competitive climbing, either as an athlete or coach
• Current SafeSport certification
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification
• USA Climbing Coaches membership (Level 1 or higher), or willingness to obtain within 90 days
• Availability for weekend competitions as scheduled

Preferred (Not Required)

• 1+ year of experience coaching youth climbing teams
• Familiarity with USA Climbing competition formats, including bouldering, lead, and speed
• Background in periodized athletic training or sport science

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $19/hour, increasing to $20/hour after the initial review, commensurate with experience. Eligible for annual merit review.

Perks: Free gym membership, competition travel support, continued education, and direct mentorship from experienced competitive coaches.