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First Ascent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gym Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS: First Ascent is focused on growing a vibrant community that shares a passion for climbing and fitness. For more information, please visit www.faclimbing.com.

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS: First Ascent is focused on growing a vibrant community that shares a passion for climbing and fitness. For more information, please visit www.faclimbing.com.

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is on a mission to share our love of climbing with everyone, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, uplifting spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and ...

Routesetter - Chicago

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is on a mission to share our love of climbing with everyone, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, uplifting spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and ...

Hospitality Staff - Block 37

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$16.60 - $19/hr

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is a startup company. We are assembling a team of people that will help us continually get better at what we do as we discover how to best serve our members and ...

Hospitality Staff - Peoria

Peoria, IL ยท On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS: As a locally grown business, funded by Chicago area rock climbers, First Ascent is focused on growing a vibrant community that shares a passion for climbing and ...

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is a rapidly growing company. We are assembling a team of people that will help us continually get better at what we do as we discover how to best serve our members ...

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is seeking proactive, welcoming, and experienced Yoga Instructors to join our team. At first Ascent, we view yoga as the perfect complement to climbing and an ...

Route Setter - Peoria

Peoria, IL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS: FA is focused on growing a vibrant community that shares a passion for climbing and fitness. For more information, please visit www.faclimbing.com, or facebook ...

The Ascent program is a multidisciplinary treatment team approach for youth and young adults who ... first episode psychosis with the goal of stepping down to a lower level of care once symptom ...

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First Ascent information

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How much do first ascent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for first ascent in the United States is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Ascent vs Rock Climber?

AspectFirst AscentRock Climber
Required CredentialsTraining in climbing techniques, safety, and sometimes certificationsSimilar training; certifications vary by level and location
Work EnvironmentClimbing gyms, outdoor cliffs, adventure parksOutdoor cliffs, mountains, indoor climbing gyms
Industry UsageClimbing competitions, outdoor expeditions, adventure tourismRecreational climbing, competitions, outdoor expeditions

First Ascent refers to the act of being the first person to successfully climb a route or mountain, often requiring specialized skills and sometimes certifications. Rock Climber is a broader term for anyone engaging in climbing activities, whether recreationally or competitively. While both roles involve climbing skills and similar environments, First Ascent emphasizes pioneering new routes, whereas Rock Climber focuses on general climbing activities.

What are some common challenges faced by First Ascent Guides when leading beginner climbers, and how can they be addressed?

First Ascent Guides often work with climbers who are new to the sport and may feel anxious about heights or unfamiliar equipment. A key challenge is balancing safety with encouragement, ensuring that participants learn proper techniques while building confidence. Guides must communicate instructions clearly, monitor group dynamics, and adapt their teaching style to varying skill levels. Building rapport and fostering a supportive environment helps new climbers overcome fears and enjoy a positive experience.

What are First Ascent guides?

First Ascent guides are professional outdoor experts who lead and assist climbers, hikers, or adventurers during their initial attempt to reach the summit of a mountain or complete a challenging climbing route. These guides provide safety instruction, technical support, and local knowledge to ensure a successful and safe ascent. Their expertise is especially valuable for those attempting new or difficult climbs, often referred to as 'first ascents,' where there is little to no prior information about the route. They also help with logistics, equipment selection, and risk management throughout the journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Ascent Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Ascent Guide, you need advanced climbing skills, risk assessment abilities, and certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and professional climbing guide credentials. Familiarity with technical gear like ropes, anchors, navigation devices, and route-mapping software is essential. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help manage group dynamics and respond to unexpected challenges. These skills ensure safety, successful expedition outcomes, and a positive experience for all participants in demanding and unpredictable environments.
More about First Ascent jobs
What cities are hiring for First Ascent jobs? Cities with the most First Ascent job openings:
What states have the most First Ascent jobs? States with the most job openings for First Ascent jobs include:
Infographic showing various First Ascent job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,644 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Gym Manager

Gym Manager

First Ascent LLC

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS:

First Ascent is focused on growing a vibrant community that shares a passion for climbing and fitness. For more information, please visit www.faclimbing.com.


Our mission at First Ascent Climbing and Fitness is to share our love of climbing, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, supportive spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and communities. We offer indoor rock climbing, high-end fitness equipment, classes, personal training, and yoga at each of our locations. First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is a growing company, and we are looking for people who will help us continually improve what we do as we discover how to best serve our members and visitors. We will look to you to help us be creative, think outside the box, evaluate what works and what does not, and implement changes effectivelyโ€”and have a blast in the process.


As a First Ascent Gym Manager you will be an integral piece of the First Ascent organizational framework. A gym manager is responsible for every aspect of their gyms and will be working with the founders, operations director, and department heads to help it succeed. This requires someone with exceptional communication and organizational skills who is results oriented and thrives while working as part of a team.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

First Ascent Culture

  • Ensure that the First Ascent mission and values are communicated and implemented at your gym

  • Work to create a community atmosphere for members and guests

  • Work with Marketing Director and Operations Manager to create unique events that will appeal to your gym clientele

Gym Financial Performance

  • Ensure revenue goals are met for your facility

  • Operate within operations and staffing budget to keep costs contained

  • Meet all Key Performance Indicators laid out by ownership

Facilities

  • Manage staff and outside vendors to keep the facility at an acceptable level of cleanliness for clientele

  • Maintain all aspects of the facility including HVAC, utilities, garbage collection, etc.

  • Address facility emergency issues including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.

Staffing

  • Ensure gym is adequately staffed at all times

  • Responsible for hiring, disciplining, and terminating staff

  • Conduct performance reviews of staff

  • Responsible for payroll review

  • Keep staff motivated!

Gym Programming

  • Manage the day to day operations of Yoga, Youth Rec and Adult Programming with input from the department heads

  • Along with head setter, responsible for setting rotation and quality

  • Work with the client relations team to support guided sessions, outreach, and events

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • Minimum 2 years of management experience, preferably in the fitness or recreation industry

  • High school diploma/general education degree (GED) preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Exceptional communication and creative problem-solving skills, solid computer skills

  • Friendly demeanor, positive attitude and adaptability to various personality types

  • Flexible working style and ability to multitask, set priorities and manage time effectively

  • Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and love of climbing and fitness

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office based systems, as well as strong computer skills

PERKS & BENEFITS:
  • Salary Range $47,500-$52,500

  • Trimester bonus tied to individual and company-wide performance

  • Generous PTO package

  • Health, Dental, Vision & Disability Insurance Offered

  • 401(k) Plan Offered

  • Free membership to all First Ascent locations

  • Access to pro-deals

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Predominantly in a climate controlled indoor environment

  • Noise level ranges from moderate to loud

  • Employee must be able to concentrate through distraction and communicate effectively

EEO STATEMENT:

First Ascent is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. First Ascent does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. First Ascent prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.