ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Ascent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Ascent LLC

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Chicago, IL · Remote

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 LLC

Routesetter - Chicago

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

First Ascent LLC

Routesetter - Chicago

Chicago, IL · Remote

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 ...

First Ascent LLC

Team Coach - Peoria

Peoria, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

First Ascent is looking for an individual with terrific communication skills and initiative who is solution-oriented, and thrives when challenged. This role will receive direction and support from ...

First Ascent LLC

Hospitality Staff - Block 37

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

First Ascent LLC

Hospitality Staff - Avondale

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $20/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 ...

First Ascent LLC

Hospitality Staff - Peoria

Peoria, IL · 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 LLC

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

Peoria, IL · On-site

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 LLC

Route Setter - Peoria

Peoria, IL · 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 ...

University of Utah

Academic Program Manager

Campus, IL

$55K - $60K/yr

The First Ascent Program Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day student support and student engagement programming. Grounded in a student-centered philosophy, the program prioritizes ...

University of Utah

Academic Program Manager

Campus, IL

$55K - $60K/yr

The First Ascent Program Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day student support and student engagement programming. Grounded in a student-centered philosophy, the program prioritizes ...

University of Utah

Academic Program Manager

Campus, IL

$55K - $60K/yr

The First Ascent Program Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day student support and student engagement programming. Grounded in a student-centered philosophy, the program prioritizes ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsFirst Ascent Jobs

First Ascent information

See salary details

$9

$19

$30

How much do first ascent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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:
What job categories do people searching First Ascent jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Ascent jobs are:
First Ascent jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Ascent job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,644 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

First Ascent LLC

Chicago, IL • Remote

Part-time

Posted 6 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 effectively—and have a blast in the process.


First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is seeking proactive, friendly, and experienced Fitness Instructors. Fitness is a perfect complement to climbing, and First Ascent will offer fitness classes featuring a variety of styles to our members and visitors as a part of their membership or day pass. Fitness Instructors will not only lead engaging, challenging, and fun classes but also help grow the First Ascent program by continually improving our fitness practice and contributing ideas for new classes.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Independently run 45 minute to 1 hour classes

  • Lead high-value group fitness classes that engage members and visitors of a wide range of ability and experience levels

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of your own instruction and make changes to improve member/visitor satisfaction; work closely with the Gym Manager to ensure high-quality of practice

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • 2 year instruction experience preferred

  • Nationally recognized Group Exercise cert and/or certified personal training cert from a nationally recognized organization

  • Climbing experience preferred

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

  • Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and passion for fitness

  • Engaging presence in front of a group; Positive attitude; Flexible working style


PERKS & BENEFITS:

  • Part time, hourly role with competitive compensation

  • Opportunity to work private lessons and group events that pay a premium rate

  • Free membership to all FA 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.

Apply