Head Rigger Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Lead Routesetter

About the role

A lead routesetter at Climb Nittany is responsible for creating both boulders and routes within the facility along with assisting the head routesetter in program management tasks. You will design, install, and maintain sets, ensuring they are safe, challenging, and engaging for climbers of all skill levels. You will also lead routesetters by delegating daily tasks and objectives, and make final decisions on end products. The lead routesetter will assist with various maintenance tasks including, but not limited to, hold washing, equipment sorting, tool organizing, and miscellaneous cleaning. 

This role includes physical labor and personal creativity, along with team collaboration. Leadership and effective communication is required to maintain positive team cohesion. Success in this role will help continuously improve the experience for climbers of every age and ability, from first-time visitors to competitive athletes.

What you’ll do as Lead Routesetter

• Lead the team
  • Assist Head Routesetter with training and mentorship of crew members
  • Hold a daily meeting to create objectives and tasks for the crew
  • Set the standard for routesetters on best practices
  • Work closely with head routesetter to optimize the crew
• Setting
  • Select and properly attach holds 
  • Create grade/style accurate climbs based on daily objectives
  • Comply with time management goals
  • Work nearby other team members while sharing space appropriately
• Forerunning and Tweaking
  • Climb routes/boulders that were set for the day
  • Communicate with team on adjustments
  • Collaborate to finalize a high quality product
• Maintenance and Supporting Tasks
  • Wash and sort holds
  • Organize tools and equipment
  • Cleanup and categorize holds and other equipment 
• Team Collaboration
  • Effectively communicate to give/receive constructive feedback
  • Create a positive and enjoyable work environment
  • Support team members when assistance is needed
• Enforce safety protocols
  • Learn, practice, and enforce proper ladder safety
  • Learn, practice, and enforce proper rope rigging systems
  • Maintain high standards for climbing safety throughout the facility.
  • Monitor climbing equipment, holds, PPE, ropes, anchors, and routesetting equipment.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of indoor and/or outdoor climbing experience
• Willingness to set both boulders and routes
• Experience in commercial routesetting 
• Experience working within a team
• Experience with rope rigging systems
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and safely use routesetting equipment
• Current or ability to obtain, prior to working with minors, all required Pennsylvania clearances and certifications, including SafeSport and Pennsylvania Mandated Reporter Training.

Preferred

• 5+ years of indoor and/or outdoor climbing experience
• Climbing ability 5.12+/V7 moves
• Experience leading a team
• Strong understanding of modern routesetting philosophy
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Experience building or expanding a routesetting program
• Experience training & mentoring routesetters 

Additional Information

This is a part-time hourly position with an expected compensation range of $16-18 per hour, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills. This role includes:

• Flexible overall schedule aligned with the needs of a community-based climbing gym. 
• Free gym membership
• Pro deals and retail discount

About Climb Nittany

Climb Nittany is a 12,000 sq. ft., full-service indoor climbing gym located in Boalsburg, PA, and featuring 10,000 sq. ft. of climbing wall space for bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing. Since opening in 2020, Climb Nittany has become critical to the Centre County and surrounding community as more than just a place to climb. It has served as a welcoming gathering place for people of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves, build confidence, form lasting connections, and discover a lifelong passion for climbing.

Following a period of closure, Climb Nittany will reopen in Fall 2026 under new local ownership. Happy Valley 

Partners in Climb, LLC, d/b/a Climb Nittany, is a Pennsylvania-registered Benefit LLC founded by a group of passionate community members committed to preserving and growing this important community resource for years to come.

As a Benefit LLC, we are committed to:

• Building community through movement
• Expanding awareness of and access to the benefits of climbing
• Promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Climb Nittany is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Climb Nittany 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. Climb Nittany prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.