Experienced Competitive Coach (Tier 2 or Tier 3)

We're looking for experienced competitive coaches to join our staff! Below you will find job descriptions for both the Tier 2 and Tier 3 roles.

Title: Tier 2/3 Coach: Competitive and/or Recreational
Reports To: Comp Head Coach /Rec Head Coach
Department: Comp Coaching /Rec Coaching
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Part-Time Hourly
Location : Site-Specific

Tier 2 Coach Job Description

The Why:

Mesa Rim’s vision is to improve the quality of life of our community. We believe that climbing can be transformative and we seek to inspire lifelong climbers who connect with themselves and others. Tier 2 Coaches bring this to life by fostering a passion for climbing in youth athletes and cultivating a motivating and educational practice environment.
The How: 

As a Tier 2 Coach, you are passionate about coaching youth climbers and seek to meaningfully contribute to Mesa Rim’s Coaching Program. You bring coaching proficiency through a variety of coaching experience and understand that climbing progression is a process. You are committed to supporting the growth and progress of youth climbers throughout and are able to provide individualized attention while overseeing a group of dynamic youth climbers. As a Tier 2 Coach, you consistently demonstrate leadership and professionalism, and are a go-to resource for both your fellow coaches and the community.  

Tier 2 Coaches may be assigned to the Competitive Coaching Department, Recreational Coaching Department, or both, depending on program needs.

The What: 

Tier 2 Coaches (Comp and Rec) inspire a lasting passion for climbing and are responsible for upholding coaching standards, demonstrating professionalism, and supporting Tier 1 Coaches.

• Fulfill job functions of Tier 1 coaches
• Follow and hold others accountable to Mesa Rim Programming Procedures and Standards, including consistent adherence to youth protection policies
• Teach and reinforce safety and injury-prevention protocols with athletes
• Facilitate practice flow effectively, managing multiple small groups, practice length, and engagement
• Implement and adapt age-appropriate training curriculum, observing and responding to athlete needs and adjusting coaching strategies for safety, skill development, and engagement
• Build rapport and trust with athletes, motivating and supporting their individual progress and engagement
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment, promoting respect, collaboration, and sportsmanship among athletes
• Encourage skill development, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, helping athletes gain confidence
• Maintain communication with parents/guardians regarding participation and progress
• Apply critical thinking to assess training effectiveness and athlete outcomes, providing feedback on curriculum and practice design to continually improve the program
• Possess detailed knowledge of all Mesa Rim offerings (climbing, yoga, fitness, proshop, setting, youth programs, etc.) and share this knowledge with athletes and other guests as appropriate
• Provide guidance and feedback to new coaches on operating procedures and coaching expectations
• Serve as Mesa Rim cultural example, consistently demonstrating and holding others accountable to Mesa Rim Core Values
• As delegated, serve as Practice Lead:
  • Liaise with the Front Desk Team to ensure successful check-in for programs; when applicable, demonstrate proficiency in RedPoint, checking in and ringing up customers
  • Take initiative in problem solving and utilize sound judgment; understand when to include management, and in the absence of management, make critical decisions for the well-being of the gym, its users, and staff in such areas as safety and customer service; report to supervisor when program-related discrepancies (attendance, payment, etc.) occur

Tier 2 Competitive Coaches cultivate a focused, growth-oriented environment that develops skill, competition readiness, and resilience.

• Apply advanced understanding of climbing technique and strategy, helping athletes develop and refine skills for competitive performance
• Motivate athletes to reach performance goals, fostering focus, discipline, and a growth mindset
• Observe and interpret athlete readiness and limits, responding with appropriate coaching strategies to support safe, sustained skill development
• Demonstrate knowledge of USAC competition rules and formats, guiding athletes through them effectively
• Represent the program to USAC, other gyms, and the climbing community, supporting team growth and retention
• Maintain active USA Climbing coach certifications as assigned by Supervisor

Tier 2 Recreational Coaches cultivate a fun, supportive environment that builds curiosity, confidence, and a passion for climbing.

• Use creativity to facilitate dynamic, engaging sessions that inspire fun and sustained interest in climbing
• Modify activities for varying skill levels within the group, ensuring all athletes are appropriately challenged
• Inspire confidence, curiosity, and engagement, helping athletes enjoy the process, explore new challenges, and grow their skills at their own pace
• Foster emotional growth and teamwork through games, challenges, and collaborative activities

Other work-related duties as assigned 

Hours vary and minimums may be required according to the needs of business operations at each location

Must-Haves:

• All Tier 2 Coaches:
• Must be at least 18 years of age 
• Must have High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must contribute to Mesa Rim Climbing Center culture
• Must meet qualifications of Tier 1 Coach
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude and be a team player
• Must have a passion for climbing and working with youth
• Must demonstrate professionalism and reliability

• Must have ability to seek and accept, as well as give, critical feedback in a professional manner
• Must demonstrate an inclusive coaching approach that fosters community, builds confidence, and nurtures individual development on and off the walls
• Must be flexible and able to work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations
• Must be able to communicate effectively with participants, parents, and members of the public on behalf of Mesa Rim
• Must have a drive to grow professionally 
• Must demonstrate patience, empathy, and creativity
• Must be able to work in an organized and transparent manner 
• Must pass criminal and sex offender background check
• Must have previous climbing coaching experience 
• Must have three years climbing experience

• Tier 2 Competitive Coaches:
  • Must have ability to coach youth athletes who are climbing up to V6 or 5.12d
  • Must have a minimum one year previous climbing coaching experience
  • Must be able to travel and attend competitions as scheduled

Nice-to-Haves:

• Current First Aid & CPR Certification 
• Experience coaching at championship level USAC events or equivalent
• Proficiency with USA Climbing (USAC) rules and regulations

Tier 3 Coach Job Description

The Why:

Mesa Rim’s vision is to improve the quality of life of our community. We believe that climbing can be transformative and we seek to inspire lifelong climbers who connect with themselves and others. Tier 3 Coaches bring this to life by fostering a passion for climbing in youth athletes and cultivating a motivating and educational practice environment.

The How: 

As a Tier 3 Coach, you are passionate about youth coaching and committed to the success of Mesa Rim's coaching program. With broad experience and exceptional coaching skills, you value individual athlete development, thoughtful group management, and steady program operations. You serve as a trusted resource to the Head Coach, reliably carrying out assigned administrative responsibilities and mentoring Tier 1 and Tier 2 coaches in support of the department’s vision. Dependable, proactive, and professional, you consistently follow through and are a go-to resource for athletes, families, and fellow coaches.

Tier 3 Coaches may be assigned to the Competitive Coaching Department, Recreational Coaching Department, or both, depending on program needs.

The What: 

Tier 3 Coaches (Comp and Rec) inspire a lasting passion for climbing and are responsible for upholding coaching standards, mentoring the coaching team, and supporting program leadership.

• Fulfill job functions of Tier 1 and 2 coaches
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful coaching environment, championing Mesa Rim Programming Procedures and Standards, including youth protection policies, and modeling professionalism and sportsmanship for athletes and staff
• Lead practices, coordinating multiple groups and supporting coaches to optimize session quality and athlete development
• Promote and model safety and injury-prevention protocols, guiding athletes and staff to maintain a safe training environment
• Support and mentor Tier 1 & 2 coaches, fostering team camaraderie, and providing guidance on coaching strategies, practice management, and athlete engagement
• Assist supervisor with curriculum development and refinement, ensuring age-appropriate, progressive, and effective training programs
• Provide guidance in non-straightforward coaching situations, including technical, developmental, or behavioral challenges
• In absence of Head Coach serve as a primary contact for sensitive or complex parent/guardian communications, addressing questions or concerns professionally
• Support supervisor with program logistics and administrative tasks—such as athlete rosters, scheduling, inventory, Redpoint updates, and team-building events—up to approximately 10% of work time
• Recommend specialty coaches, workshops, or enrichment opportunities to enhance program offerings and athlete development
• Possess advanced and detailed knowledge of all Mesa Rim offerings (climbing, yoga, fitness, proshop, setting, youth programs, etc.) and recommend to athletes and other guests as appropriate
• Serve as Mesa Rim cultural example, consistently demonstrating and holding others accountable to Mesa Rim Core Values
• As delegated, serve as Practice Lead:
  • Liaise with the Front Desk Team to ensure successful check-in for programs; demonstrate advanced knowledge of Redpoint for checking in and ringing up customers
  • When needed, lead site closing duties, including but not limited to: properly setting alarm and locking up site
  • Take initiative in problem solving and utilize sound judgment; understand when to include management, and in the absence of management, make critical decisions for the well-being of the gym, its users, and staff in such areas as safety, money handling, and customer service; report to supervisor when program-related discrepancies (attendance, payment, etc.) occur

Tier 3 Competitive Coaches steward a focused, growth-oriented environment that develops skill, competition readiness, and resilience.

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of USAC competition rules and strategies, directing athlete preparation and supporting coaches in implementing standards
• Maintain active USA Climbing coach certifications as assigned by Supervisor
• Provide mentorship and support to Tier 1 & 2 competitive coaches on technical instruction, strategy, and athlete development
• Evaluate athlete progress and training outcomes, recommending adjustments to maximize performance and growth

Tier 3 Recreational Coaches steward a fun, supportive environment that builds curiosity, confidence, and a passion for climbing.

• Guide recreational program delivery, ensuring consistency and quality across sessions
• Support and guide Tier 1 & 2 recreational coaches in adapting activities to varying skill levels and maintaining participant engagement
• Design or contribute to creative, fun, and engaging activities that foster curiosity, confidence, and enjoyment
• Monitor social-emotional development and teamwork, providing guidance to coaches for positive group dynamics

Other work-related duties as assigned 

Hours vary and minimums may be required according to the needs of business operations at each location

Must-Haves:

• All Tier 3 Coaches:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age 
  • Must have High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Must contribute to Mesa Rim Climbing Center culture
  • Must meet qualifications of Tier 1 & 2 Coach
  • Must demonstrate a positive attitude and be a team player
  • Must have a passion for climbing and working with youth
  • Must demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong organizational skills
  • Must have ability to seek and accept, as well as give, critical feedback in a professional manner
  • Must have three years climbing coaching experience or equivalent
  • Must have four years climbing experience
  • Must demonstrate excellent communication skills and be customer-service oriented
  • Must be flexible and able to work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations
  • Must demonstrate an inclusive coaching approach that fosters community, builds confidence, and nurtures individual development on and off the walls
  • Must demonstrate patience, empathy, and creativity
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with participants, parents, and members of the public on behalf of Mesa Rim
  • Must have a drive to grow professionally 
  • Must pass criminal and sex offender background check
• Tier 3 Competitive Coaches:
  • Must have ability to coach youth athletes who are climbing up to V8+ or 5.13a+
  • Must have experience coaching at championship level USAC events or equivalent
  • Strong working knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply USA Climbing (USAC) rules and regulations
  • Must be able to travel and attend competitions as scheduled

Nice-to-Haves:

• Current First Aid & CPR Certification 
• Experience in Redpoint HQ
• Experience in Google Workspace

Get Stoked For Access To:

• Being part of an amazing team and company culture that focuses on personal and professional growth, authentic communication, and genuine care for one another 
• Mesa Rim membership, access to Mesa Rim classes, pro-deals, and Pro Shop discounts
• Access to professional development opportunities and an Employee Assistance Program

• A competitive benefits package, including employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan with employer-match, as well as a robust Paid Time Off package once employed full-time

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit in a harness, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; utilize manual dexterity to handle or feel; use both hands at the same time;reach overhead with arms; walk up and down stairs, and grip with hands; walk on hard/soft and even/uneven surfaces; use a computer; talk, yell and hear. The employee may frequently be required to do physical work lifting and/or moving up to 25-50 pounds, and occasionally lifting and/or moving between 50 and 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to loud noise, airborne particles, dry conditions (non-weather), and occasionally exposed to falling objects, trip hazards, risk of moving mechanical parts, mechanical burn and bodily fluid. 

T2 Pay Range: $18.00-$20.00/hour
T3 Pay Range: $20.00-$25.00/hour

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For California Applicants: Mesa Rim Climbing Centers CCPRA Job Applicant Privacy Notice linked here .