We are seeking an aspiring route setter eager to gain experience in the industry. In this role, you will work closely with our professional route setting team to ensure the smooth operation of the route setting program at Durham Climbing Centre. Initially, your primary responsibilities will include stripping and washing holds, organizing the route setting cupboard, tagging boulders, and assisting the team with their tasks.

As you develop your skills with tools and working at height, we will introduce you to the creative and movement-based aspects of route setting. Our goal is to help you grow into a valued member of the Impact Route Setting team.

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Role: Impact Route Setting Assistant

 

Reporting to: The Directors (Cailean Harker and Ben Norman)

 

Pay: £12 per hour with a pay review in April 2025

 

Hours: Working hours will be as set out by the Directors and subject to the route setting schedule at Durham Climbing Centre. 

 

An example of the schedule is: 

5 days per 6 week work rotation.

 

Week 1 - Thursday and Friday - 8/9 hours per day

Week 2 - No Work

Week 3 - Thursday and Friday - 8/9 hours per day

Week 4 - No Work

Week 5 - Friday - 8/9 hours

Week 6 - No Work

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The role will initially consist of:

• 70%: Stripping, cleaning, and organisation.

• 30%: Setting, testing, and tweaking alongside the route setting team.

 

Responsibilities

• Stripping and washing of holds. This will be guided by the Chief for each job but will develop into independent work once experience has been gained.

• Organisation of the route setting cupboard to assist smooth workflow of setters.

• Tagging of Boulders

• Dealing with issues as they arise. Namely stuck bolts, screws and broken holds.

• Setting easier boulders, progressing to harder boulders as experience and skills are developed.

 

Experience

No experience is required to apply for this role, but experience in the following aspects is desirable:

• Experience with power tools. Namely, impact drivers and drills.

• Experience working at height or with ladders.

• Experience route setting. Either through previous employment, volunteering or through formal route setting instruction/courses.

 

Attributes

This is a developmental role and as such, displaying strong characteristics of the following attributes is extremely important:

Hard Worker: can keep up with the demands of a physically demanding job.

Passion for Route Setting: shows a real interest in the art of route setting and is passionate about taking the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

Quick Learner: able to pick up new tasks quickly and follow instruction.

Reliable: able to commit to the role and turn up on time and ready to work without fail. As a pivotal part of the team, it is crucial that we can rely on you to turn up on time and work hard.
Team Work: happy to take instruction and help out with whatever is needed. As a member of a small team, it is expected that everyone chips in with all aspects of the job.

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Benefits

• Paid time to learn, practice and perfect your route setting skills.

• The chance to work with some of the country's best route setters.

• Progression opportunities with route setting positions.

 

Time-Line 

6th January - Applications open 

23rd January - Promising candidates invited to an interview 

Late Jan/Early Feb - Trial days

 

How to Apply

Please send a CV and covering letter, of no more than 1 A4 side, explaining why you suit the role to cailean@impactroutesetting.co.uk

 

For Further Information

For more information about Impact Route Setting and the role, please contact Cailean Harker on cailean@impactroutesetting.co.uk

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