Climbing Staff

YMCA
Rockford, IL

Climbing Staff

Department:Unassigned
Location:Rockford, IL

YOUR IMPACT
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Climbing Wall Staff ensures a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment for participants using the climbing wall. This position is responsible for supervising climbers, enforcing safety standards, providing belay support, and delivering exceptional customer service. Staff create a positive experience for climbers of all ages and skill levels while upholding organizational policies and risk management procedures. Staff may also lead instructional classes to climbers of all abilities.

EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Responsible for safe operation of the climbing wall.
  2. Maintains safety as priority during open climb, certified climb, instructional classes and special events using the climbing wall.
  3. Belays participants using established commands; the staff must communicate with and provide proper instruction to all participants using the climbing wall.
  4. Offers basic instruction and encouragement to climbers of varying abilities.
  5. Assists with climbing classes, events, birthday parties, or special programs.
  6. Inspects climbing equipment and supplies before and after use.
  7. Maintains cleanliness and organization of the climbing area.
  8. Promptly reports incidents and any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
  9. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
  10. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
  11. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 2 Positions

Position 1: SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Wednesdays 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturdays 9:45 am - 2:00 pm
$15.00 per hour

Position 2: SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA
Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Wednesdays 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Sundays 9:45 am - 2:00 pm
$15.00 per hour

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum age of 16 years old
  • Previous experience working in an instructor position with children preferred
  • Must obtain knowledge of climbing and climbing skills for belaying upon hire; belayer certification from ACCT accredited trained facilitator may be required upon hire
  • Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team dynamic
  • Ability to be flexible and problem solve quickly and effectively
  • CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days
  • Current Praesidium Academy trainings

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y:

ALL STAFF BENEFITS:

  • Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
  • Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
  • Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
  • Employee Crisis Fund
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
  • Tickets At Work Discount Program
  • 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
  • 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
  • For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.

FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

  • Free Family Membership
  • 3 Paid Floating Holidays
  • 10.5 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
  • Short-Term Disability Program
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
  • Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
  • Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications

PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

  • Free individual Membership
  • Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category

OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

OUR COMMITMENT TO BELONGING
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.

  • You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
  • Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
  • Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
  • Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
  • Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

Posted 2026-02-18

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