Assistant Climbing Instructor

Assistant Instructors support Lead Guides in running trips and courses in accordance with their experience and training. Work frequency depends on bookings, but averages 1-2 days/week in the shoulder seasons and 4 days/week during summer.

Most new DLCG staff start as Apprentices, and eventually graduate to Assistants as they develop abilities as teachers and climbing technicians. Assistants driven to develop their skills and teaching abilities train toward leading their own trips as Lead Instructors.

Abilities

  • Comfortable in a climbing environment (technical, movement, social)

  • Takes direction and feedback well

  • Solves problems creatively and efficiently

  • Exercise prudence and judgement in technical and interpersonal matters

  • Adapts easily to a dynamic work environment

Roles

  • Assists Lead Instructors in all manner or trips and courses.

  • Sets anchors with and without supervision.

  • Follows Lead Instructor direction, but also makes independent decisions based on personal judgment when appropriate.

  • Leads clients to/from climbing areas independently.

  • Teaches belay school, supervises belaying and mentors clients independently.

  • Manages clients for short periods while Lead Instructor works out of sight/vocal distance.

  • Breaks down anchors, tidies up equipment, ensures gear is in good repair.

  • Mentors other Assistants and Apprentice instructors.

  • Learns local terrain and improves technical and movement skills in personal time.

Availability

April - October, weekends mandatory, up to one week/month unpaid time off if scheduled in advance.

Qualifications

At least one year of outdoor climbing outdoors. AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) and Wilderness First Responder preferred, but not required.

Compensation

$155/day + standard employee benefits