Head Climbing Instructor 

and Trip Leader (Part-Time)

Season: Fall 2026 (August 14–November 3, 2026). 

About Christ School and the Outdoor Program

Christ School is an all-boys boarding and day school in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Our mission is “To produce outdoorsmen of good character, skilled in their craft, prepared for both leadership in sport and a lifetime of joyful recreation.” The Outdoor Program challenges students to develop resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence in the natural world.

About the Role

The Christ School Outdoor Program seeks a part-time Head Climbing Instructor & Trip Leader for the 2026 fall season. This individual will lead the school’s climbing program, overseeing skill development, trip planning, and training progression for the season. Responsibilities include designing weekly practice plans, leading both indoor and outdoor sessions, and mentoring assistant staff in technical and instructional best practices.

This role is ideal for a seasoned outdoor educator seeking meaningful leadership experience in program design, group management, and coaching under the mentorship of the Outdoor Program Director.

Schedule

  • Monday–Friday: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
  • One to two extended practices each week: 3:30–8:00 p.m. for outdoor sessions (varies with weather and school events).
  • One weekend climbing trip at the end of the season (Friday–Saturday).

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement the seasonal training progression for the climbing program.
  • Lead practices in both indoor and outdoor settings, focusing on skill progression, conditioning, and confidence building.
  • Plan weekly practices, identify instructional themes, and manage trip logistics (sites, transportation, equipment).
  • Teach movement, belay, and single-pitch systems appropriate to top-rope and sport contexts.
  • Model and enforce best-practice risk management, including site organization, belay oversight, and incident response.
  • Supervise assistant instructors and mentor student leaders within the program.
  • Maintain climbing equipment and oversee safety inspections.
  • Foster trust, teamwork, and positive rapport among students in an all-boys boarding environment. 

Qualifications

Required 

  • Extensive climbing experience and technical competence in single-pitch systems (anchor building, cleaning, top-rope setup, site management)
  • Demonstrated experience leading climbing programs or group instruction in outdoor or school settings
  • Strong judgment and calm, effective response in emergencies
  • Clear communication skills and ability to mentor both students and staff
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license

Preferred 

  • Comfortable driving a short bus (training provided).
  • Prior experience designing seasonal training or coaching curricula.
  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR).
  • AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) certification or higher.
  • Prior experience leading youth or educational climbing trips. 

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $2,500–$3,000 for the season (based on position and experience).
  • Meals: Dinner provided after practice (5:30–7:30 p.m.); all meals on team trips covered by the school.
  • Paid professional development: WFA.
  • Advancement opportunities within Christ School (faculty or staff roles).
  • Two weeks leave for Fall Break. 

How to Apply

Email Outdoor Program Director Wesley Shelmire at wshelmire@christschool.org with a brief note of interest, résumé, and list of current certifications.

More About Christ School:  

Christ School was founded in 1900 and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church.  Located nine miles south of Asheville, North Carolina, Christ School is an all-boys boarding and day school for grades 8-12.  Students come from 16 states and eight foreign countries.  All world faiths are represented and welcomed at Christ School. www.christschool.org. 

Christ School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other legally protected status.