Head Climbing Instructor
and Trip Leader (Part-Time)
Season: Fall 2026 and Winter 2026–27.
Fall Season: August 18–October 23, 2026.
Winter Season: October 26, 2026–February 5, 2027.
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 and/or 2026-27 winter seasons. This individual will lead the school’s climbing program, overseeing skill development, trip planning, and training progression across both seasons. 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 p.m. for outdoor sessions, depending on weather and school events.
- One weekend climbing trip at the end of each season, typically 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 including sites, transportation, and 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 including anchor building, cleaning, top-rope setup, and 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, with training provided.
- Prior experience designing seasonal training or coaching curricula.
- Wilderness First Responder Certification.
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification or higher.
- Prior experience leading youth or educational climbing trips.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary: $2,500–$3,000 per season, based on position and experience.
- Meals: Dinner provided after practice from 5:30–7:30 p.m.; all meals on team trips covered by the school.
- Paid professional development: Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder recertification.
- Potential advancement opportunities within Christ School, including faculty or staff roles.
- School breaks aligned with the academic calendar, including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break of approximately one week, and Christmas Break and Winter Break of approximately two weeks.
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.
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.