Head Coach

Ground Up Climbing is a community-focused climbing gym based in Squamish, BC. We are committed to offering high-quality experiences for climbers of all ages and abilities, and to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and growth-oriented community.

As our Head Coach, you would be responsible for fostering a safe, motivating, and progressive training environment that supports athletes’ physical, technical, mental, and social development in accordance with long-term athlete development principles. Additionally, the Head Coach provides mentorship and leadership to other coaches, promoting a strong and collaborative team culture. By exemplifying the values of Ground Up Climbing, this role advances both athlete growth and the sustained success of the team.

The Head Coach is responsible for coaching youth athletes ages 9–18 across recreational and competitive pathways, preparing them for local to national-level competition through well-structured, progressive, and inclusive training environments. Beyond athlete development are areas such as hiring, training, and supporting other coaches, maintaining consistent program standards including budget and goals, and communicating clearly with parents to ensure alignment and trust. 

This is a long-term leadership role for someone dedicated to growing with Ground Up and shaping the future of its Youth Team for years to come. As a representative of the organization, the Head Coach upholds Ground Up’s values by building community, modeling professionalism, and fostering a positive, inspiring climbing culture that supports long-term athlete and program success through ongoing commitment to development, mentorship, and excellence.

Wage: 

• Based on experience, the starting hourly wage will be $27-30. This position is 25-30 hours a week without the consideration of competition coaching (in season – August to May)
  • Limited summer time hours (June to August).
• After 6 months of probation and formal performance review, compensation may be reevaluated. 

Benefits include:

• 5 paid sick days
• Extended health benefits through the Squamish Chamber of Commerce
• 25% off Retail and cafe discounts
• 25% off programs for the Employee and their children
• Free Membership to the facility as well as a free membership for a significant other

Major Accountabilities 

• Lead Athlete Development: Deliver progressive, age-appropriate training that supports long-term athlete growth across recreational and competitive pathways. 
• Coach Competitive Teams: Provide technical and tactical coaching to youth athletes (ages 9–18) in training and competitions. 
• Design Training Programs: Plan and implement seasonal and session-based programs balancing physical, technical, and mental development. 
• Mentor and Lead Coaches: Hire, train, and guide coaching staff to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction and teamwork. 
• Foster Positive Team Culture: Build an inclusive, motivating environment that promotes confidence, resilience, and community. 
• Prepare for Competitions: Support athletes in competition readiness, focusing on skill execution, strategy, and mental preparation. 
• Communicate with Parents: Maintain clear, professional communication to align expectations and provide athlete progress updates. 
• Monitor Performance: Track athlete development and adjust programming to optimize progress and minimize injury risk. 
• Ensure Safety and Risk Management: Uphold best practices in climbing safety and maintain a secure training environment. 
• Represent Ground Up Climbing: Model the organization’s values and contribute to a strong and respected climbing community.
• Budgeting and Planning: Understand departmental budget and overall organizational considerations when planning and implementing annual budget and goals.

Skills and Experience

• Youth Coaching Expertise: Proven experience coaching youth climbers with a strong grasp of age-appropriate, LTAD-based training. 
• Program & Training Design: Skilled in creating science-based training plans that support physical, technical, and mental development. 
• Route Setting Ability: Experience setting or modifying problems for youth athletes to target specific skills and progression. 
• Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop coaching staff in a collaborative team environment. 
• Competition Knowledge: Familiarity with SCBC/CEC competition formats, rules, and athlete development pathways. 
• Safety & Risk Management: Strong understanding of youth supervision, climbing safety standards, and risk mitigation practices. 
• Communication & Relationship Skills: Effective communicator who builds trust and positive relationships with athletes, parents, and colleagues. 
• Organization & Administration: Strong planning, budgeting, and documentation skills to manage efficient, transparent programs. 
• Technical Climbing Proficiency: Advanced climbing ability (e.g., 5.13 routes, V10 boulders or above) and understanding of training methodologies for performance improvement. 
• Education & Certifications: NCCP, CEC, or ACMG coaching credentials (or willingness to obtain), with additional sport science or related education an asset.

Please apply by emailing Alison at alison@climbgroundup.com with a resume and cover letter. 

Position will start May 2026 

Can’t see the role for you?

Submit your interest with the form below and we’ll be in touch if anything comes up!

Application Form