Front Desk Assistant Manager

Position Overview

At Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School, the front desk is more than a check‑in counter – it’s the heart of our guest experience. We’re looking for a dependable, organized, people‑focused Front Desk Assistant Manager to help oversee evening and weekend front desk operations while creating a welcoming, efficient, and community‑oriented environment for every climber and visitor who walks through our doors.

This new role blends customer service, operational support, staff coordination, and administrative organization. The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, highly responsible, detail‑oriented, and energized by working in a dynamic climbing gym environment.

• Full‑time: approximately 30‑35 hours/week
• Primarily evenings and weekends required
• Consistent weekly schedule preferred
• Starting pay $18‑20+, commensurate with experience
• Eligible for PTO and full‑time benefits
• 401(K) Employer Match (based on eligibility requirements)
• Additional perks include:
  • Free climbing membership
  • Retail and program discounts
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Access to staff clinics and training
  • Access to industry deals & discounts

• Serve as lead staff member during assigned shifts
• Support smooth daily operations of the front desk and customer orientations
• Help maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment
• Provide excellent customer service to members, guests, and program participants
• Address customer concerns with professionalism and sound judgment
• Manage opening or closing procedures during assigned shifts

• Support program registrations, reservations, and scheduling
• Manage phone, email, and in‑person communications
• Assist with membership management and point‑of‑sale systems
• Help maintain accurate records and operational organization
• Coordinate with management regarding facility needs, incidents, or staffing concerns
• Assist with inventory organization and retail support as needed

• Help guide front desk staff during shifts
• Reinforce policies, procedures, and customer service standards
• Support training and onboarding of newer staff
• Communicate clearly and effectively with management and team members

• Help maintain cleanliness and organization of front desk and common areas
• Support safety and inclusivity in the environment for all participants
• Represent Petra Cliffs with professionalism, warmth, and accountability

• Confident and comfortable working in an environment of high traffic
• Comfortable working in a noisy environment (music, voices, air filtration)
• Comfortable working at height and moving up and down a climbing wall
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time
• Ability to climb, squat, crawl, balance, and kneel

Preferred candidates will have:

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Previous experience in hospitality, recreation, retail, or customer‑facing operations
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast‑paced environment
• Reliability, maturity, and good judgment
• Comfort working independently and leading shifts
• Basic computer and administrative proficiency
• Evening and weekend availability
• A basic understanding of rock climbing, belaying, and risk management, with the desire to learn more through training

You might be a great fit if you are:

• Calm and steady under pressure
• Friendly and community‑oriented
• Organized and detail-focused
• Proactive and self‑motivated
• Comfortable taking initiative
• Excited about supporting an active, community‑driven environment

Petra Cliffs Climbing Center & Mountaineering School has been building community, education and adventures through indoor climbing, outdoor education, and summer camps in Vermont for over 26 years. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can challenge themselves, connect with others, and grow through climbing.