Climbing Wall Manager; Seasonal

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Pay: $227/day, up to $52,433 for the 10 months

About Nyc Outward Bound Schools

Why can’t school be more like an Outward Bound course? NYC Outward Bound Schools believes that students benefit greatly from tapping into the world beyond their classroom and their immediate community to partake in joyful learning experiences that can prepare them to thrive in community, college, and career. In partnership with the NYC public school system, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a non-profit organization that serves over 28,000 students in almost 80 schools across the five boroughs of New York City.

NYC Outward Bound Schools provides opportunities for unique, liberatory, experiential learning for students in their social, emotional, and academic development. The organization supports NYC young people both by leading students in outdoor adventure programming that pushes beyond their traditional school experiences and also by coaching and supporting educators on how to incorporate lessons from these catalytic experiences within the classroom.

Ultimately, our diverse and committed staff support NYC young people in unique ways to develop the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenges, and live fulfilling lives.

Role

Summary:

The Climbing Wall Manager is responsible for the development, management, and day-to-day operation of NYC Outward Bound Schools’ outdoor climbing wall and indoor climbing gym programs, ensuring young people have access to safe, engaging, and inclusive climbing experiences that promote leadership, personal growth, and teamwork. The Climbing Wall Manager oversees all aspects of the climbing programs, including staff supervision, equipment maintenance, safety systems, instructional delivery, and partnerships with local climbing gyms.

This role also includes leading or supporting youth programs on outdoor courses as needed, providing belay instruction, conducting facility inspections, and supporting rescue procedures. The Climbing Wall Manager reports to the Director of Outdoor Adventures and establishes strategic goals and annual programming plans. This is a 10-month seasonal position that runs from August through June 2026 and includes a combination of on-site work at the Long Island City (Queens) office, travel to climbing facilities in NYC, and occasional overnight fieldwork on courses throughout New York State.

Essential Functions:

Program & Safety Leadership

• Design and implement an exciting experience for young people and adult educators that provides a unique learning experience aligned to the mission and vision of NYC Outward Bound Schools
• Implement, monitor, and refine systems that ensure efficient, safe, and high‑quality climbing‑wall programs, fully aligned with Outward Bound policies (5‑Point Check, Triangleof Safety, PBUS, Helmet Zones, Challengeby Choice)
• Oversee all climbing‑wall sessions—on campus and at partner gyms—maintaining a holistic, “big‑picture” perspective of risk management and student experience
• Report all incidents, near‑misses, and safety concerns; activate facility emergency procedures when necessary

• Manage routine inspection, regular maintenance, care, and documentation for the 55‑foot artificial wall, belay anchors, lead bolts, holds, rope systems, and equipment closet
• Demonstrate and teach proper use, maintenance, care, and inspection of harnesses, shoes, helmets, ropes, belay/ rescue devices, and cordage; ensure equipment logs are current and compliant

• Model and teach belay set‑up, knot tying (figure‑eight follow‑through / on‑a‑bight, single fisherman’s, butterfly, prusik, Kleimheist), rope management, and hazard mitigation
• Perform—and train staff to perform—technical assists/rescues (load transfers, mechanical ascents, auto‑belay rescues) in a timely, controlled manner; pass annual climbing, rescue, and systems assessments
• Instruct students on specific outdoor adventure courses on a regular basis, modeling the approach…