Community Volunteer - Avondale

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is a rapidly growing company. We are assembling a team of people that will help us continually get better at what we do as we discover how to best serve our members and visitors.  As a result, the responsibilities below may change over time, and you may occasionally step outside of your main role to assist in other aspects of operations. We will look to you to help us be creative, think outside the box, evaluate what works and what doesn’t, and implement changes effectively—and have a blast in the process.

FA is seeking proactive, friendly, and psyched individuals to serve as Community Volunteers. First Ascent exists to support and grow the diverse climbing community in Chicago. As a Community Volunteer, you are essential to our mission, providing fantastic customer service and making newcomers and regulars alike feel at home in our facility.

In exchange for two-three hour shifts per month at our Avondale location, our volunteers will receive a First Ascent Membership and everything that goes along with it.

The shift choices will be as follows: 

• Saturdays 10-1pm, 1-4pm, 4-7pm  
• Sundays 10-1pm, 1-4pm, 4-7pm
• Mon/Wed/Fri., 6pm-9pm

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Giving orientations to first time visitors. New visitors will all be given a facility walk through in which they’ll be explained the facility rules, shown how to use the auto-belays, and given a bouldering orientation.
• Safety monitor on the floor and bouldering area, you will not be responsible correcting any belaying technique or other infractions (unless immediate intervention is required to prevent injury) you will just report it to the desk staff.
• There will also be a small list of ongoing things to monitor/do such as making sure the paper towels/toilet paper is stocked and that the rental shoes are organized, among some other minor items.
• Community engagement - talking to members and guests (particularly the newer climbers), giving them beta, and answering any questions they might have.

For tax purposes we will on-board you as a 1099 (independent contractor). 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional communication skills
• Friendly demeanor, positive attitude and adaptability to various personality types
• Flexible working style and ability to multi-task, set priorities and manage time effectively
• Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and love of climbing and fitness
• Demonstrated knowledge of climbing equipment and proper belay technique

EDUCATION AND/OREXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of customer service experience, preferably in the fitness or recreation industry
• High school diploma/general education degree (GED) preferred
• Belay certified preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently required to stand, walk, talk, and hear
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, push, pull, climb and reach and perform repetitive motions
• May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
• Must have normal vision to perform routine observation, reading and writing; moderate vision to operate equipment; close vision for operating equipment requiring depth perception
• Hazards include, but are not limited to slipping, tripping, and falling.

BENEFITS & PAY

• Pay for this role will be provided through a membership to all First Ascent locations. Additional details regarding membership benefits and compensation will be provided during the interview process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Predominantly in a climate controlled indoor environment
• Noise level ranges from moderate to loud
• Must be able to concentrate through distraction and communicate effectively

EEO STATEMENT

First Ascent is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. First Ascent does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race,color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status,protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. First Ascent prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.