Guest Assistant Climbing Instructor

Guest Assistant Climbing Instructors support Lead Climbing Instructors in running special events, trips, or courses in accordance with their experience and training. They may also help facilitate other event activities as agreed upon, including, but not limited to, camp set up/breakdown, event check-in, mini-clinic instruction, and camp hosting.

Guest Assistant Instructors are invited to instruct on per-event basis and should not expect consistent work throughout the guiding season.

Abilities

  • Comfortable in a climbing environment (technical, movement, social)

  • Takes direction and feedback well

  • Speaks clearly, thoughtfully and effectively in a group context

  • Exercises prudence and judgement in technical and interpersonal matters

  • Adapts easily to a dynamic work environment

  • Solves problems creatively and efficiently

Roles

  • Assists Lead Instructors on special event trips or courses.

  • Follows Lead Instructor direction, but also makes independent decisions based on personal judgment when appropriate.

  • Helps with client outfitting and orientation, anchor setting, belay instruction and supervision, and general logistics

  • Manages risk proactively amongst climbing groups

  • Learns local terrain

  • Manages clients for short periods while Lead Instructor works out of sight/vocal distance.

  • Breaks down anchors, tidies up equipment, ensures gear is in good repair.

  • Mentors other Assistants and Apprentice instructors.

  • Fills additional event roles as agreed upon with Event Coordinator.

Availability

DLCG holds a limited number of special events each year from April through October, each with different staffing needs. Guest Instructors share their general availability in the application, and DLCG will reach out on an event-by-event basis.

Qualifications

  • At least 30 days outdoor climbing experience

  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required

  • Previous outdoor rock climbing instruction preferred

  • AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course or certification preferred

  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification preferred

  • Contract Employees must also:

    • Hold liability insurance

    • Hold a permit to guide commercially at Devils Lake State Park

Compensation

Guest Assistant Climbing Instructors may be hired on as a W2 employee of Devils Lake Climbing Guides or may opt to work on a contractor basis if they if they have their own business and insurance.

Contract employees

$155 - $175/day depending on experience

$15/hr for additional event shifts

W2 Employees

$135 - $155/day depending on experience

$15/hr for additional event shifts