The bike mechanic position assists other students with basic bike maintenance and upkeep on an as-needed basis. They also help GVSU manage the inventory of unclaimed, abandoned bikes.

• Paid Employee
• Part-time, as-needed < 8 hours per week
• Some experience preferred but not required

Climbing Center staff are the face of the Climbing Center and are responsible for facilitating various related programs and services at the rock wall.  They are part customer service representative, part risk manager, and part climbing instructor.

• Paid Employee
• Part-Time, Regular weekly and as-needed opportunities; average 5 - 12 hours/ week
• Some experience strongly preferred

Route setters are responsible for keeping the wall fresh and exciting. Aside from the incredible social aspects of climbing, high-quality fun climbs are the reason people climb regularly. 

• Unpaid volunteer
• Commitment of ~2-4 hours per week expected
• ~1 year climbing experience required for consideration

These students plan and facilitate a regular schedule of outdoor and adventure-based programs and trips (often hiking/ camping related) for the GVSU community. Additional responsibilities include managing the outdoor gear library.

• Paid Employee
• Part-Time, Regular weekly and as-needed opportunities (average 5 - 12 hours/ week)
• Some experience strongly preferred

New in 2025, Outdoor Adventures is piloting a mentorship program for outdoor leadership. Participants develop their skills in trip planning, camp craft, risk management, judgement/ decision making, & communication. 

• Unpaid volunteer
• Average commitment: 2 hours/ week + 4-day Fall Break leadership trip
• No experience required. Junior status or less

Any formal training you can take ahead of applying is helpful. Our technical skill workshops meet, if not exceed industry standards for content and quality. By participating, you are showing an interest in best practices, advancing the respect of climbing as a sport (or any activity), a dedication to personal development, and familiarizing with programs and services we offer. If we had to list some specifically they would be the following:

• Wilderness Medicine - Either Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Any curriculum is acceptable. We don't often offer WFA but WFR is offered every May.
• Leave No Trace - at least the Awareness level course (free online, on-demand).

Strong, no. Experienced, a little is helpful. Climbing is a service profession. It's all about your ability to provide an amazing experience for participants and no part of that involves showboating on the wall. While there are some benefits to climbing well; having knowledge of the equipment, systems, & how to move on the wall efficiently will be more helpful in assisting participants and recognizing risky behaviors and correcting them effectively. 

Due to the funding structure of the Climbing Center, route setting is not a paid position. However, students who have at least 1 year of regular climbing experience that wish to volunteer their time as route setters should email Joe Bitely, [email protected] to inquire about getting involved.