Office Assistant and Climbing Instructor
OFFICE ASSISTANT & VIA FERRATA INSTRUCTOR
Southeast Mountain Guides – Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Position Overview
This dual-role position combines office operations with outdoor work as a Via Ferrata Instructor (VFI). Team members in this role support clients at our facility, manage reservations and communication in the office, and facilitate experiences on our Via Ferrata course. It is an excellent fit for someone who enjoys a blend of indoor and outdoor responsibilities, thrives in a client-focused environment, and wants to grow within a mission-driven company.
Employment Information
Location: Campton, Kentucky
Seasonal Position: March 1 – December 1
Typical Weekly Hours: ~32 hours across 4 days
Full Range: 25–45 hours across 3–5 days, including weekends
This position is seasonal, but we strongly prefer candidates seeking long-term, multi-season employment.
About Southeast Mountain Guides
Our mission is to help people who want to experience rock climbing or become rock climbers. At Southeast Mountain Guides (“Southeast”), we value authentic connection, professionalism, servant leadership, and teamwork.
We offer:
Via Ferrata (cabled climbing system)
Guided Rock Climbing
Guided Rappelling
All services operate in the iconic Red River Gorge, one of the premier climbing destinations in the world.
Position Description
This role provides a unique mix of outdoor and indoor work. As a Via Ferrata Instructor, you’ll be outside facilitating client experiences on our cable-climbing course. As an Office Assistant, you’ll support the business through administrative tasks including team scheduling, communication, reservation management, and basic facility oversight.
This position is perfect for someone who:
Enjoys variety in their weekly workflow
Loves working for an outdoor-based organization
Wants to meaningfully engage with clients
Desires to grow with a mission-driven small business
Position Responsibilities as an Office Assistant
Support smooth daily operations as the acting lead
Answer phones, respond to emails/texts, and manage reservations
Greet and check in clients; process POS transactions
Assist with social media content creation and expansion
Help maintain basic bookkeeping records
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional facility
Complete a wide range of office projects using Google Workspace
Communicate regularly with Southeast leadership
As a Via Ferrata Instructor
Check clients in, verify waivers, and take payments
Facilitate 45-minute hands-on orientations
Supervise climbers on the via ferrata course and provide coaching/corrections
Perform via ferrata rescues using a 3:1 haul system
Clean and inspect climbing equipment
Assist with facility and grounds upkeep
Perform basic manual labor such as trail maintenance and weedeating
Minimum Qualifications
Passion for rock climbing and a strong foundational knowledge of the sport
Love for office-related tasks and administrative support
Alignment with Southeast’s mission, standards, and core values
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to authentically connect with clients and collaborate with team members
Physically capable of performing all job responsibilities
Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions
Desire to work multiple seasons and grow within the company
Preferred Qualifications
Moderate to extensive climbing experience
Teaching, coaching, or customer service experience
Office assistant experience, especially in client-facing roles
Familiarity with the Red River Gorge area
Hours, Pay & Scheduling
Base Pay: $18/hour
Overtime: Paid at time-and-a-half for hours over 40
Expected schedule: approximately 32 hours/week across 4 days, including most weekends
Learn more about scheduling and hours during the interview process
How to Apply
Submit your application at:https://www.southeastmountainguides.com/employment/
For questions, email nicole@southeastmountainguides.com or call 606-668-6613.
Interview Process
The interview process consists of approximately three interviews, any of which may be virtual:
Initial Interview
Skills Test Interview
Culture Fit Interview
Training Process
Approximately 2–3 weeks of initial training
Followed by 1–2 months of intermittent mentorship
Training begins at $16/hour, with increases as skill milestones are met
Training typically begins mid-February, with the full position starting March 1st. Flexibility may be available depending on candidate experience or timing.
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person