Max Caplan
San Luis Obispo
Summary
Dedicated and safety-focused climbing supervisor with extensive experience in outdoor recreation, risk management, and team leadership. Skilled in supervising staff, enforcing safety protocols, and providing instruction to climbers of all ages and skill levels. Proven ability to create inclusive, supportive environments that encourage personal growth, community building, and skill development. Experienced in equipment maintenance, emergency response, and operational coordination, with a background spanning collegiate recreation, youth climbing instruction, and hands-on volunteer work.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Climbing Park Supervisor
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo
03.2025 - Current
- Train, mentor, and supervise staff in climbing park operations, emphasizing risk management and emergency response readiness
- Enforce safety protocols, inspect equipment, and ensure proper setup and takedown of climbing structures
- Provide guidance and instruction to climbers of varying skill levels, fostering skill development and confidence
- Coordinate scheduling, daily operations, and group activities to maintain smooth and efficient park management
- Promote an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages student engagement and community building
- Respond quickly and effectively to incidents or emergencies, ensuring participant safety and adherence to university policies
Rock Climbing Instructor
ABC Kids Climbing
Boulder
05.2022 - 07.2025
- Guided young athletes on how to grow and compete as highly competitive athletes
- Helped a variety of young climbers (ages 5-13) learn foundational climbing skills during summer camps
- Helped to ensure a safe and comfortable climbing environment for young athletes to fully develop their skills
- Coached and instructed climbers at the same gym where I grew up competitively climbing for 12 years
Farmhand Volunteer
Black Cat Farm
Boulder
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Pulled weeds, tended to pigs, moving animal pens depending on the time of year, washing out bins, and picked up trash around the farm
Inventory Specialist
Titan Vans
Boulder
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Worked a full-time job helping the inventory system and the way in which the inventory was maintained and secured at Titan Vans
• Helped to create a new, more efficient inventory system to make the actual building out of sprinter vans more efficient
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA05-2027
Skills
- Risk management
- Emergency response
- Equipment maintenance
- Team leadership
- Instructional techniques
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Physical fitness maintenance
Affiliations
- Competitive and recreational rock climbing; outdoor climbing trips
- Active member of the Cal Poly Climbing Club
- Hiking, camping, and outdoor exploration
- Wood art and creative woodworking projects
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
English
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Nationally-ranked competitive rock climber
- National finalist competitive rock climber in Bouldering and Sport disciplines
Certification
- Dean's List Fall Quarter 2023
- Dean's List Winter Quarter 2024
- Dean's List Spring Quarter 2024
- Dean's List Fall Quarter 2024
- Dean's List Winter Quarter 2025
- Dean's List Winter Quarter 2025
- President's Honor List 2023-2024
- President's Honor List 2024-2025
- 3.7 GPA
Timeline
Climbing Park Supervisor
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
03.2025 - Current
Rock Climbing Instructor
ABC Kids Climbing
05.2022 - 07.2025
Inventory Specialist
Titan Vans
06.2021 - 08.2021
Farmhand Volunteer
Black Cat Farm
01.2019 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo