I can get rid of that part if you'd like, but he's qualified to be a gym leader in Hoenn, he just doesn't have a gym and they don't need a new gym leader for the moment, so he's technically more of a substitute gym leader.

(This one I thought may be fine because most gym leaders have two jobs.)

If any of my explanation doesn't work for you, let me know and I'll mend that part of the character.