Sailing Instructor
Job Description
About the Community Sailing Center (CSC)
Our mission is to encourage and celebrate the responsible use and long-term stewardship of Lake Champlain by fostering educational and recreational opportunities for all members of our community. The Community Sailing Center is unique. We are sailors, paddlers and recreation enthusiasts who share a deep passion for Lake Champlain because we live near and recreate in it regularly. We believe everyone deserves to play on, learn from and ultimately take care of Vermont’s greatest natural resource, Lake Champlain.
The CSC is located on the waterfront in Burlington, VT and has been operating for 30 years. As the only Community Sailing Center in the state the CSC offers a variety of programs for youth, adult, students, and the visiting sailing and paddling enthusiast. We also host several signature events each year bringing the community together to celebrate the Lake. CSC’s diverse programs range from recreational to racing, accommodating every sailor. Our fleet is composed of O’pen Bics, Hartley 10s, 420’s, RS Zests, RS Quests, Lasers, Sonars, Rhodes 19s, Stand Up Paddleboards, kayaks and canoes.
Beyond teaching sailing at the CSC, Burlington has numerous opportunities to offer. There are several yacht clubs in the nearby towns providing racing almost daily on dinghies and keelboats. Lake Champlain is a destination for larger regattas each summer as well. Local sailors are always interested in having new crew.
Overview
Would you love to share your passion for sailing with others? Do you enjoy working with youth and adults? If you answered yes, check out our Sailing Instructor position. Our team of US Sailing certified instructors spend the summer on the water providing a once in a lifetime experience to participants of all ages and abilities. Sailing instructors deliver on-the-water instruction for various classes and programs and are responsible for delivering a formal curriculum and teaching practical skills. A US Sailing Level 1 or the ability to earn one is required.
Responsible to: Program Director, Program Manager
Qualifications
1. Hold a current US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor certification at a minimum.
2. Up to date certifications in or willing to obtain: CPR & First Aid, CDC Concussion Training and SafeSport Training, VT State Boater’s license or out of state equivalent (available online).
3. Motorboat driving experience; ability to operate a motorboat in all weather conditions. 4. Must have a passion for sailing, the environment and experience working with kids. 5. Must have a positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude.
6. Must possess strong problem solving skills and an ability to adapt to changing program needs depending on weather, number of students, number of boats, etc.
7. Must be at least 18 years of age.
Pay Rate: $19 hourly base pay for Full Time & Part Time positions - adjusted for experience $17 hourly base pay for On-Call positions - adjusted for experience
Responsibilities
The Sailing Instructor must be able:
1. Teach safety, boat handling and sailing theory to sailors of all ages in dinghies and keelboats who are beginning, intermediate or racing sailors.
2. Develop and implement lesson plans, new curriculum, and complete all required reports and evaluations. 3. Have empathy for the students and be able to adapt to their individual needs.
4. When scheduled, act as Race Committee during Center sponsored races.
5. On occasion, fulfill the duties of a Waterfront Coordinator. These duties include providing general and on shore assistance to users and Sailing Instructors, executing the rental process, and completing additional administrative work as necessary.
6. Enforce all policies of the Center and maintain a safe learning environment for sailors. 7. Complete basic environmental activities with the students throughout the week (support provided). 8. Help to maintain and clean the docks, boats and grounds before and after class.
9. Communicate with parents, sailors, and other CSC staff and users effectively and with respect.
Perks:
● Professional Development:
o All Full & Part Time instructors are eligible for full reimbursement of instructor related certifications. This includes US Sailing Level 1, CPR, Boating License, and annual US Sailing Membership. Reimbursement for US Sailing Level 2 or Level 3 must be pre-approved by CSC Management.
● Sailing: As an employee of Community Sailing Center you are invited to use any of our idle paddle or sail boats during business hours.
● Discounts: Our organization has established relationships with local businesses to provide discounts to the Community Sailing Center Staff. You will receive a list of staff discounts at staff training.
● Pro-forms: Our organization has established one or more relationships with companies willing to offer discounts on products. You will receive a list of pro-forms at staff training.
Dates of Employment
Applicants may apply for full-time or part-time positions for any number of the seasons listed below. Work during the spring and fall is limited – scheduling will depend heavily on the instructor’s availability and flexibility during program hours. Summer and fall employment offers the greatest opportunity for full-time work hours.
Spring: April 21 – June 8 (limited hours available)
Summer: June 9 – September 1
Fall: September 2 – October 13 (limited hours available)