Sailing Instructor

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Sailing Instructor

Reports To: Program Director

Classification: Seasonal, full-time

Creation Date: January 16, 2025

Compensation: Hourly, Based On Experience & Other Relevant Factors

About the Organization:

Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association (SBJSA) is a three-season sailing education facility in Sodus Point, NY. SBJSA offers summer youth instruction, community boating activities, spring and fall instructional programming for scholastic sailing teams, and various other instructional programs throughout the year.

JOB SUMMARY:

All Sailing Instructors work under the supervision of the Program Director. The Sailing Instructor is expected to provide teaching that emphasizes safety, proper handling of equipment, skill development, and provides an enjoyable experience for all participants in a manner consistent with the goals, values and mission of the SBJSA.

The candidate should be a leader who is highly organized and self-motivated with excellent communication skills. A large part of this position includes communicating with parents, members, sailors, community members and other staff respectfully and effectively. Instructors must possess a desire to work with youth and share the skills of sailing, water safety and environmental awareness and stewardship.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the Program Director and organization in preparing a creative learning environment.
Prepare and teach daily sailing lessons on and off the water. Align all teachings with the SBJSA curriculum and standards. Submit daily lesson plans to the Program Director. Maintain accurate records of each participant's skill development and assessments. Produce report cards for each program participant highlighting their growth. Ensure all records are submitted as requested.
Creatively engage program participants in US Sailing REACH activities to foster sailing related teachings in STEM.
Demonstrate proper handling, care, and respect for all material, equipment, and facilities. Play a key role in maintenance of all equipment and minimize damage or loss thereof.
Perform routine maintenance of boats and equipment on a daily basis as required.
Be willing to carry out other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Contribute ideas and project enthusiasm and energy.
Be willing to adapt and adjust to programmatic needs including teaching groups that may be outside of your preferences. Noting that SBJSA hires all Instructors to teach where needed and does not hire individuals to teach in a specific area for the whole summer. Instructor assignments are subject to change at any time depending upon the program needs and enrollment.
Cultivate and carry out a culture of respect in all operations. This includes respect for people, respect for the facility, and respect for the boats and equipment.
Supervise students to ensure their safety, participation and learning.
Attend all staff meetings, clinics, and workdays. Maintain certifications and training related to and required for the job.
Report any problems to the Program Supervisor.
When required, work some weekday evenings and some weekend days to support our Community Boating Program or other events.
Support SBJSA’s various grant program participation by collecting and submitting any information as requested that is needed for both data collection and evaluation purposes. Hold a high standard for organization of such information so that it may be accurately recorded and reported.
Uphold SBJSA’s high standards for safety. Be prepared through honing individual skills and attending trainings. Actively participate in and understand Emergency Action Plans and SBJSA’s related policies and protocols.
Uphold SBJSA’s rules as well as values. Serve as a role model for participants at all times.
Engage social-emotional learning practices to support youth skill development.
Works collaboratively with other Instructors and CIT’s (Counselors in Training). Supports the CIT program through thoughtful coaching and modeling. Responsible for aspects of training CIT’s throughout the summer.
All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Strong leadership skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; appropriately communicates with all levels of customers from campers, to parents, to Board of Directors.
Sailing and powerboat operational skills and desire to share this knowledge with youth of all ages.
Ability to adapt to a changing environment and programmatic needs in order to support program needs.
Ability to critically think and take appropriate action. Particularly when safety is involved.
Possess knowledge and hands-on skills related to safety.
Ability to act as a team player and to step into leadership where and when required.
Strong organization skills, attention to detail, and follow through to resolve any outstanding issues.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise and teach youth ages 6-18.
Assist in training and developing CITs to meet organizational needs.
Assist in developing CIT skills and performance through training and coaching.
Maintain confidential information of all program participants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be at least 17 years of age by June 15th.
All certifications are required prior to active employment but are not necessary at the time of hire.
Current CPR, First Aid, and AED Certificate
US Sailing Level I Instructor
Ability to swim at least at Red Cross Level 5 or equivalent
NYS Safe Boating Card
USSA Safe Sport Certificate
Successfully pass a background check: Must have no felonious convictions, and no charges for child abuse or endangering the well being of a minor.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

Prior teaching experience in a junior sailing program
Lifeguard Certification with Waterfront Module
US Sailing Level 2
US Sailing Reach Certificate

* Reimbursement of Level 1 & 2 program costs will be provided upon successful completion of the course within the context of our current employee handbook.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

May be required to travel with the Race Team to various Regattas.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance:
This position requires the regular use of a computer screen and keyboard at times.
This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (standing and/or seated) the majority of the time.
Answering phone/making calls
Lifting Boats (carry up 45 pounds for 20 feet)
Being outside in variable weather conditions
Operating a powerboat

*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary without notice. Offers of employment are contingent on passing a criminal background check.

Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.