Sailing Coaches, Instructors, and Instructors in Training

Sail Salem is currently interviewing Sailing Instructors, Sailing Coaches, Jr. Instructors and Instructors in Training for the summer of 2012.

At Sail Salem, our goal is to not only teach children sailing, but to also teach them the confidence, skills, and values to live an active life in the outdoors. Our team works together to provide an experience where children can test their boundaries in an exciting, but safe environment.

Sail Salem is a community boating center. This means we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and our youth program is free for all children from ages 8 to 18. Annually, we serve over 300 Salem-area youth. We take pride in our bringing sailing and an experience on the ocean to children who might not have otherwise had the opportunity.

The Sail Salem Youth Program is structured around skill-building in sailing, environmental stewardship, and leadership.

Children ages 8 to 12 are taught in Optimist Prams and supervised by instructors in safety boats. Children ages 13 to 18 are taught in J-24s with a certified instructor and an instructor in training on each boat.

Instructors must be team players and strong role models. They are responsible for creating a fun and positive atmosphere. It’s the instructors responsibility to get children excited about going out on the water and fostering a nurturing and supportive environment on the water.

The typical instructor has 3 years experience sailing and is comfortable caring for an teaching younger children.

Requirements include:

  • Current First Aid/CPR certification
  • 3+ years sailing experience
  • 1+ years teaching sailing or working as a camp counselor
  • US Sailing Level 1 or US Sailing Keelboat Instructor Certification (Note, this requirement can be completed in the spring leading up to the program if you don’t currently have this training and is not required for Jr. Instructors).
  • Ability to handle powerboats 13 to 17 feet in length.
  • Strong problem solving skills and an ability to adapt to changing program needs depending on changes in weather, number of students, number of boats, etc.
  • Team-oriented
  • Excellent references
  • A passion for sailing, the ocean, the environment and working with kids

Additional experience

  • Keelboat experience
  • Completion of NASBLA-approved safety boat course through the MA Environmental Police and/or through the US Sailing Level I certification course ( also not required for jr. instructors)

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@sailsalem.org.  In your cover letter, please explain why you would like to work at Sail Salem and what particular skills and experience you think will make you a great instructor.