Head Junior Sailing Instructor (Summer 2027)

Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club • Mount Arlington, NJ

21h • $22 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club is hiring a Head Instructor to lead its Junior Sailing Program for Summer 2027 in Mt. Arlington, New Jersey. The program serves approximately 80 sailors each season, ages 5 to 12 and early in their sailing careers. The role involves leading the program, teaching and supervising young sailors, coordinating assistant coaches, and maintaining the club’s boats and sailing facilities.

The summer schedule is approximately June 22 through August 14, Tuesday through Friday, averaging 32 hours per week. Classes run in three sessions from June 29 through August 6, followed by Race Week during the week of August 9. The club is closed Mondays, and weekends are off. A paid pre-season staff meeting is held on Zoom in late May or early June. Pay is $22–$30 per hour based on related experience, paid by direct deposit.

Programs include Wind Chasers for ages 5–7, Level 1 learn-to-sail, Race Team, Adventure Sailing for teens, and the Halsey Island Race Week tradition. The instructor reports to the Junior Sailing Directors. Possible housing with a club member family on the lake or a housing stipend may be available, and US Sailing instructor and other certifications may be reimbursed.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have previous teaching, coaching, or mentoring experience with youth.
• Have a New Jersey Boater’s License or be willing to obtain one.
• Have US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor certification or be willing to obtain it.
• Be willing to submit to a background check.
• Be a strong swimmer.
• Be able to stand and walk for a full shift.
• Be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Be comfortable teaching on water and on land.
• Be comfortable working outdoors in heat, sun, and wind.
• Be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience teaching young sailors.
• US Sailing Level 1 Small Boat Instructor certification.
• NASBLA Safe Powerboat Handling certification or equivalent.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the face of the junior sailing program for sailors and parents.
• Lead a team of 3–4 high-school assistant coaches.
• Build lesson plans and activities combining sailing skills, games, and fun, including rainy-day and no-wind activities.
• Run the daily schedule, check-in and check-out, swim tests, and safety procedures.
• Keep sailors safe on and off the water.
• Keep families and the Junior Sailing Directors informed about schedule changes, weather calls, and make-up days.
• Run start-up week, including staff orientation and inspection of all boats and equipment before classes begin.
• Maintain the fleet, coach boats, docks, and sailing area.
• Close out the season with an updated boat and equipment inventory, a repair list, brief staff evaluations, and a progress note for each sailor.
• Report to the Junior Sailing Directors and support ad hoc requests.

Benefits

• Possible housing with an LHYC member family on the lake or a possible housing stipend, pending the candidate.
• Reimbursement for US Sailing instructor and other certifications.
• Paid pre-season staff meeting.
• Weekends off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed