How to become a Sailing Instructor at the LJYC

 

Our goal at the LJYC is to be the best sailing school and to do that, we need instructors who are the "cream of the crop". When evaluating instructor applicants, we consider the following:

Qualifications - although having higher sailing and instructor levels doesn't necessarily make someone a better instructor, it does mean that the instructor has more knowledge and experience in sailing and also, the higher the level, is one reflection of the interest that the instructor has in the sport. All certifications must be current for the period of employment and presented on paper at the time of employment. We try to hire people who have put in the effort to do more than the minimum (for example, NLS rather than just Bronze Cross swimming especially with our Yoho Island days, and Learn to Race and Bronze V or Silver VI rather than just Bronze IV.)  The minimum qualifications that we will consider for 2006 are Green Instructor with Bronze V.

Enthusiasm/passion - We want passionate, knowledgeable instructors teaching our kids. Passion doesn't necessarily mean racing because you can love sailing without having the competitive desire to race but, watching our racers, their exuberance and love of the sport shows. Often the extra effort that it takes to race reflects the enthusiasm of the sailor. This enthusiastic attitude about sailing and life in general is required to work at the LJYC sailing school.

Instructors need to love working with children - right from young children up to the oldest. They have to be good role models in terms of attitude and skill. They need to have or develop the ability to make every sailing student feel that they are successful - that doesn't mean zipping people through levels but rather, the little, day to day successes - mastering a knot or attaching the rudder properly etc. Previous experience, paid or as a volunteer, working with children is an important qualification and is counted heavily in terms of hiring. Of course, volunteering as an assistant sailing instructor and participation in the LJYC CNIB modified sailing program which our sailors can do starting at age 14 is a huge plus in terms of hiring. The CNIB modified sailing program is a key program for the LJYC, and a sailor's participation in it shows the enthusiasm of the sailor and also, shows that the sailor is willing to put in their own time to help out the LJYC.

Instructors must be responsible. Safety is huge and as a club we need to know that the instructors will ALWAYS be conscious of safety and will be good role models ALWAYS of safe behaviour. NLS is a great qualification that currently two of our instructors have as this certifies them as lifeguards - important day to day but especially important for the Yoho Picnic Days and Junior Banquet when we're in the water.

Leadership.  There is a significant leadership component to the instructor job. Maturity and awareness (and learning from mistakes) are expected. In-service training is provided as much as possible to reinforce the instructor’s skills.

 

If you would like to work for the LJYC and have, or before the summer of 2006, will have the required qualifications, please forward your resume and covering letter to Carolyn Gagnon, Sailing School Director at Carolyn@tectona.com before the end of January.  Due to the volume of applications that we receive, applications received after January will not be considered.

 

 

Lake Joseph Yacht Club

Sailing for the whole family!