Sailing Instructor Trainer for the Counselor in Training Program

Mystic Seaport Museum is seeking a Sailing Instructor Trainer for our Counselor-in-Training Program, a part of our Summer Sailing Camps offered at the Seaport’s Sailing Center. The MSM hosts both daytime and residential summer sailing programs, and CITs that aid in the implementation of this programming are typically 13-18 (in the case of day CITs) and 15-18 (in the case of overnight CITs) year olds, often camp alumni, who aid staff both on and off the water. Participants in the Sailing Center’s Day Camp programming –and our Day CITs– arrive and depart each day, spending the majority of the day on the water learning sailing skills on the seaports fleet of Dyer Dhows, Prams, and c420s. Overnight campers, staff, and CITs participate in daytime sailing programming as well, spend nights sleeping aboard an historic full-rigged ship, the Joseph Conrad, and are offered fun activities throughout the Seaport’s grounds in the evenings, including a Planetarium show, climbing the rigging of a tall ship, and more. This position is responsible for the mentorship of our daytime and overnight CITs on the water and during the day. CITs are rotated between directly assisting in the implementation of camp sailing programming and leadership, team building, and developmental activities that will foster their growth as leaders, teachers, and people. It is the responsibility of the Sailing Instructor Trainer to develop, in conjunction with MSM staff, pertinent activities which foster sailing knowledge and skills and leadership ability on the water; development of these skills will ideally result in the CIT being well prepared for professional certification in sailing instruction, such as that offered by US Sailing. As this position is a supervisory position and will take place on the water, the Sailing Instructor Trainer must be a comfortable sailor, with a US Sailing Level 1 Certification (which the Seaport is willing to provide). The position requires great leadership skills; comfort with youth development; the ability to work well with teenagers; the ability to assist the Director in supervising, training, and mentoring staff; and excellent teamwork skills. A willingness to work a flexible schedule according to the needs of the camp is essential.

For more information: Sailing Programs and Classes in Mystic, CT - Mystic Seaport Museum

Responsibilities

• Lead by example as a role model who sets the tone for positive youth development.
• Assist the Director with the day-to-day operations of the program.
• Assist the Director with supervising and mentoring counselors and counselors-in-training.
• Meet with and mentor each CIT throughout the week.
• Train CITs on their responsibilities and role during camp and on leadership.
• Help ensure that all State camp licensing and safety protocols are followed.
• Communicate CIT’s needs and issues to camp director.
• Help facilitate communications between staff and CITs.
• Help CITs plan for their activities, lessons, and transition time games.
• Assist with camp activities as needed
• Adhere to all camp safety guidelines

Required Qualifications:

• A desire to work with teenagers both on and off the water.
• Current Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification (training provided).
• Experience working with teenagers/youth in formal or informal settings.
• Practical knowledge of or experience in summer camps; training and mentoring Counselors-in-Training, camp leadership and supervision; and staff management, development, and motivation.
• Positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude.
• Integrity, patience, adaptability, a sense of humor, enthusiasm, and a commitment to serve youth.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and an ability to adapt to changing program needs.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Responsible and mature .

Desirable Qualifications:

• US Sailing Level 1 instructor certification
• Connecticut safe boating certification or NASBLA approved course from your home state
• Experience driving powerboats in an instructional setting (training provided)
• Lifeguarding Certification
• Experience supervising a staff
• Experience with residential summer camps
• Small dinghy sailing experience

Physical/Mental Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

• Deliver programs in venues that can be cold, wet, hot, or dirty; work outside in all weather.
• Position requires sufficient eyesight, hearing, and physical stamina to fulfill successfully the requirements of the Joseph Conrad Overnight Sailing Summer Camp program.
• Weekend and holiday work assignments are required.