YOUTH SAILING INSTRUCTOR

Posted April 17, 2026

Reports to: Youth Programs Manager

Type: Temporary, Part-Time, Hourly, On-Site

Schedule: 40 per Week, Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Compensation: $21.30/hour

The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a national leader in hands-on maritime education, providing a gathering place where visitors can experience maritime history and small craft heritage directly through sailing classes, maritime skills workshops, field trips, boat rentals, public programs, and community events.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Youth Sailing Instructor is responsible for delivering safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate sailing instruction for youth ages 5-14 as part of CWB’s summer programs. This role supports hands-on learning on Lake Union, helping participants build confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills through small craft sailing. Working under the supervision of the Youth Programs Manager, instructors contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused program environment while serving as role models for youth and junior instructors.

Specific Job Functions

Program Delivery - 70%

  • Deliver safe, engaging, and age appropriate sailing instruction for youth ages 5-14 in alignment with CWB curriculum and US Sailing standards.

  • Follow established lesson plans and adapt instruction to meet varying student skill levels and learning styles.

  • Supervise and manage groups of up to 12 students independently or up to 24 students with co-instructors.

  • Ensure participant safety at all times, including on docks, aboard vessels, and during on-the-water activities.

  • Serve as a positive role model for youth participants and junior instructors, fostering teamwork, confidence and respect.

  • Communicate professionally with participants, parents/guardians, and team members.

  • Respond appropriately to changing weather, water conditions, and on-the-water situations.

  • Support daily program operations including check-in/check-out processes and transitions between activities.

Vessel and Classroom Upkeep - 20%

  • Assist in the daily setup, breakdown, and organization of outdoor classroom and program spaces.

  • Conduct basic inspection, cleaning, and care of program vessels including El Toro and RS Feva fleets.

  • Operate and assist in maintaining safety boats in support of program delivery.

  • Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns to the Youth Programs Manager.

  • Ensure all safety equipment is properly used, stored, and accounted for.

  • Support general waterfront cleanliness, organization, and readiness for programming.

Program Evaluation - 10%

  • Assess student progress and provide feedback consistent with program cirriculum.

  • Communicate participant needs, behavoiral concerns, or incidents to the Youth Programs Manager.

  • Contribute observations and feedback to support ongoing program improvement.

  • Participate in staff debreifs, training, and evaluation processes.

Qualifications and Skills

Required

  • Current US Sailing Instructor Level 1 Certification

  • Current CPR and First Aid certifications

  • Competence in operating small powerboats (safety boats)

  • Ability to problem solve and work independently and as a team member

  • Comfortable speaking with parents and guardians.

  • Ability to provide safe, fun, and age-appropriate lessons for youth

  • Patient, reliable, and has a positive attitude

  • 1+ years working with youth ages 5-14

  • 1+ years teaching sailing or sailing related experience

Strongly Preferred

  • Previous participation in CWB youth programs or similar sailing programs

  • Experience as a junior instructor or camp councelor

  • Familiarity with small boat handling (El Toro, RS Feva, or similar)

  • Experience working in outdoor or waterfront environments

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires regular physical activity in a dynamic waterfront environment. The employee must be able to:

  • Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and balance on docks and small vessels for extended periods

  • Safely board, operate, and assist others on small sailboats and powerboats

  • Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with heavier items moved with assistance

  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions including sun, rain, wind, and heat

  • Maintain awareness and respond quickly to changing conditions and safety situations

  • Communicate effectively in a fast-paced, youth-focused environment

 Work Environment:

This position is primarily based outdoors on the water and on floating docks facilities at South Lake Union. Work is performed in a dynamic, hands-on environment that includes exposure to varying weather conditions such as sun, rain, wind, and heat. The role involves working on docks and small vessels that may be wet or unstable, with frequesnt interaction with youth participants, families, staff, and the public. Program days are active and fast-paced, requiring sustained attention to safety, teamwork, and participant engagement throughout the day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Center for Wooden Boats is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All CWB employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

1) Statement/Letter of Interest

2) Work Experience/Education Resume

Please email all materials to hiring@cwb.org with “Youth Sailing Instructor” in the subject line.