Junior Instructors

UNH Community Sailing Junior Instructor Application

As we continue to grow, we want to respect your time and recognize the efforts of those who go above and beyond to make this experience exceptional for everyone. Junior Instructors provide support to participants enrolled in the sailing, kayaking and/or standup paddleboarding (SUP) program. Junior Instruction focuses on preparing for employment as an instructor. This process gives us a chance to practice together, build readiness, and ensure everyone is set up for success. They develop the skills necessary to one day be that instructor that kids look up to and want to emulate.

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Junior Instructors gain experience providing direct support to instructors teaching classes while enhancing their Sailing/Kayaking/SUP skills.
  • In addition to demonstrating on-water skills, Junior Instructors can lead activities, chalk talks, and activities where participants reflect, generate ideas and solve problems.
  • Junior Instructors learn the skills to serve as effective instructors for participants ages 5-18.
  • We understand you may have other sailing or family commitments during the Summer, so we ask JIs to commit to working a minimum of 4 of the 8 weeks.  As a JI, you will help teach sailing, kayaking or SUP lessons when you are available in the mornings, Monday through Friday from 6/22/26 to 8/9/26, as well as at least three Saturdays from 11-5 to support the UNH Community Sailing program.

Minimum Qualifications

Job Requirements:

            All junior instructors must be at least 15 at the start of their employment.

  • Strong communication skills, enthusiasm and patience for working with kids and parents.
  • Ability to set an example in behaviour, language, and Corinthian spirit for youth sailors.
  • Ability to empathize with students and adapt to participants’ needs.
  • Ability to teach safety, boat handling and sailing (for those working with sailing) theory.
  • Ability to assist in developing and following lesson plans that include dry land and on-the-water drills and inclement weather activities.
  • Assisting the Instructor with accurate records of attendance, injuries and boat damage is required.
  • Ability to effectively care for and maintain the facility and boats under the direction of the Sailing Director.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated compliance with the regulations set forth in the UNH Youth Program Code of Conduct.
  • Ability to perform procedures set forth in UNH Summer Sailing Centre’s Risk Management Procedures.
  • Must be enrolled in classes to increase their skills.
  • Assist in pre and post-season maintenance and training as requested. We know that school and family schedules vary and can discuss necessary accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience working with children ages 5-14
  • Background in one-design, dinghy sailing, kayaking or SUP.

Certifications and Trainings:

Provided by Campus Recreation (if not previously completed)

  • Employment contingent on the successful completion of a background check and the following training: USNH Protection of Minors, ‘CPR, AED & First-Aid’, Bloodborne Pathogens, Risk Management training and Teaching and Coaching Fundamentals online courses.

Required Applicant Materials:

  • Application letter explaining why you would like to be a Junior Instructor. Here are some questions to consider when you write your application letter/email.
  1. What sailing and general skills do you possess that you will bring to this position?
  2. What attributes do you think are most important for a successful sailing instructor, or any leadership positions?
  3. What skills do you hope to develop as a member of the UNH Community Sailing Centre sailing staff?
  4. What does being a member of the staff team mean to you?
  5. What does it mean to be a role model? Is there an instructor who you look to as a role model?
  6. Why should we hire you?
  • Two non-family references that can speak to character and work ethic.
  • Please also include the following:
  • Name, street address, email, cell, D.O.B., Age as of the start of the summer program, Grade as of fall 2026, medical concerns or allergies. Please tell us about your sailing, kayaking or SUP experience (lessons you may have taken, where you took them, types of boats you are familiar with, any relevant on-water experience, be specific), powerboat experience, not required but helpful if you have. (Please list the types of motorboats you are familiar with driving).
  • What classes would you be comfortable assistant teaching? It can be as many as you prefer.

The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall undergo a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Prospective candidates should email their job application and references to Director Diana Weidenbacker. diana.weidenbacker@unh.edu.