The School Outreach Program has been serving regional schools for 10+ years! We host school groups of all ages and abilities on weekdays from January through mid-March. Our groups range from kindergarten to high school aged and from never skied to veterans of the program. The program aims to build enthusiasm for cross country skiing through skill development and lots of fun and games! 

Job description

Reporting to the School Outreach Program Coordinator, the Instructor will be responsible for providing quality cross-country ski instruction to students that is age and ability appropriate, skill building and fun. The instructor will work collaboratively with other instructors to ensure the smooth flow of programming and may also work independently to coach students, run games and supervise ski groups on the trails. A strong foundation in cross country skiing is an asset, as well as experience working with kids and youth in outdoor or recreational settings. There is lots of creativity in adapting to daily conditions and student and group needs. 

Duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: 

• Co-leading groups of up to 40 students of varying ages in all winter conditions
• Communicate and collaborate effectively in small instructor teams to run cohesive ski sessions
• Facilitate orientation to the ski centre and the process of outfitting kids with equipment
• Facilitate games, ski drills and activities that are fun and age appropriate for kids while also building foundational ski skills
• Set up and take down any props used to run games and drills
• Sanitize equipment and high touch surfaces in the warming hut between each group
• Work with teachers to identify and deliver group specific needs and requests
• Represent Nelson Nordic both to school groups and the public while on duty, this includes upholding and role modelling the School Outreach Program’s COVID-19 practices
• Attend to any first aid needs that arise during program and seek appropriate help

The ideal candidate has…

• Experience working with kids and youth 
• Experience facilitating outdoor and educational programming
• Experience managing groups in dynamic environments with minimal supervision
• Experience cross-country skiing, ideally experience teaching or coaching classic technique
• Passion and creativity for fun, games and skill building
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Cross-country ski coaching certifications an asset
• Minimum a standard first aid certification, wilderness first aid or occupational first aid training would be an asset
• This position requires a criminal record check
• This position requires proof of vaccination with a government-approved vaccine

Working Hours and Conditions

This season we will have up to two groups of 50 students each program day (Tuesday to Friday). There will be one morning and one afternoon session, each two hours long. Instructors typically work both sessions, arriving at 8am and wrapping up by 3pm. 

The flow of the day includes: 

• a brief planning meeting with co-instructors and set up for program in the morning;
• morning session from 9-11am;
• some work over lunch to sanitize the hut and shared equipment and reset for the next program; 
• afternoon session from 12-2pm; 
• clean up from the day’s activities

There will also be mandatory staff training and season prep days mid December and/or early January (dates tbd)

Compensation

Starting pay for this position will be $16-17 per hour.

If you are interested in applying to this position, or would like to request more information please send a brief cover letter and resume to Judith Robertson, School Outreach Program Coordinator, at schooloutreach@nelsonnordicski.ca