Sailing Coordinator, Camp Abnaki

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Ready to turn Lake Champlain into your classroom? YMCA Camp Abnaki is looking for a confident, safety-minded, and adventure-loving Sailing Coordinator to lead our sailing program all summer long. From catching the perfect breeze to teaching campers their first tack, you’ll help create unforgettable moments on the water—while keeping safety at the helm. This role is all about balancing fun, skill-building, and smart decision-making. You’ll oversee daily sailing operations, support and supervise instructors, monitor lake conditions, and work closely with the Waterfront Director to ensure every sail is safe, engaging, and memorable.

The contract for this position is from June 11 through August 22. Opportunities for pre-season and post-season work may also be available.

Why You’ll Love This Job

• Lake Champlain Is Your Office: Spend your summer on one of the most beautiful lakes in the Northeast—sun, wind, sails, and sunsets included.
• Live Where You Work: Spend your summer on the shores of Lake Champlain with housing and meals included—enjoy lake views, fresh air, and a true sense of camp community.
• Teach & Inspire: Help campers build confidence, independence, and real sailing skills through hands-on instruction.
• Be Part of Camp Life: Jump into theme days, evening programs, and weekend activities as part of a collaborative program team.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Sailing Operations: Organize and manage all aspects of the sailing program, including small craft, Hobies, and windsurfers.
• Monitor Lake Conditions: Assess weather and water conditions on Lake Champlain and make safety-based decisions alongside the Waterfront Director.
• Teach Sailing Lessons: Deliver high-quality, progressive sailing instruction using lesson plans, skipper tests, and on-water skill assessments.
• Supervise & Support Staff: Oversee sailing instructors, providing guidance, feedback, and safety oversight.
• Maintain Equipment: Perform daily checks to ensure all boats and sailing equipment are seaworthy and well-maintained.
• Coordinate Float Plans: Manage sailboat activity and float plans in collaboration with the Waterfront Director.
• Train for Safety: Assist with waterfront trainings, emergency procedures, and in-service lifeguard support.
• Support Specialty Programs: Assist with Specialty Sailing Camp Sessions and other focused sailing experiences.
• Be a Camp Teammate: Support theme days, evening programs, and weekend activities as part of the broader program team.
• Model YMCA Values: Demonstrate caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with campers and staff.
• Wrap the Season Strong: Assist with end-of-summer inventory, equipment storage, and boat removal.

Salary:

$630 - $782.52 / week based on a 6-day workweek

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Lifeguarding and CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or the ability to obtain.
• US Sailing Certification, or the ability to obtain, or 2 years of relevant sailing experience, preferably in a resident camp setting.
• Boater’s License, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, Lifeguard Management, or Waterfront Management certifications are a plus.
• Have the ability to interact with co-workers, campers, and the general public in a professional and effective manner.
• Have a working knowledge of sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding, and a desire to teach these skills to campers.
• Employees are expected to report to work at the scheduled time on a regular basis while completing work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner.
• Ability to live on site for the duration of the summer season, likely in shared staff housing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Ability to navigate camp property, including uneven terrain and remote areas.
• Visual and auditory awareness to respond to safety hazards.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Endurance to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to promptly and adequately respond all emergency situations on camp.
• Swim proficiently and perform water rescues in various conditions.