Part-Time Adult, Outreach, and Adaptive Sailing Instructor (J/22, RS Quest) - Park City, UT

About Park City Sailing Association 

Park City Sailing Association (PCSA) is a vibrant, community-focused sailing program dedicated to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community of sailors in Utah. We provide enriching experiences for sailors of all ages and backgrounds through outreach, boat access, racing, social events, and educational opportunities using our well-maintained fleet and quality facilities at the stunning Jordanelle Reservoir. Nestled in Utah's mountain paradise, just a few minutes away from historic Park City old town, our programs emphasize skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun amid breathtaking scenery and year-round outdoor adventures.

PCSA boasts an active sailing community with over 600 participants and 100 vessels. Our youth sailing school serves more than 30 junior sailors in advanced programs, while our Guppy program introduces the youngest learners (ages 5–7) to the joys of sailing. We're proud recipients of the 2024 US Sailing Outstanding Community Sailing Program award, the 2017 Robie Pierce Award for Adaptive Sailing, and we hosted the 2025 U.S. Adult Sailing Championship. Join us to spark confidence and a lifelong love of the water in young children in a supportive, high-altitude environment!

Position Overview

PCSA is seeking enthusiastic and experienced sailing instructors to lead and facilitate adult sailing classes, private lessons and visiting groups in keelboats (J/22) and dinghies (RS Quest). The ideal candidates will have proven sailing experience, a passion for teaching, and the skills to host positive, high-caliber sailing education with an emphasis on safety, fun, and learning. This seasonal part-time role involves primarily on-the-water instruction (with some classroom, dry-land) on weekdays, and evenings on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with opportunities to coach intro to racing for adults. The role also includes running classes for visiting camps, corporate groups and adaptive sailing lessons and events. The sailing season dates are May 18th - September 30th. This is a part-time, hourly position, based on demand, that can be fairly flexible. Additional hourly work opportunities may include working in Race Committee management, assisting in rigging and maintenance projects, and offering launch service and support to Access members. Ideal candidates for this position come from many walks of life (members, former students, sailing instructiors, to lifelong sailing experts). Living close to the Jordanelle is advantageous.

We offer competitive compensation starting at $19 per hour (based on experience; negotiable for exceptional candidates). Additional perks include financial assistance for required certifications, access to our fleet for personal use, as well as professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as sailing instructor as needed for assigned adult sailing lessons and Outreach Program groups
• Plan and lead structured on-the-water instruction of basics of sailing, fundamental seamanship, boat handling, and basic racing skills
• Conduct land-based instruction on fundamental skills, sailing theory, knots, rigging, safety, and sportsmanship
• Maintain active supervision of sailors on docks and on the water while enforcing PFD compliance and safety rules at all times
• Provide progressive skill development aligned with PCSA curriculum 
• Assess and provide positive/constructive feedback to sailors while helping beginner sailors build confidence and comfort on the water
• Track skill progression and recommend advancement levels
• Operate safety boats in accordance with US Sailing best practices
• Report safety concerns immediately
• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, inclusivity, and a safe training environment, adhering to US Sailing and SafeSport standards.
• Update maintenance management system
• Assist with fleet maintenance, rigging/de-rigging, and equipment care as needed while maintaining clean docks and classrooms
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions
• Document and report incidents in accordance with policy

Required qualifications

• Demonstrated sailing experience and ability to teach adult and/or adaptive sailing classes
• Good leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to operate small powerboats safely in variable conditions
• State Boating Safety Certificate (or equivalent)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Current First Aid & CPR/AED Certification (or willingness to obtain with PCSA financial support).
• Clean background check
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs and move between dock, classroom, and administrative areas frequently
• Authorization to work in the United States (we unfortunately cannot provide sponsorship).

Preferred qualifications

• US Sailing Small Boat Level 1 certification or US Sailing Keelboat Instructor Certification (or willingness to obtain with PCSA financial support)
• Other relevant or equivelant certifications for sailing competency
• Additional water safety certifications (e.g., lifeguard, basic keelboat knowledge)

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate starting at $19 (negotiable based on experience)
• Access to PCSA's fleet (including J22s, RS Quests, and other boats) for personal sailing
• Opportunity to work in an award-winning, inclusive program with scholarships available

More information

For questions, contact Scott VerMerris at (216) 401-2351 or email us at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis—apply today to join our dynamic team!

For more about PCSA, visit sailpc.org and our Adult Programs web page.

PCSA is firmly committed to and actively supports the goal of Equal Employment Opportunity. PCSA will comply with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws and regulations including but not limited to the applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). See our full set of employee policies and practices in our Employee Handbook.