Sailing Coach - Seasonal

The City of Lake Forest; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Lake Forest is seeking a Seasonal Sailing Coach to lead advanced athlete development and program leadership across Optimists, Scholastic Teams, and the Adult Sailing Program. The role includes mentoring junior coaches, helping design programs, and driving competitive success within the sailing division.

Responsibilities include planning effective training, coaching youth sailors, traveling to regattas, and fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a safe, inclusive water environment.

Qualifications

• High-level sailboat racing experience in Optimists, Scholastic Teams, and Adult Sailing Program J70.
• Proven coaching ability and leadership in sailing programs.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills for junior coaches.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement structured training sessions for multiple fleets.
• Coach youth sailors focusing on skill progression, teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Travel to regional regattas and competitions as needed.
• Mentor junior coaches and support program design and growth.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive water environment during activities.

Skills

Coaching

Education

USA Sailing Level 1 Coaching Certification

USA Sailing Safe Sport Certification

CPR Certification

NASBLA Boater’s License (IL)

Job description

Posting number: 00406

Department: Recreation Department

Division: Recreation

Job classification: Coach

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Parks and Beaches, Recreation, Parks and Recreation

Summary

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Head Sailing Coach, the Seasonal Coach serves as a senior coaching position responsible for advanced athlete development, program leadership, and competitive performance across multiple fleets, including:

• Optimists
• Scholastic Teams
• Adult Sailing Program

In addition to coaching athletes, it plays a key role in mentoring junior coaches, supporting program design, and contributing to the long-term growth, culture, and competitive success of the sailing program. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and excellent communication skills.

This position is seasonal and runs from September 1st, 2026 - November 1st, 2026

Examples of duties

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement structured, effective training sessions designed to meet individual and team performance goals.

• Coach and develop youth sailors with an emphasis on skill progression, sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence-building.

• Travel as needed to attend and coach at regional regattas and competitions

• Foster team development through clear communication, collaboration, and active parent engagement

• Promote and maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment both on and off the water.
  

Physical Demands and Environmental Considerations

• Some bending, kneeling and reaching items off floor and high shelves
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. in paper boxes, storage boxes and other supplies
• Perform repetitive hand/arm movements (computer use, writing reports, etc.)
• Sitting for sustained periods while completing desk or administrative work
• Strong voice, phone, and listening skills
• Frequent standing, sitting, and movement to accomplish daily activities
• Indoor work environment is smoke-free with controlled temperature and lighting
• Possible exposure to noise from adjacent work areas or equipment

Qualifications

Required:

• High-level sailboat racing experience in one or more of the following:
• Optimists
• Scholastic Teams
• Adult Sailing Program J70

• USA Sailing Level 1 Coaching Certification
• USA Sailing Safe Sport Certification
• CPR Certification (training coordinated if needed)
• Illinois State NASBLA Boater’s License

Experience Seasonal Coach:

• Multiple years of racing & coaching experience at the regional, national, or international level
• Demonstrated success coaching athletes
• Experience mentoring or supervising assistant or junior coaches