Sailing Instructor Jobs
Sailing Instructor jobs are open across recreational marinas, yacht clubs, summer camps, and community sailing programs, from entry-level instructors to head coach and program director, with specializations in youth instruction, racing technique, and adaptive sailing. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Sailing Instructor jobs
DESCRIPTION
This recruitment will remain open until vacancies are filled and may close without further notice.
The Department provides free and fee-based recreational programs and leisure opportunities, both self-directed and organized, for people of all ages and cultures. Youth programs include free youth sports for ages 5 to 14 serving nearly 10,000 participants annually, summer and vacation day camps, 2,100 recreational and educational classes, sailing and aquatics instruction, teen center activities, skateboarding opportunities, and supervised afterschool and weekend activities at parks and schools. In addition, approximately 12,000 youth participate in non-Department sports leagues that utilize park facilities.
Non-Career employees are allowed a maximum of 1,600 work hours available over a 12-month period and are considered temporary, at-will employees who are not typically eligible for benefits. However, non-career employees may qualify for health coverage and sick leave accruals subject to applicable federal and state provisions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Design, plan, and implement various program activities;
- Participate with children of various ages during all activities;
- Attend all mandatory staff meetings and in-service and training sessions;
- Ensure the health, safety and well being of the children in your care at all times;
- Adhere to the department dress code by maintaining a neat and clean personal appearance;
- Implement the department and site administrative and record keeping policies and procedures;
- Perform all other assigned duties as requested by the lead staff and/or supervisor.
REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must possess or be willing to obtain the following two (2) certifications:
- American Red Cross CPR - training will be provided upon hire;
- American Rec Cross First Aid - training will be provided upon hire;
- Must be at least 16 years of age (if under 18, must have valid permit to work);
- Must have access to reliable transportation to and from work.
- Experience in sailing aquatics, recreation, and/or other related areas is highly desirable.
- Be willing to work a flexible schedule and assist various programs at various pool locations;
- Be able to relate well to children, parents and staff (school and agency);
- Be able and willing to adapt to a changing environment;
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment;
- Experience working with children and youth with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
DESCRIPTION
This recruitment will remain open until vacancies are filled and may close without further notice.
The Department provides free and fee-based recreational programs and leisure opportunities, both self-directed and organized, for people of all ages and cultures. Youth programs include free youth sports for ages 5 to 14 serving nearly 10,000 participants annually, summer and vacation day camps, 2,100 recreational and educational classes, sailing and aquatics instruction, teen center activities, skateboarding opportunities, and supervised afterschool and weekend activities at parks and schools. In addition, approximately 12,000 youth participate in non-Department sports leagues that utilize park facilities.
Non-Career employees are allowed a maximum of 1,600 work hours available over a 12-month period and are considered temporary, at-will employees who are not typically eligible for benefits. However, non-career employees may qualify for health coverage and sick leave accruals subject to applicable federal and state provisions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Design, plan, and implement various program activities;
- Participate with children of various ages during all activities;
- Attend all mandatory staff meetings and in-service and training sessions;
- Ensure the health, safety and well being of the children in your care at all times;
- Adhere to the department dress code by maintaining a neat and clean personal appearance;
- Implement the department and site administrative and record keeping policies and procedures;
- Perform all other assigned duties as requested by the lead staff and/or supervisor.
REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must possess or be willing to obtain the following two (2) certifications:
- American Red Cross CPR - training will be provided upon hire;
- American Rec Cross First Aid - training will be provided upon hire;
- Must be at least 16 years of age (if under 18, must have valid permit to work);
- Must have access to reliable transportation to and from work.
- Experience in sailing aquatics, recreation, and/or other related areas is highly desirable.
- Be willing to work a flexible schedule and assist various programs at various pool locations;
- Be able to relate well to children, parents and staff (school and agency);
- Be able and willing to adapt to a changing environment;
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment;
- Experience working with children and youth with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
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Find Sailing Instructor JobsSailing Instructor Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in sailing instructor jobs.
- Current U.S. Sailing certification at Level 1 or higher required
- Valid CPR and first aid certification, ideally with on-water rescue training
- Demonstrated experience teaching sailing to youth or adult students
- Strong swimming ability and physical fitness for on-water instruction
- Ability to operate and maintain small sailboats and safety motorboats
- Clear communication skills and patience when working with beginner sailors
Tips for Your Sailing Instructor Job Search
List every sailing certification you hold
Employers filter by credentials fast, so name each certification explicitly on your resume: U.S. Sailing Level 1, 2, or 3, Keelboat, Small Boat, or any coastal endorsement. Burying them in a paragraph means automated screening misses them entirely.
Show your student progression data
Hiring directors want proof you can move students forward, not just keep them safe. Quantify your impact: number of students taught per season, pass rates on skills assessments, or youth sailors who advanced to the next program tier.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists sailing instructor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target programs with your boat type
A resume heavy on keelboat experience won't land as well at a dinghy-focused youth program. Read each posting for the fleet they run, then reorder your experience so the most relevant boat types and class experience appear first.
Prepare a water demo if asked
Many sailing programs include an on-water skills assessment before or during the interview. Practice narrating your teaching decisions out loud while sailing, since evaluators want to hear your coaching rationale, not just watch clean boat handling.
Negotiate start date around your certifications
If a renewal or upgrade is in progress when you get an offer, say so directly and name the completion date. Most programs will hold a slot for a strong candidate who is two weeks away from a current CPR or U.S. Sailing credential.
Sailing Instructor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most sailing instructors?
The companies hiring the most sailing instructors right now include Culver Academies, Larchmont Yacht Club, and City of Long Beach, CA, with the largest share of openings in Indiana, New York, and Wisconsin, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Yacht clubs, community sailing centers, and summer camp programs make up the bulk of active postings.
How do you become a sailing instructor?
Start by earning a U.S. Sailing Small Boat or Keelboat instructor certification, which requires completing an instructor development course and passing both a written and on-water evaluation. Alongside that, get current CPR and first aid credentials with a water rescue component. Most programs then expect you to assist an experienced instructor for at least one season before leading classes independently.
Can I get hired as a sailing instructor with little experience?
Yes, entry-level sailing instructor roles exist specifically for candidates who are strong sailors but new to teaching. Programs at community sailing centers and summer camps regularly hire assistant instructors who hold a U.S. Sailing Level 1 credential and current CPR certification. Volunteering as a junior coach or race committee crew beforehand gives you something concrete to point to when interviewing.
What does the sailing instructor interview process look like?
Most programs start with a phone or video screen to confirm your certifications and availability, then move to an in-person interview with the program director. Many add an on-water skills assessment where you demonstrate boat handling and explain your teaching approach to a small group. References from previous coaches, camp directors, or club officers carry significant weight at this stage.
Where can I find and apply to sailing instructor jobs?
You can find and apply to sailing instructor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings to find roles that match your certifications, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 8 Sailing Instructor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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