Paddling Instructor

Paddling Instructor Job Description

Under the direction of the Paddling Program Assistant, Paddling Instructors are responsible for teaching stand up paddling and/or kayaking to students of all ages with varying levels of experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

  • Provide an outstanding, safe, and educational experience to students on land and in the water
  • Explain and demonstrate proper paddling techniques and equipment care
  • Prepare customers for a safe experience by providing thorough introductions to equipment and safety requirements
  • Perform equipment inspections and complete preventative maintenance projects
  • Monitor changing weather and water traffic conditions and make appropriate decisions to ensure safety of students, MBAC staff and other water users
  • Accurately document and organize class related paperwork
  • Prepare and clean up classroom, materials & equipment
  • Maintain strong communication with MBAC Office Assistants and other instructional staff
  • Other duties as assigned

Customer Service and Collaboration

  • Establishes and maintains working relationships with various A.S. and University departments
  • Provides excellent customer service

Safety

  • Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
  • Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
  • Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
  • Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

  • High School Diploma

Experience:

  • Technical knowledge of stand up paddling and/or kayaking
  • Teaching experience preferred

License & Certification Requirements

  • Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding (must be obtained within the first month of employment)
  • NASBLA approved powerboat certification (must be obtained within the first month of employment)
  • ACA (American Canoe Association) Certification Preferred
  • FBI, DOJ, and LiveScan fingerprint clearance
  • Current valid Driver’s License

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

  • Prioritize safety of MBAC participants and staff as well as other water users
  • Continually work toward improving technical skills and teaching abilities
  • Be proactive about maintaining functioning equipment and clean areas
  • Capable of maintaining positive working relationships with other staff and customers
  • Able to interact effectively with a wide diversity of people and support San Diego State University Associated Students’ values and mission

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Must possess excellent customer service skills
  • Must have excellent kayaking skills (or excellent understanding of skills)
  • Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time position. Flexibility and willingness to work long hours including weekends with high demand during summer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will involve exposure to salt water, cold water, sun, wind, rain, weather, sand, seaweed, sea grass, ocean currents, sea creatures, breaking waves, and other outdoor elements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: swimming, swimming in rough and deep water, walking, running, walking or running over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying loads. Must be able to swim at least 550 yards, dive at least 10 feet deep, swim with a 10 pound object for at least 20 yards, and tread water for at least 2 minutes. Must be able to watch and supervise groups of students in the ocean and/or bay while coaching technique and supervising safety. Must be able to recognize and respond to emergencies and prevent injuries or drowning.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

  • Reports to the Paddling Program Assistant and Instructional Supervisor
  • Works closely with other staff members

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position. Fingerprinting is required for all employee and volunteer positions that have direct contact with minor children.