Northwestern University Recreation

Job Description

Managers are responsible for all daily operations and functions of the facility and beach. They are the shift leaders and the point of contact for any issues that may arise. Managers are knowledgeable and conversational about all aspects of Northwestern Sailing Center. They must know the NUSC safety protocols and preventative risk management procedures, demonstrate proficiency in foul-weather powerboat operation and craft rescue techniques for all NUSC assets, understand and perform proper rigging and derigging steps of all fleets, and educate those who are responsible for rigging and derigging. Managers communicate conditions, flag colors, and assign rotation positions and the programming schedule of the day to all staff on duty at the beginning of their shift. 

Managers should be at least 18 years of age and have previous experience working at NUSC or any relevant experience. All managers must have or be willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid and a NASBLA Illinois Boaters certification. Managers will be on their feet or at the front desk for the full duration of their shift, assisting and supporting all other staff and operations. Being a Manager at Northwestern Sailing Center is a great way to cultivate a sense of belonging while growing proficient in leadership, delegation, observation, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and customer service skills that are applicable to many desired career fields.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete manager shift report at the end of scheduled shift.
• Understand, implement, and enforce NUSC policies and procedures.
• As needed, recommend revisions to professional staff.
• Confirm all staff have clocked in, prepared, and are present for their scheduled shift.
• Manage the office area to ensure NUSC standards are being met and running efficiently.
• Follow all proper opening and closing policies and procedures.
• Inventory all watercrafts upon opening, 90-minutes before closing, and once all craft are in for the night.
• Assess conditions and update flags as lake conditions change. 
• Ensure all equipment is stowed appropriately.
• Assign stations, rotation, and schedule for the following positions, ensuring all assignments are being strictly adhered to:
  • OD – Beach Attendant 
  • OD – Garage / Rescue Boat Attendant 
  • OD – Office / Rescue Boat Attendant 
• Actively manage OD duties and tasks during downtime. Tasks should include, but are not limited to:
  • Picking up rocks
  • Rigging vessels 
  • Launching/racking BRIG 
  • Assist with boat checks 
  • Equipment inspections 
  • Clean / straighten up lifejackets 
  • Locking / unlocking fleets 
  • Conduct boat checks 
• Lead shift meetings at the start of each shift, which should include: 
  • Assign tasks to be completed and rotations
  • Inform staff about what to expect that day, or any updates from earlier in the day 
  • Specifically, who and what will be allowed on the water based on the weather
  • Anticipated business flow for the shift/day 
• Manage customer experience and concerns with an emphasis on problem-solving.
• Manage staff issues and concerns within reason, informing the professional staff of any issues that need to be addressed more broadly or individually.
• Assess and repair broken equipment, informing the professional staff of any equipment in need of additional repair and/or if repair materials are low or out of stock. 
• Record rescues and personal bests through the OTW Wind Rating Form. 
• Keep professional staff abreast of any issues that couldn’t be immediately resolved. Do not allow the end-of-shift report to be the only mechanism of communication with professional staff..

Qualifications

• At least 16 years old. Preferred to be 17+ years old.
• Preferred to have been a Junior Counselor or have attended NUSC camps prior.
• Proficient problem-solving skills and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficient in communication and customer service skills.
• Has or is willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Willing to learn more about sailing or windsurfing through a class if they don’t know.
• Preferred to have proficient knowledge of sailing and/or windsurfing.
• Has previous customer service experience.

Rate of Pay

• $19.00 / hour

Job Description

Officer on Duty (OD) reports directly to the Manager on Duty. The OD assists the Manager in safely executing the daily operations at NUSC. OD’s should know how to rig all fleets, be able to identify and adjust improperly rigged vessels, and inspect for damage as equipment comes ashore. OD’s are responsible for knowing and executing duties pertaining to On-The-Water (OTW) rotation positions, general facility upkeep, assisting customers whenever possible, assisting Managers with rescues, and any other tasks assigned by professional staff or Managers. OD’s should be at least 15 years of age. Preferred to have been a Junior Counselor or have any relevant sailing or windsurfing experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete tasks assigned by the Manager.
• Keep a sharp lookout for any issues that may arise.
• Rotate through assigned stations.
• Give instructions to rentals.
• Ensure vessels are launched safely.
• Ensure that equipment is being used properly.
• Assist in Camp operations and adult classes when asked or when it’s busy.
• See something, say something to your manager or professional staff member.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years old with a work permit. Preferred to be 16.
• Preferred to have been a Junior Counselor or have attended NUSC camps prior.
• Proficient problem-solving skills and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficient in communication and customer service skills.
• Has some experience and is comfortable working with people ages 5+.
• Has or is willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Has or is willing to obtain a NASBLA Illinois Boaters certification.
• Ability to pull someone out of the water in a lifejacket at approximately 50 lbs. by yourself.
• Preferably, able to confidently drive a NUSC Rescue Boat in calm and slightly adverse weather and wavy conditions when completing a rescue.
• Ability to be active for the full duration of shift.

Rate of Pay

• $16.50 / hour

Job Description

Lead Instructors are responsible for supervising and facilitating educational classes and activities with support from assistant instructors with up to 20 participants in certain classes. Lead Instructors should possess a passion and proficient knowledge in sailing and/or windsurfing. Lead Instructors will be overseeing 2-3 assistant instructors during their classes. Being a Lead Instructor at Northwestern Sailing Center (NUSC) is a great opportunity for those looking to improve upon their communication skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, instructional skills, and more. This position is a prerequisite for managing the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and facilitate lesson plans and activities for up to 20 students.
• Oversee and work with 2-3 assistant instructors during classes.
• Create a safe, inclusive, fun-filled learning environment where all students can learn.
• Plan and attend pre-class meetings with assistant instructors and Managers on duty.
• Support and help develop assistant instructors.
• Be a resource for all students in and out of class while working.
• Participate in bi-weekly or monthly meetings with professional staff and other lead Instructors.

Qualifications

• At least 17 years of age.
• Has been an assistant instructor through NUSC previously and has demonstrated strong leadership and teaching skills. Or has equivalent experience.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Experienced and comfortable working with people ages 16+
• Has or is willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Has or is willing to obtain a NASBLA Boaters certification.
• Ability to pull someone out of the water in a lifejacket at approximately 60 lbs. by yourself.
• Ability to be active for the full duration of shift and class.

Rate of Pay

• $18.50 / hour

Job Description

Assistant Instructors assist and teach sailing and/or windsurfing classes. Assistant Instructors need to have a solid understanding of how to sail and/or windsurf and be able to teach it to another person with patience and a good attitude. This position is responsible for checking in on students throughout the course, prepping for that day's class, answering students' questions, and being present for the full duration of the class and shift. This person will work heavily in groups and constantly communicate with the Lead Instructor.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Aid the Lead Instructor in setting up for classes.
• Help class members rig/derig.
• Jump between boats to provide one-on-one instruction.
• Ensure that safe practices are being used on and off the water.
• Be able to confidently rig and derig all NUSC craft.
• Remain engaged and attentive at all times during classes.
• Read and go over student info forms before each class section begins with assistant instructors.
• Be able to rescue or learn how to rescue boats/boards.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years old with a work permit. Preferred to be 16.
• Preferred to have been a Junior Counselor or have attended NUSC camps prior.
• Proficient problem-solving skills and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient in communication and customer service skills.
• Has some experience and is comfortable working with people ages 16+
• Has or is willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Preferred to have or willing to obtain a NASBLA Illinois Boaters certification.

Rate of Pay

• $16.50 / hour

Job Description

Northwestern Sailing Center is seeking an energetic, passionate, and experienced individual to fill the role of Camp Director. The Camp Director will play a pivotal role in supervising and overseeing the Big Cat Sailing Camp, Little Cat Sailing Camp, and Wildcat Windsurfing Camp. The Camp Director will be responsible for day-to-day operations, planning, and implementing safe and educational sailing and windsurfing programming for all campers and staff. This candidate will be responsible for leading and developing staff throughout the summer and working with managers and professional staff to efficiently and safely carry out camp operations each day. This candidate will also work with professional staff to communicate with guardians about matters pertaining to their camper throughout the session.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and implement daily activities to include a variety of educational and recreational activities centered around sailing, windsurfing, and safety.
• Ensuring the camp environment promotes inclusivity, a sense of belonging, teamwork, fun, and personal growth.
• Foster and model a positive and collaborative work environment among staff and junior counselors.
• Develop and grow junior counselors’ skill sets and personal skills to be applicable beyond NUSC.
• Establish and maintain camp rules, NUSC policies, routines, daily schedules, and pickup and drop-offs for campers with staff.
• Communicate and meet with professional staff constantly about camper/staff issues, equipment needs, new ideas, programming needs, and more.
• In coordination with professional staff, maintain lines of communication with camp families through proper channels, communicating campers' experiencing behavioral issues, difficulties, illness, or injury.
• Act as the point of contact and oversee camp operations in the absence of NUSC professional staff.
• Address and communicate any issues, injuries, or emergencies that may arise during camp sessions.
• Assist with the supervision and evaluation of camp staff, ensuring camp staff adhere to their assigned work schedules and provide ongoing performance feedback. 
• Provide guidance and support to campers in sailing and windsurfing skill development, teamwork, and overall health and well-being.
• Monitor camper behavior and ensure a positive camp experience.
• Report any conduct that does not align with camp expectations and goals to professional staff.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• Previous experience in camps, management, or similar programming.
• Outstanding communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and conflict resolution.
• Proficient knowledge in sailing and or windsurfing and a passion for outdoor activities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent leadership, delegation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to train and lead staff in staff training, in-services, and during the day.
• Has or is willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Has or is willing to obtain a NASBLA Illinois Boaters certification.

Job Description

Northwestern Sailing Center Camp Counselors are responsible for working as part of a team to provide a fun and safe environment for campers aged 6 to 14. Counselors should be at least 15 years old and passionate about sailing, windsurfing, and working with children. Counselors will be on their feet for roughly the entire shift and are expected to guide the campers in the sailing and windsurfing activities and participate alongside them as well. All counselors must be certified in CPR/AED/First Aid – can be completed as part of staff training if necessary. Being a counselor for our NUSC camps is a unique way to get paid and have fun all summer long! Camp Counselors are also considered NUSC’s youth education staff. Counselors conduct camp in a safe, fun, and educational manner. Counselors must stand as mature leaders in the NUSC community. They instruct and assist Junior Counselors (J/Cs) in becoming future counselors and instructors.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Keep an attendance roster.
• Collect all waivers and forms needed for on-the-water activities.
• Follow the lesson plan.
• Direct lessons.
• Outline daily activities.
• Conduct a debriefing before the end of camp.
• Ensure that all campers get equal attention in camp.
• Ensure that educational goals are met.
• Set expectations at the beginning of camp.
• Direct camp in an understandable and digestible fashion.
• Foster an inclusive and educational environment.
• Learn the camper's names.
• Instruct J/Cs and support them throughout their time.

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Experience working with children aged 6 – 14 preferred.
• Prior experience teaching, coaching, and/or participating in sailing or windsurfing-related classes/camps.
• Proficient problem-solving skills and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficient in communication and customer service skills.
• Has or is willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid Certification and NASBLA Boaters License.
• Preferred: Proficient knowledge of sailing and/or windsurfing.
• Preferred to have been a Junior Counselor or have attended NUSC camps prior.

Rate of Pay

• $16.50 / hour

Job Description

Cashiers are the face of customer service. This position greets customers brightly and courteously. Cashiers should be knowledgeable and conversational about all offerings at NUSC. The cashier's primary responsibility is maintaining an accurate count of craft and customers on the water. This includes tracking crafts on the On-The-Water (OTW) Sheet and via OTW cards filled out for all guests, members, and primary renters. OTW cards will be attached to member/renter cards. Cashiers should be 16 years old. This position should be passionate about providing a great experience for NUSC patrons and members.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet and direct customers.
• Ensure that patrons are checked in/out correctly.
• Understand the workings of Fusion.
• Ensure that customers understand hazardous conditions for their chosen activity and refer customers to a manager when challenging conditions are present on the lake.
• Ensure that the office is clean and presentable.
• Ensure that all waivers for class, camp, and rentals are signed in Fusion or on paper.
• Run cashier reports and ensure that the safe is locked.
• Keep track of the On-The-Water board.
• Update weather conditions on the NUSC website.
• Receive information for private lessons and fill out private lesson request forms.
• See something, say something to your manager or professional staff member.

Qualifications

• At least 16 years old. Preferred to be 17+ years old.
• Preferred to have been a Junior Counselor or have attended NUSC camps prior.
• Proficient problem-solving skills and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficient in communication and customer service skills.
• Has or is willing to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Willing to learn more about sailing or windsurfing through a class if they don’t know.
• Preferred to have proficient knowledge of sailing and/or windsurfing.
• Has previous customer service experience.

Rate of Pay

• $16.00 / hour