Website Courageous Sailing Center

Reports To: AP Manager/Daily Officers-In-Charge

Status: Full time/Part time

Description Last Updated: 3/2/24

Courageous Sailing Overview:

Courageous Sailing was established in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) by South Boston sailing enthusiast, Harry McDonough. It was Harry’s dream to use the sport of sailing to build character and camaraderie among Boston children from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. In Harry’s words, “Every child’s perspective is improved 50-yards off-shore.” For 25 years, we have continued to grow and deliver our mission to transform children’s lives through sailing programs that inspire learning, personal growth and leadership.

Position Overview:

Courageous Sailing dock staff assists members, instructors, and students on the docks at Courageous sites and upholds high standards for safety and practical seamanship. Dock staff will also perform regular site maintenance, including but not limited to cleaning, organization, and repairs.

Staff Responsibilities:

Participate in and contribute to a safe, engaging, and respectful work environment.

In general:
- Be proactive
- Provide clear, effective and timely communication with leadership staff
- Leave Courageous better than you found it
- Assist sailors in departing and docking at Courageous
- Prevent accidents on the dock by upholding safety standards
- Perform dock walks to ensure boats are secured and in good working order
- Communicate any issues with boats to on site supervisors

Be safe (minimizing risks while maintaining an approachable and engaging environment for students, members, patrons and fellow staff members):
- Comply with and encourage students and members to learn Courageous’ set of sailing safety standards and reiterate their importance whenever possible.
- Attend all days of staff training and staff meetings and/or complete online training.*
- Exercise sound judgment and decision-making. Assess and mitigate foreseeable hazards.
- Remain up to date on what roles and responsibilities you may take on in the event of an emergency and review our Emergency Action Plan (EAP) with your direct supervisor.

Be respectful (support and ensure that everyone can be successful):
- Maintain the Courageous fleet and facilities by completing everyday tasks as discussed in training and documented in daily checklists
- Reduce and help manage the disposal of waste in and around Boston Harbor
- Cultivate a kind and inclusive community

Be engaging (maintaining the expectation of individual responsibility for students and members):
- Build rapport with students, members and patrons
- Provide active and engaged feedback to daily questions and interactions
- Lead, facilitate, and participate in on-land responsibilities for general upkeep of the boathouse during down time.

*Job training days are position dependent and vary from position to position.

Qualifications:

A passion for sailing, the water, and working with students, or the ability to learn dock skills quickly!
Can work effectively with a wide variety of age groups and populations from diverse backgrounds, role modeling inclusive behavior and building positive group culture
Able to communicate clearly and directly
Comfortable giving and receiving feedback
Able to build rapport easily with students and colleagues
Passionate about and dedicated to experiential education for students
Sufficiently physically fit to participate in all site and course activities while maintaining ample energy, strength, and focus to aid students
Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather
Able to practice proper self-care and energy management
Able to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under extended periods of stress
Positive and enthusiastic attitude
Excellent references
Willing to authorize a federal background check
Hold, or are willing to obtain before start date, current First Aid and CPR certification