VOLUNTEER
We’re always looking for extra sets of willing hands! Each season we need volunteers to help with the following tasks, and more:
- Pre-season boathouse organization
- Post-season boat cleaning
- Beach Opportunities
Interested in helping? Contact us today.
WORK FOR NYSS
All of our current instructors and counselors started out as sailors in our program. This reflects our strong desire to hire staff members who are familiar with our program and who we have gotten to know over the years. Accordingly, each summer our instructors (with input from counselors and members of our Board) identify upcoming sailors that we feel would be good additions to our staff. In evaluating candidates for potential counselor positions, we focus on: demonstrated sailing ability; maturity & temperament; and interpersonal & leadership skills. In addition, all staff members must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 14 years old.
- Hold a current valid boating license, reflecting completion of a NASBLA-certified state boating safety program. (This may be completed entirely online.)
- Hold a current First Aid/CPR certificate from the Red Cross or a similar organization.
- Have completed either the U.S. Sailing course for Sailing Counselors or our own internal counselor training class, offered at the beginning of each season.
- Counselors must be available to participate in at least two of our five weeks each summer (more is better). Instructors must commit to work for all five weeks of our program.
- In addition, all Instructors must be at least 18 years old and must have successfully completed the U.S. Sailing Small Boat Instructor Level 1 certification course, as well as any other programs/certifications (e.g. Safe Sport) required by U.S. Sailing as pre-requisites for obtaining and maintaining a current Level 1 certification. Our more senior counselors are also encouraged to obtain the U.S. Sailing Level 1 certification.
Working for NYSS is a fun and rewarding experience. Students (or their parents/guardians) should feel free to let our Head Instructor know if they are interested in becoming a counselor. However, please understand that each year we have more students express an interest in joining the staff than we can hire, so we ask that you help us to manage your young sailors’ expectations.
As noted above, we generally hire staff from within our program. If you are not an NYSS sailor but feel you are qualified to work for NYSS, please don’t hesitate to contact us here and tell us about yourself and your qualifications.