Trail Kids Nordic Ski Coach

The Loppet Foundation’s mission is connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. We value anti-racism, collaboration, growth, inclusion, play, stewardship and well-being. The foundation provides quality programming for youth and adults, produces world class adventures and sporting events, and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community in its operations in Theodore Wirth Park. The Loppet staff are dedicated and energetic individuals who work together leveraging the various aspects of the Foundation to create a whole that is more than the sum of its parts. 

The Loppet Foundation is seeking part time nordic ski coaches for our Trail Kids Ski programs. Trail Kids programs center on general physical development, teaching sport-specific skills, and creating a passion in youth for outdoor endurance sports. Trail Kids coaches will be present during our youth programs to deliver a curriculum that focuses on having fun, making friends, and gaining confidence in the sport. Primarily, coaches lead instruction of various ski skills, facilitate games and drills to practice said skills, and supervise group skis on the nordic trails. 

Hours and Locations

Wirth

Our practices are 1.5 hours long and coaches are scheduled for 2 hours (15min before and after practice). Trail Kids Session offerings meet twice a week for 5 weeks (M/W and T/Th). There are 2 session offerings over the course of the season. There is also a 10 week offering which meets on T/Th, and overlaps with both of the regular 5 week session offerings. We ask that coaches commit to both days per week to keep consistency with our coaching groups. Our Clinic offerings meet once a week for 3 weeks. A full list of our program offerings, schedule, and other information can be found here: Trail Kids Programs.

Hyland

Our practices are 1.5 hours long and coaches are scheduled for 2 hours (15min before and after practice). Our Session offerings meet twice a week for 5 weeks. There are 2 session offerings over the course of the season. We ask that coaches commit to both days per week to keep consistency with our coaching groups. A full list of our program offerings, schedule, and other information can be found here: Trail Kids Programs.

Responsibilities

• Employee must have their own email account, smartphone, and ski equipment meeting the requirements outlined in our Equipment Guide
• Arrive 15 minutes before practice begins to meet with the Lead Coach and go over the practice plan
• Teach ski skills and lead games for youth as outlined in the training curricula and lesson plans
• Help set up skill stations for groups to practice skills
• Supervise group skis on the local trails
• Lead games and skill practice (especially when trails may be closed)
• Check Team App chats for late arrivals and parent communications, respond as needed
• Send pictures and videos from practice to your TeamApp group chat
• Work with the Lead Coach to address any behavior issues that come up in coaching groups
• Oversee coaching groups to which you are assigned 
• Participate in coaches meetings, debriefs, and training
• Evaluate and record ability levels for program participants
• Provide an inclusive, equitable, and encouraging experience for all participants
• Sign and uphold the Coach Code of Conduct

Provided Training and Certifications

Coach Summit

Coach Summits will support our coaches in providing safe, developmentally appropriate guidance that is rooted in the organizational mission & values, best practices and high quality development. The Summit is a development experience - inspired, designed and facilitated by our community of coaches! The Coach Summit is also an opportunity to connect with coaches and staff from across the organization, while building skills to enhance your coaching experience. These trainings are mandatory and usually scheduled from 9am - 3pm on a Saturday. 

Provided Training and Certifications:

All coaches need to go through the following training:

• Heads Up concussion certification
• Safe Sport certification
• Loppet Safety/First Aid presentation (online)
• Loppet Nordic Ski Skill online and/or on-ski sessions
• Loppet Nordic Ski Coach Manual
• Mission-driven equity guidelines

Trail Kids coaches report to the Lead Coaches, who report to the Trail Kids Program Manager. This is a seasonal hourly position at the Loppet Foundation. Pay range is between $16.37 and $17.50 per hour, depending on demonstrable experience. Volunteers are also welcome! Coaches for sessions and late weeknight clinics (clinics with a 5:30pm practice start) must be ages 16 and up. Coaches under 16 are eligible to be staffed for the weekend or early weekday clinic (clinics with a 4pm practice start) offerings.

We recognize the need for a diverse workforce and understand that traditionally underrepresented communities must be centered in the work we do. As a Foundation, we are committed to building a blended team that reflects the community we serve. Hence, we strongly encourage BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and female/trans/non-binary-identified individuals to apply.

How to Apply:

No phone calls, no walks in. To apply please follow the instructions below precisely:

Email your interest to trailkids@loppet.org with an e-mail subject that reads exactly “Nordic Ski Program Coach.” You may also email this address with questions about the position.