Junior Nordic Coach

Title: Junior Nordic Coach

FLSA Status: Part Time, nonexempt

Reports to: Junior Nordic Program Director, Head Coach, Site Director

Salary: Hourly, DOE

Position Summary:

The Junior Nordic coach is responsible for the athlete development and safety of Junior Nordic participants of all ages. This position focuses on youth ages 6 to 14 to provide a high quality experience for program participants. Junior Nordic Coaches work  with the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, parents, volunteers and the community to develop athletes at all levels.

Key Responsibilities:

Coaching multiple sessions weekly for the same group of kids at one site location for the duration of the season, ensuring consistency for participants. Variations to this schedule must be coordinated and approved by the head coach. When needed, substitute coaches fill in when the regular coach is unavailable. Coordinating substitute coaches is up to the individual coach if a regular coach cannot make it to practice. Coaches must arrive at least 15 minutes before practice starts to assist in waxing skis and getting participants outside on time. 

Attend the Coaches’ Orientation and Clinic before the season starts for training and information on coaching, first aid and details for the session.  Coaches who have not previously coached with Junior Nordic are required to ski with an experienced coach for 2 practices before taking a group of kids on their own.  Parent volunteers are encouraged to join groups to assist coaches as adult helpers.

Coaches who are over the age of 18 are required to have a background check.  This will be done through NCSI and is confidential.  Coach training during the season will be provided if available to help with technique and coaching ideas.   

Responsibility to Safety:

• First aid procedures are covered at coaches meeting with a focus on cold weather injury prevention
• Coaches prioritize a warm up and stretching exercise at the beginning of every practice to get themselves and their skiers warmed up
• Coaches are to carry cell phones if they have them; radios are available to carry at Kincaid
• Head coaches are to carry first aid fanny packs.  All coaches are urged to carry hand warmers, neck warmers, extra mittens, a small roll of duct tape and some gauze bandages
• Coaches are to report any injury, to skier or to coach, within 24 hours of the incident
• Utilize rescue sled and insulated sleeping bag or blanket (available at all venues) when necessary

Qualifications: 

• Background in Nordic skiing
• Experience working with kids
• Able to pass a background check and acquire SafeSport certification

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand on skis for extended periods, run, reach, walk, bend and stoop
• Able to ascend and descend terrain and navigate uneven and or slippery terrain on skis
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Able to tolerate cold temperatures, at times below 0°F
• Able to actively ski with program participants in winter weather conditions for the duration of the practice session

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent Nordic skiing skills
• Able to communicate effectively with athletes
• Able to motivate athletes, parents and volunteers
• Able to work effectively with parents, volunteers and coaches
• A positive attitude
• A healthy role model for Alaska youth and athletes

NOTE: Any description of work is a picture of the major responsibilities of a position at a given time. Jobs are dynamic and assignments/priorities may change. The primary purpose of this description is to outline and communicate key tasks and expectations for the position. This position does not imply or create a contractual relationship. NSAA is an at-will employer.