Job Summary

This role is made possible by UCSB Coastal Fund and is therefore reserved for UCSB students only. Start as a volunteer, minimum 4 sessions (2 hours each) over the course of our 8-week season. Volunteers become eligible for part-time employment in the following season upon completion of volunteer hours.
In supporting our spring season, our coaches are the driving force for our ocean sport programming. They are there to create the meaningful experiences that transform our participants into ocean lovers. SL operates from a fun first perspective but relies on our coaches to continually engage our participants in ways that encourage curiosity and self discovery in marine habitats. Our coaches are as knowledgeable and passionate about protecting the ocean as they are about playing in it. 
Activities include: stand up paddling, kayaking, boogie boarding, surfing, tide pooling - all of the fun ways to learn about the ocean! Commitment is up to 3-4 hours/week for 2.5 months, April-June (Spring) and September-November (Fall). 

General Accountabilities

Program

  • Assist in facilitating surfing, kayaking, stand up paddling, and environmental education sessions
  • Knowledge of swell, wind, sea life, and potential hazards
  • Maintain communication with the lead staff and coaches
  • Know where all the kids are at all times, including the number of kids
  • Keep 1:3 coach to participant ratio balanced 
  • Profile to determine where participant edges and interests are
  • Continually take the initiative to be engaged with the kids
  • Willingness to take the lead in programs
  • Carry a first aid kit and have knowledge of basic first aid
  • Ability to lead an opening circle
  • Utilize our toolbox of games, skills and activities to use on program
  • Comfortability and creative responses to conflict resolution

Parents

  • Learn the parents names
  • Be approachable and available for parent questions
  • Ask parents for info on meeting their kids' needs
  • Stay informed about the program schedule
  • Be able to assist with the binder
  • Give parents positive feedback and stories about their child(ren)

Communications

  • Be responsible for finding subs if you are unable to make your program
  • Respond to All Hands calls and emails in a timely manner
  • Attend staff meetings
  • Communicate support you need to be successful in the field

General

  • Be available to brief before and after programs
  • Commit to Personal Development and growing your own edges
  • Dedication to developing life skills, awareness, personal gifts, and empathy
  • A personal manifestation and embodiment of the 8-shields mentoring philosophy

Job Qualifications

  • Education: high school diploma or higher
  • Experience: 2+ years of ocean/swim recreation and outdoor education
    • We don’t expect our coaches to be professional surfers, but they must be very comfortable in the ocean.

Skills

  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • High interpersonal, mentoring and naturalist skill level
  • Organized and available for occasional evening / weekend calls
  • Proficient in computer skills including Google docs & sheets, email, database
  • CA Drivers license 
  • Ability to lift 30lbs and be fit for prolonged exposure to the elements
  • Passion for justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, education and nature
  • Committed to personal and professional growth
  • Team focus
  • Sense of play and adventure tempered with awareness
  • Love of learning

Benefits & Compensation

Start as a volunteer: to provide a meaningful experience for both you and our participants, we ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 4 sessions (2 hours each) over the course of our 8-week season. While this is the minimum requirement, attending the full 8 weeks is highly encouraged to gain more hands-on experience and better equip yourself with the skills needed to support our team. 

Eligible for school credit! We encourage you to connect with your academic advisor to explore the possibility of receiving credit for your time with us.

Upon completion of the volunteer period, you may be invited to join us as a seasonal part-time employee! Seasonal/Part-time: $22/hr

SL offers training including:

  • First Aid/CPR Certification
  • Water safety skills and protocols - Lifeguard training in the winter
  • Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) training
  • A commitment to work-life balance and fun, self-driven working environment