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Wakeboard Instructor/Boat Operator Position
2005 Season
Requirements
The position of wakeboard instructor/boat
operator for Launch requires someone who is outgoing, a good
communicators, experienced in wakeboarding (can land a minimum of three
inverts), has experience in boat operations, is at least 22 years
old, has a valid drivers license, and is willing to obtain a trained drivers certification,
first aid and CPR certifications (We can help you out with these). This position also requires general
to advanced knowledge and abilities in several or all of the following
activities: wakeboarding, wakeskating, outdoor education, group dynamics,
child development, leadership, experiential education, as well as games
and initiatives. Personal attributes required for the position include:
good decision making skills, integrity, proactive communication style,
enthusiasm, patience, flexibility and a positive and energetic
personality. You will also be required to conduct wakeboarding ability
tests, determine strengths and weaknesses, and provide related teaching
methods. You will assist with fittings for life vests, gloves, wakeboards
and bindings. Knowledge of equipment is important because you will be
responsible for safety checking the equipment and providing necessary
maintenance to the equipment. Each instructor/operator is also
responsible for the safety of all students and must supervise in a
friendly yet firmly. In the case of an accident, you must be able to
apply the safety training you learned to best take care of the injured.
After the incident, you will be responsible for filling out the
appropriate paperwork and making follow up calls to insure the injured
person is ok. Tips are never to be expected, but if a tip is received,
it is recommended you make a follow up thank you call within 3 days of
receiving the tip. It is important we show our everyone we value
their contribution to our school and would like them to become life long
customers.
Education about the Launch Program
Every instructor/operator must learn and
understand the different lesson packages offered as well as know the price
for each package. Each instructor/operator is also a customer service
representative, therefore they must learn and understand the different
plans offered, the cancellation policy, prices, contact information, as
well as be able to answer any other questions students may have (This will
be taught to you by a member of our staff). It is
important to continually attract new customers, so each
instructor/operator must be comfortable passing out brochures and working
as Launch representatives at sales or special events.
Work Schedule
This position involves
teaching/supervising/boat operating for 2-12 lessons per day with 2-3
groups of up to 6 students per session and possibly working 6 days per
week. Sometimes lessons may be slow and the instructor/operator might
only have the opportunity to work 2-3 days during any given week. The
number of lessons worked may depend on the amount of students signed up
for certain sessions. You must be willing and able to work state and
federal holidays as well as work hours that are unpredictable with days
off, other than Saturday and Sunday.
Work Conditions
It is important every team member be alert and
enthusiastic at all times. Therefore Launch created two
instructor/operator teams to go out on the training boat with every
lesson. This allows each instructor to teach for half the session, and
operate the boat for the other half. This gives each instructor a break
from teaching and helps keep them sharp. This program is also great for
the students because they receive two different instructors point of
views. Launch does their best to provide instructors and students the
best possible equipment and training to provide a safe and fun learning
environment. Even though they try to create fun and safe work conditions,
sometimes the environment can be hazardous and stressful. All team member
works extensively out-of-doors, exposed to hours of sunlight, during
sometimes hazardous weather conditions, and under possibly dangerous
conditions. At times, team members are required to work in highly
stressful situations that may be hazardous to their health and safety,
which could include operating a boat in high traffic areas, docking the
boat in windy conditions, staying clear of obstacles such as other boaters
or wakeboarders/skiers/tubers ect., getting in and out of a wet and
slippery boat, loading and unloading heavy and/or awkward equipment,
working with people who may be injured, supervising young kids with high
energy levels, and many other possible dangerous or stressful situations.
Untolerated Behavior
Launch wants every team member to work together and provide a safe and
comfortable environment for all the staff as well as other students. For
this reason there is a Zero Tolerance Policy when it comes to drugs or
alcohol. This means any team member suspected of taking any illegal drugs
or alcohol during work hours will be terminated on the spot. Other
activities not tolerated include: horse play, inappropriate language
(words such as “shut up”, or “you’re stupid”), sexual conduct or advances
on the staff or students, and anything else that may cause mental or
physical harm to others. It is important for all students to see the
instructor/operators as respectful authorities; therefore every staff
member must treat the other staff members with respect and dignity. This
means when one instructor is teaching, the other instructor is not to
provide their teaching techniques unless discussed first with the
instructor who is teaching.
Recommendations:
Prior experience in life guarding or water safety instruction is highly
recommended as well as past experience as a wakeboard instructor at any
other school or camp. A high percentage of Launch’s students are under 12
years old so previous experience of working with young people is essential
(ex. ages 4 – 12). Each team member is responsible in developing a
positive relationship with all students while acting as a role model.
They must be able to facilitate team and personal growth while ensuring
health and safety of everyone in and around the boat. Due to the hours of
sun exposure, it is also recommended every team member wear a launch
t-shirt, a hat, and sun block as much as possible.
Pay and Advancement Program
One of our goals as a business is to take care of our instructors to the
best of our abilities. We feel the business is created by the team
members working together to provide a great atmosphere which keeps people
coming back. Therefore all Launch team members begin at $8 - $12 per
lesson taught
(depending on experience) and receive raises and/or bonuses based upon a
number of factors. These factors include: performance, timeliness,
attendance, number of days worked, ability to show initiative, customer
surveys, ect. Launch knows you may have to drive a distance from where
ever you may live, so we pay all team members a minimum of 3 lessons for
showing up. If a student cancels a lesson, the team member will not be
paid for that lesson. Each team member must also fill out a daily time
card with detailed information about their lessons for that day. Time
cards are required and will be collected every two weeks on or before
payday.
Benefits of Becoming Part of the Team
Every Launch team member has the instant recognition as a top instructor
as well as the benefits from Launch Sponsors. These benefits may include
items such as clothing, sandals, sunglasses, hats, equipment, and other
items. Launch provides every team member with a season pass which is good
to all state parks in California. This
pass is property of Launch and if lost or stolen, must be replaced at the
expense of the instructor.
References
Each instructor must provide at least 3 references of people or
organizations you know and/or have worked for in the past. It is
important we get to know each team member so we can create a team of the
best people.
Work Eligibility
Federal law requires that all new employees
present original documents that establish identity and U.S. employment
eligibility (such as U.S. driver’s license and/or birth certificate).
These documents must be presented at the time of employment.
Conclusion
In addition to the instructional/boat operating
activities, Launch team members spend time in the publics eye outside the
school. These events include tournaments, sales and many other venues.
All team members must act responsibly and project professionalism at all
times. Every staff member represents the Launch Team, therefore it is
important to lead by example. Working with Launch is fun, rewarding and
challenging. The more an instructor puts in and is excited about
teaching, the more they will get out of the experience.
To Submit A Resume:
Please send it to
bchaboya@gmail.com or fax it to
916.933.8074.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Launch Wakeboarding School
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