Sailing Guide
Program Overview
The Field School of Hvar is a family slow travel experience, inviting parents and children to find equilibrium and joy on Hvar, an island off the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Children ages four through seventeen develop academic and socio-emotional skills through immersion in the island’s nautical and artisanal heritage, participating in a full-time, drop-off enrichment program 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday. There is also a part-time “parent-and-me” program for toddlers, ages one through three. Our core values are stewardship, integrity, and gentleness.
Location: Hvar Island, Croatia (in-person)
Dates and Hours: The Sailing Guide role is a seasonal position. Guides work part-time and remotely in April, then come to island Hvar for a full-time, in-person engagement from May 2 through October 31 (6 months). The work week runs from Monday through Friday.
Assistant Guide Timeline:
April 7 - May 2: RESEARCH. Part-time, remote.
May 5 - May 30: TRAIN and PREPARE. Full-time, in-person.
June 2 - October 31: TEACH. Full-time, in-person.
June 2 - August 29: summer sessions
1pm-2pm, faculty hour
2pm-9pm, teaching
September 1 - 5: no students, internal review and preparation. Full-time, in-person.
September 8 - October 31: fall session. Full-time, in-person.
9am-10am, faculty hour
10am-5pm, teaching
Collaborates closely with Sea Guide. Both report to Director.
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our vibrant learning community on Hvar Island, Croatia as the Assistant Guide for our Sea Track! The Sailing Guide is responsible for leading groups of children (age 7 and older) in the basics of water safety, navigation, boat construction, and coastal sailing or paddling, adapting to the ability and ambitions of each group.
A typical day might begin indoors with a tutorial (e.g. “what is buoyancy?”) followed by 2-3 hours of water activities for one group of children, then an hour’s break for dinner with the campers. Then a second group of children will do their water activities. Water activities will culminate in sailing instruction, but may begin with preparatory activities, like swimming, balancing on an SUP, or understanding wind, for example. Many children may not advance far enough to sail a boat independently.
The Sailing Guide will work closely with three other experienced educators who will lead the design of complementary lessons in environmental science, physics, fishing, boat construction, coastal camping, and the nautical heritage of the Adriatic Mediterranean. We are fully committed to child safety and will support any policies that faculty deem appropriate to that end.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure the safety and well-being of children in indoor and outdoor environments, primarily the sea.
Offer high-quality instruction in all elements of small boat paddling and sailing, including water safety, navigation, and environmental awareness.
Guide children to articulate and uphold norms of good behavior, seek to build peer understanding from conflict, and maintain program policies related to safeguarding and parent communications
Collaborate with fellow educators and staff, creating a wholesome, supportive, and positive community for families
Administer first aid and outdoor rescue should the need arise.
Qualifications
Education
Certification in Sailing Instruction from a recognized body such as ASA or RYA is required.
Lifeguard training or an equivalent water safety certification is required.
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 3 years of experience working in education, a sailing school, or outdoor youth recreation settings.
Skills
Ability to offer boating instruction within an interdisciplinary context that also highlights the literature, math, history, and science of the sea.
Excellent rapport with children and ability to nurture their love for nature and outdoor recreation, regardless of their abilities and background.
The ability to work openly and collaboratively with colleagues in an environment that values both experimentation and excellence.
Communicates clearly and inspires trust with parents and other stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional experience in learning environments guided by holistic pedagogy, such as place-based education, experiential learning, nature-based education, Waldorf Steiner, or Montessori.
Passion and experience working with traditional boats is a major advantage. Children will be assembling wooden boats (kayaks, canoes, and sailing dinghies) from kits and then sailing them.
Work Environment
This position starts remotely on April 7th. The Field School of Hvar is based in the quaint, but vibrant village of Jelsa on Hvar Island, Croatia. The work environment may include exposure to varying weather conditions, such as sun, heat, wind, and occasional rain. The guide should be prepared for outdoor work in diverse conditions and have appropriate attire for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Physical Requirements
Generally strong mobility including the ability to swim long distances
Capability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist children with physical activities such as sailing, building, and swimming.
Salary and Benefits:
Total compensation of €18.75/hour or €1,500/month for part-time and €3,000/month for full-time work.
Relocation allowance of up to €1,000 for each month on Hvar, including health insurance, which costs about €100 per month
Assistance in finding comfortable and affordable accommodations
One fresh, locally sourced meal per day when the program is in session
20% tuition discount for children
Life on a safe, family-oriented island with world-class nature and culture
All faculty from outside the EEA will be sponsored for work permits.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Field School of Hvar is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.