Fairbanks Cross Country (FXC), the Nordic Ski Club Fairbanks’ (NSCF’s) year-round middle and high school junior racing program is seeking an assistant coach to work as part of a team of professional and volunteer coaches within the NSCF who are dedicated to helping Fairbanks’ skiers get the most out of their skiing experience.
FXC is entering its sixth season and continues to grow and improve, engaging 43 athletes this past year who ranged from second-year skiers to members of the US J1 team. The program is currently divided into two teams, the Development or ‘Devo’ Team primarily for middle school athletes, and the Competition or ‘Comp’ Team aimed at High School athletes while also engaging post-grad and collegiate skiers at various times through the year.
Fairbanks offers 6 to 7 months of on-snow training on two well-developed ski trail systems, a full race calendar put on by a nationally recognized competition crew, great dryland training opportunities particularly for activities on trails, ready access to some of the most incredible wilderness in North America, and an exceptionally strong and supportive local ski community.
The primary role of the assistant coach is to help at regular training sessions held throughout the year for both the Development and Comp Team athletes. The assistant is also expected to coach at summer and winter training camps, travel to races in Alaska and throughout the country, and help with fundraisers, various aspects of program management and administration, and other duties as needed throughout the year. The total hourly commitment varies during the year, with lulls in April thru mid-May and mid-August thru September but is often around 20-30 hours per week split between about 15 to 25 hours of coaching and 5-10 hours of additional tasks each week.
The ideal candidate would have a college degree, ski racing experience at the collegiate level or higher, as well as time spent coaching or working with youth. The job is part-time, year-round and salary is $15-20,000 annually. The schedule allows for potential additional employment within the local ski community (coaching, lessons, grooming, etc.) and the Fairbanks community at large. The University of Alaska offers a wide variety of college and graduate level courses at its Fairbanks campus for those wishing to further their education.
For a broader sense of the program and the NSCF as a whole, please consult our webpages www.fairbankscrosscountry.us and www.nscfairbanks.org. For questions or to submit an application, contact FXC Head Coach and NSCF Director of Skier Development Pete Leonard at pete@peterleonard.net or (907) 978-6325. Applications should be submitted to the email address above and should include a cover letter, resume and three references. Beginning review date is April 15 and the position will remain open until filled. Anticipated starting date is June 1.
