Job Posting: NSCF-FXC Seeks Assistant Coach

Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks’ Fairbanks Cross Country (NSCF-FXC) racing program is searching for an assistant coach to work with its Prep and Comp Teams, serving primarily middle school and high school age racers as well as a few college age athletes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established but growing program and to help athletes prepare for championship racing on their home trails as the NSCF will be the host of the 2013 US Junior National Championships, and in charge of the XC ski events for the 2014 Arctic Winter Games.

Preparations are already well underway for these championships as Birch Hill, our home training area, is halfway through a two-year project of updating its racing trails for homologations to FIS standards, as well as undergoing improvements to facilities this summer. The NSCF has also recently purchased a new Pisten Bully PB100 groomer.

Year-in and year-out Fairbanks offers 5.5-6.5+ months of on-snow training on two well-developed ski trail systems (today marks 6 months at Birch Hill), 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 Prep and Comp Teams. 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 other aspects of program administration, and other duties as needed throughout the year. Opportunities also exist for travel abroad with the team, as we are looking to continue the success of our first team trip to Sweden and Finland this spring where 6 athletes competed in the FIS races at the 4-day Tornio Valley Cup in Finland. 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 for additional tasks.

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 website: www.nscfairbanks.org, or our blog nscffxc.blogspot.com. For questions or to submit an application, contact NSCF-FXC Head Coach and 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. The initial review date is May 1 and the position will remain open until filled. Anticipated starting date is July 1.