Lead Adaptive Snowboard Instructor

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) seeks a qualified full time Lead Adaptive Snowboard Instructor. The Lead Adaptive Instructor acts as a trainer and mentor for all staff and volunteer instructors.  The Lead Adaptive Instructor splits their time between assisting the Program Director and Supervisors with planning and implementation of staff and volunteer training and teaching daily adaptive lessons.  The commitment for this position is November 10, 2025 until April 27, 2026. Working as an Adaptive Lead will be a fun and challenging opportunity to play a role in the future of DSES and in the field of adaptive sports!  

Candidates must have a minimum PSIA-AASI Level II certification or the international equivalent and be in good standing with their certifying body. The ideal candidate has 3+ winter seasons of experience teaching skiing and/or snowboarding to the general public as well as experience working with individuals with disabilities. The ideal candidate also has experience in facilitating training and professional development in snowsports instruction.  

Weekly schedules will be approximately 60% teaching daily lessons and 40% working with the Operations Team to plan and implement training and professional development. Candidates should be prepared to be professional representatives of DSES and be role models in all areas of the organization. Candidates must be willing to take a background screen and complete SafeSport training.  

Knowledge & Skills 

• A commitment to DSES’s mission and values 

• Highly motivated to work in an inclusive environment providing services for people with disabilities 

• Self-starter and problem solver 

• Strong communication skills with a variety of audiences and ability to adapt to the guest 

• A flexible, patient, and curious demeanor 

• Comfortable teaching at or above the level of their certification in each discipline 

• Highly motivated for continued professional development and sharing knowledge with staff and volunteers 

• Comfortable working indoors as well as outdoors 

• Organized and comfortable working on and completing long term projects 

• Able to work independently and act as a role model and mentor for other staff 

• Understanding of office systems a plus 

Education & Work Experience 

• Level II or higher PSIA-AASI certification or the international equivalent 

• Minimum three seasons teaching skiing or snowboarding 

• Experience working with non-profit organizations and volunteers appreciated 

• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred 

• Basic first aid and CPR certification preferred 

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record preferred 

• Experience driving a passenger truck preferred 

• Experienced in basic ski maintenance preferred 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to work in a physically demanding winter environment teaching in all conditions 

• Comfortable being physically active for up to six hours daily, often in extreme winter conditions 

• Ability to safely lift 50 lbs. in full winter ski gear 

• Ability to work in an office at a computer 

Core Responsibilities 

• Assist with planning and implementing start up training, morning clinics, and staff and volunteer professional development 

• Teach daily adaptive lessons including those that are more involved and/or complex 

• Guide and support staff and volunteer instructors, including observing lessons and having other instructors as shadows 

• Maintain adaptive equipment logs and parts inventories 

• Assist in coordinating program logistics and supplies for lessons and multi-day camps 

• Assist staff in administrative tasks including volunteer and athlete outreach, daily lesson scheduling, program planning, and volunteer management, and office coverage 

Benefits 

• Ski pass to Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain 

• Discount on food in cafeteria while working 

• Equipment stipend 

• Housing is available to full-time staff at reasonable rates 

• 401(k) with competitive match available after full season 

• Two paid holidays for full time instructors 

• Training in techniques for coaching and supporting athletes with disabilities 

• Opportunity to gain relevant instructor certifications 

• End of season bonus for seasonal employees who meet the schedule commitment 

Position Title: Lead Adaptive Instructor  

Reports to: Program Director  

Status: Full Time Seasonal 

Compensation: $24 to $34 hour, depending on experience/certifications 

Supervises: None 

Start Date: November 10, 2025