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Employment Opportunities

Title: Head Coach 2025

Status: Year-Round, Full-time

With the continued growth of our programs and commitment to excellence, Sackawa Canoe Club is seeking an experienced, dedicated, and passionate Head Coach to lead our team and inspire the next generation of paddlers.

 

About Sackawa Canoe Club:

Sackawa is a non-profit paddling club located on First Lake in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. Established in 1980, our club offers youth the opportunity to develop their paddling skills in a safe and supportive environment. Our mission is to foster world-class paddlers with a healthy competitive spirit, who excel both on and off the water. With a strong history of athletes representing Nova Scotia at the Canada Games and Canada at junior and senior world events, Sackawa remains a pillar in the paddling community.

 

Position Summary:

The Head Coach is a year-round, full-time position responsible for leading all aspects of Sackawa’s paddling programs. Reporting to the Commodore and the Board of Directors, the Head Coach will oversee program planning, athlete development, and staff mentorship. The Head Coach will work collaboratively to ensure a balance between high performance, developmental, and recreational programming while embodying the club’s values of fun, safety, inclusivity, and excellence.

 

Responsibilities include:

  • Developing and implementing training programs for all levels, including High Performance, Developmental, Bridge, and Masters’ athletes.

  • Mentoring and leading the coaching team, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.

  • Collaborating with the Board of Directors to ensure alignment with club objectives and policies.

  • Leading athlete recruitment initiatives to grow participation across all programs.

  • Planning and managing training schedules, regatta participation, and seasonal programming.

  • Providing consistent feedback and performance evaluations to athletes.

  • Communicating effectively with athletes, parents, and the broader club community.

  • Ensuring safe use and maintenance of club facilities and equipment.

  • Representing Sackawa at regattas and coordinating regatta entries for athletes.

  • Staying updated on and adhering to Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) and Atlantic Division CanoeKayak Canada (ADCKC) policies, including Safe Sport practices.

 

Expectations:

  • The position requires an average of 40 hours per week, with increased demands during peak summer months.

  • Work hours will include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and regatta attendance.

  • Mandatory presence at all regattas with Sackawa athletes.

  • Adherence to club policies, CKC standards, and Safe Sport guidelines.

 

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5 years of coaching experience in sprint canoe/kayak with demonstrated expertise in technique and athlete development.

  • Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with the ability to inspire and guide athletes and staff.

  • Proven ability to manage multiple programs and balance high performance with developmental and recreational priorities.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging parents, athletes, and the board.

  • Knowledge of CKC and ADCKC policies and Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework.

  • ELCC Coaching Certification (minimum requirement), with Competition Development Certification preferred (or willingness to achieve).

  • Canadian Coast Guard Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate.

  • Valid First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to certify).

  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check (required before starting).

  • Valid driver’s license (required for towing trailers and transporting equipment).

 

Remuneration:

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($60,000 - $80,000 annually).

  • Full-time (35 to 40 hours per week).

  • Benefits include health, paid vacation, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Tyler Laidlaw, Commodore, at commodore@sackawa.ca. Please highlight your coaching philosophy, experience, and vision for athlete and program development at Sackawa Canoe Club.

Sackawa Canoe Club is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from diverse communities, including: Indigenous people, racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and women.

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Summer 2025 Paddling Coach - Sackawa Canoe Club 

Paddling Coaches are responsible for the day to day progress, encouragement, supervision, and growth of paddlers. Sackawa coaches play an integral role in the development of young children and athletes by demonstrating a strong commitment to health and physical activity, and by creating an environment of pride at Sackawa. Coaches also work as part of a broader team with other summer staff and volunteers.

Start Date: June 29, 2025 (9-week term) (Some training in early June)

Compensation: $16-$20/hour (depending on experience)

Hours: 35 hours per week (Mon-Fri, weekends as needed)

Application Deadline: Apply with cover letter and resume by February 14th, 2025

Job Duties:

  • Organize, plan and conduct individual and team practices, training camps and competitions

  • Prepare the individual training plans for athletes

  • Communicate with parents and athletes on a weekly basis

  • Select crews

  • Load boat trailer

  • Submit regatta entries/forms

  • Represent the club (at the club, at regattas and throughout the community)

  • Keep the club safe and tidy

  • Supervise the paddlers during lunch

  • Ensure end of day clean-up duties are completed including picking up garbage, clothing and paddling gear

Qualifications:

  • Must have previous experience working with/coaching young children and the ability to develop youth athletic programs

  • Must have experience in the sport of sprint canoe/kayak and demonstrate an understanding of paddling technique and sportsmanship values

  • Ability to mentor and be a role model to Junior Coaches and athletes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the club environment which includes athleticism, fun, family, safety, sport, and competition

  • Ability to balance the needs of high-performance athletes with recreational paddlers and children who are new to the sport

  • Excellent leadership ability

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to resolve conflict

  • CanoeKids Certification (minimum) is required prior to commencing employment

  • First Aid Certification is required before commencing work

  • Pleasure Craft Operator License

  • Knowledge of ADCKC and CKC Policies

  • Familiarity with the Sackawa Canoe Club Canoe/Kayak Sprint Racing Handbook

  • Criminal background and vulnerable sector check is required prior to commencing employment

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@sackawa.ca

Sackawa Canoe Club is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from diverse communities, including: Indigenous people, racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA  community, and women.

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Summer 2025 Day Camp Counsellor - Sackawa Canoe Club

 

Counsellors are invaluable staff members who spend full days with one age group of day campers. They are role models who assist and motivate campers through the challenging moments of learning new skills and guide them toward reaching their goals. Throughout the day, counsellors monitor and participate in activities with the group such as beach volleyball, soccer, running, and scavenger hunts. They do everything in their power to make sure each camper has the most memorable summer yet. Counsellors are responsible for creating communities within their groups that are fun, as well as emotionally and physically safe. Counsellors must be fun-loving, patient and genuinely concerned for the welfare and development of young people. Sackawa Camp counsellors take turns administering Sackawa’s Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up program. As part of this program, camp counsellors will be the first people at the club in the mornings and the last people to leave at the end of the day. They are required to be on time to open the club and greet the children and parents when they arrive. They are required to maintain accurate records of attendance and are responsible for instructing campers to neatly store their belongings and get ready for the day and organize and clean up at the end of the day. They are responsible for organizing small group activities that will engage and entertain the children until regular camp activities begin and until parents arrive at the end of the day. A large number of children in our summer programs participate in the Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up program.

Start Date: June 29, 2025 (9-week term) (Some training sessions starting in early June)

Compensation: $16-$18/hour (depending on experience)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Application Deadline: Apply with cover letter and resume by Feb 14th, 2025

Job Duties:

  • Administer the Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up program

  • Open the club and greet parents and children upon their arrival

  • Maintain accurate daily attendance records

  • Communicate with parents and campers on a daily basis

  • Design curriculum for campers age 7 to 15

  • Monitor and participate in activities with the campers

  • Supervise campers during lunch breaks

  • Ensure belongings are organized at the start of day and organize and ensure clean up at end of day

Qualifications:

  • Must have previous experience working with/coaching young children

  • Demonstrate an understanding of paddling technique and sportsmanship values

  • Ability to mentor and to be a role model to athletes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the club environment which includes athleticism, fun, family, safety, sport, and competition

  • Excellent leadership ability

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to resolve conflict

  • CanoeKids Certification (minimum) is required prior to commencing employment

  • First Aid Certification (asset) is required prior to commencing employment

  • Pleasure Craft Operator License

  • Knowledge of ADCKC and CKC Policies required prior to commencing employment

  • Familiarity with the Sackawa Canoe Club Canoe/Kayak Sprint Racing Handbook

  • Criminal background and vulnerable sector check is required prior to commencing employment

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@sackawa.ca

Sackawa Canoe Club is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from diverse communities, including: Indigenous people, racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA  community, and women.
 

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Summer 2025 PaddleAll Program Facilitator - Sackawa Canoe Club 

The Summer Paddle Ability Program provides children and youth living with a disability the opportunity to enjoy safe and fun experiences on the water, where they will get a chance to learn and love the sport of paddling. The PaddleAll Program Facilitator is responsible for coordinating and scheduling paddling sessions, marketing and promoting the program, recruiting volunteers, and record keeping. The Paddle Ability program is unique from other sporting programs because it incorporates a new type of physical activity that allows a greater degree of freedom and self-confidence, maybe not experienced in day-to-day life. As they learn how to balance and improve their capabilities to paddle in their own kayak, in charge of their own speed and direction, they learn more than just paddling basics. They gain self-confidence and pride. 

 

NOTE: You must be a post-secondary student in Fall 2025 to be considered for this position. 

 

Start Date: June 29, 2025 (10-week term) 

Compensation: $16.50/hour 

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Application Deadline: Apply with cover letter and resume by Feb 14th, 2025

Job Duties: 

  • Design the Paddle Ability program in coordination with Sackawa's Head Coach 

  • Market and Promote the program in our community 

  • Recruit participants and volunteers to the program 

  • Deliver the Paddle Ability program 3 times a week (Paddling knowledge and Lifeguarding is not necessary but is an asset) 

  • Provide an engaging, interactive, safe and fun atmosphere for participants 

  • Speak to local businesses about the needs of the program in search of possible donations

  • Maintain communication with families and program support services 

  • Budgeting, record keeping, incident reporting, report writing 

Qualifications: 

  • Must be a post-secondary student in Fall 2025

  • Working toward a degree or diploma in Kinesiology, Education, Recreational Therapy, or related disciplines

  • First Aid & CPR Certification prior to commencing employment is considered an asset 

  • Experience working with children and youth with disabilities 

  • Effective written and verbal communication 

  • Problem solving, time management and organizational skills 

  • Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of paddling technique and sportsmanship values

  • Criminal background and vulnerable sector check is required prior to commencing employment 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@sackawa.ca

Sackawa Canoe Club is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from diverse communities, including: Indigenous people, racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA  community, and women.

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Summer 2025 Camp Steward - Sackawa Canoe Club 
 

The Summer Camp Steward contributes to a successful summer program at Sackawa Canoe Club by taking primary responsibility for ensuring the good state, maintenance and hygienic conditions of Sackawa’s grounds and the building. The Summer Camp Steward will also be responsible to maintain a safe, professional, quality, efficient, and profitable camp canteen operation. 
 

Start Date: June 29, 2025 (9-week term) 
Compensation: $19/hour 
Hours: 35 hours per week 
Application Deadline:
Apply with cover letter and resume by Feb 14th, 2025

Job Duties: 

  • Setup and prepare food for a daily 2-hour lunch shift. 

  • Process orders and serve food and beverage items to customers. 

  • Maintain a consistent high level of customer service. 

  • Resolve customer complaints in a timely and professional manner. 

  • Responsible for inventory control, sales transactions, cooking, and serving. 

  • Responsible for accurate sales records and daily accounting closing activities. Cash out and reconcile cash with total sales. 

  • Oversee the cleanliness of the outside dining area. Sweep and clean the serving area floors and countertops. Clean and arrange tables and chairs. Empty garbage cans. 

  • Maintain the cleanliness and daily cleanup of the kitchen, serving area, seating area, and equipment. Perform a deep clean of the kitchen mid-season and at the end of the summer. 

  • Monitor food and supply inventory and inform Club Manager when quantities are low. 

  • Care for restrooms by sanitizing and cleaning toilets and sinks, replacing tissue, hand soap and other supplies.

  • Clean and sanitize door handles and gym equipment. 

  • Clean club floors and windows throughout the day and at the end of the day after campers have left for the day.

  • Also responsible for grounds garbage cleanup, general landscaping and lawn mowing.

Qualifications: ​​

  • Problem solving, time management and organizational skills 

  • Demonstrated leadership ability 

  • Excellent customer service skills 

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

  • Ability to resolve conflict 

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

  • First Aid Certification considered an asset 

  • Food Handler Certification 

  • Criminal background and vulnerable sector check is required prior to commencing employment

 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@sackawa.ca

Sackawa Canoe Club is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from diverse communities, including: Indigenous people, racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA  community, and women.

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Summer 2025 Lifeguard - Sackawa Canoe Club

 
Under the general supervision of the Head Coach, Sackawa Lifeguards are responsible for assisting the Summer Coaches and Counsellors with water training, swimming exercises, boat safety operations, swimming lessons, and other lifeguard duties. Lifeguards will maintain concentrated observation of all youth under their supervision in order to anticipate potential problems, spot hazards and prevent accidents. Lifeguards will give advice on water safety, control unruly behaviour, enforce all safety rules in a professional manner, and will complete water rescue and be required to administer first aid, including CPR, if necessary. 
 

Start Date: June 29, 2025 (9-week term) 
Compensation: $17/hour 
Hours: 35 hours per week 
Application Deadline: Apply with cover letter and resume by February 14th, 2025

Job Duties: 

  • Assist with water training, swimming exercises, boat safety operations, and swimming lessons

  • Observe all youth under their supervision, anticipate potential problems, spot hazards, and prevent accidents

  • Give advice on water safety 

  • Control unruly behaviour 

  • Enforce all safety rules 

  • Complete water rescue 

  • Administer first aid, including CPR, if necessary 

Qualifications: 

  • Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate 

  • Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card 

  • Certified by the Life Saving Society of Canada (preferred) 

  • Must have previous experience working with/coaching young children 

  • Ability to mentor and be a role model for athletes 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the club environment, which includes athleticism, fun, family, safety, sport, and competition 

  • Excellent leadership ability 

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

  • Ability to resolve conflict 

  • Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of paddling technique and sportsmanship values

  • CanoeKids Certification considered an asset 

  • Knowledge of ADCKC and CKC Policies required prior to commencing employment 

  • Familiarity with the Sackawa Canoe Club Canoe/Kayak Sprint Racing Handbook prior to commencing

  • Criminal background and vulnerable sector check is required prior to commencing employment 

 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@sackawa.ca

Sackawa Canoe Club is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from diverse communities, including: Indigenous people, racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA  community, and women.

Contact

159 First Lake Drive

Lower Sackville, NS

B4C 3J9

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Tel: 902-252-7225

info@sackawa.ca

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