Recreation Assistant (Sailing Instructor)

About the role

This position is located within Commander, Mid-Atlantic Region, Fleet and Family Readiness Program. The purpose of this position is to instruct patrons in the safe operation of boating equipment and a variety of sailboats in support of the Sailing/Boating program.

Location

This position is located at Naval Station Norfolk Marina in Norfolk, VA.

Responsibilities

• Conducts sailing lessons to authorized patrons, ensuring their safety on the water during the scheduled lesson.
• Administers, grades and evaluates tests in both written and practical areas.
• Observes activities of patrons to ensure that safety rules are followed. Provides information to patrons regarding safety rules and procedures. Enforces applicable policies and procedures of MWR regarding the use of the marina/sailing.
• Rescues boaters in need of assistance. Keeps boating area clean and free from hazards.
• Observes wind and weather, tides, and currents conditions and makes recommendations to supervisor on appropriate action needed.
• Performs minor maintenance, which may include, but is not limited to changing batteries, painting, varnishing, and minor repairs to boat engines. Some fiberglass work is also required to maintain the sailboat and motorboat fleet.
• Greet customers, rings up sales for merchandise, answers phone and checks I.D. cards to ensure only authorized patrons utilize the program.
• Answers questions in regard to hours of operation, upcoming events, special events, merchandise availability and cost.
• May be required to operate a cash register, ringing sales and providing correct change to the customer. At end of shift, completes the Daily Activity Report (DAR), ensures all cash handling/reporting/securing requirements are met, verifies the amount of money collected and drops the cashier bag into the drop safe.
• Ensures the proper preparation and display of merchandise. Receives merchandise from storage area. Inventory and verifies shipments and stock items in accordance with established stock location procedures. Continually observes quantities of stock, and replenishes as necessary to maintain established levels. Rearranges stock and displays to accommodate new, seasonal or fast moving items.
• Maintains sales and storage areas in a neat, orderly condition at all times. As directed, assists with inventory of merchandise.

Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Must be familiar with boating terminology, water and boating safety, handling of boats (launching, mooring, etc.).
• Must be able to handle both small and large sailboats in heavy winds.
• Must be able to conduct on the water rescues by controlling both the chase boat and the boat being rescued.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and written to understand instructions given and provide clear information to boaters.
• Knowledge of basic arithmetic to compute charges, make change accurately and prepare reports.
• Must be a mature individual with positive customer service skills, tact, and good judgment.
• Basic skill in the use of hand tools.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in boating instruction for courses assigned to teach, either through nationally recognized Instructor Certification, or by demonstrating a minimum of two years of applicable boating experience.

Additional information

Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.

Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.

Some positions have special requirements. Selection may be tentative pending the completion of these requirements. Applicants may be required to submit proof of education, participate in medical screening, drug testing, etc. All selections are contingent upon satisfactory employment reference checks. Employment is subject to successful National Agency Background Check. Occupants of this position must maintain the privacy of official work information and data and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

The following documents are required at the time of application:

• Resume
• Proof of education/training/licensure: provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s) and licensure as applicable
• If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation
• If claiming Military Spouse Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application
• If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.)
• If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50

Note: Failure to provide the required documents may impact eligibility, qualifications determination.

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/09/2026 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12995159

It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

Using the required qualifications of the position, a standardized rating and ranking criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used to screen and assess each application.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Times may vary during the hiring process, as your application status updates/changes you will be notified with a notification letter via email.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailing address changes, you may not receive important correspondence.

Next steps

Using the required qualifications of the position, a standardized rating and ranking criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used to screen and assess each application.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Times may vary during the hiring process, as your application status updates/changes you will be notified with a notification letter via email.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailing address changes, you may not receive important correspondence.

Note: The "Next steps" section was repeated twice. It should be removed or consolidated as per the original document.