Head Mountain Biking Instructor and Trip Leader (Part-time)
- Season: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
- Fall Season: August 18–October 23, 2026.
- Spring Season: February 8–May 14, 2027.
About Christ School and the Outdoor Program:
Christ School is an all-boys boarding and day school in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Our mission is “To produce outdoorsmen of good character, skilled in their craft, prepared for both leadership in sport and a lifetime of joyful recreation.” The Outdoor Program challenges students to develop resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence in the natural world.
About the Role:
The Christ School Outdoor Program seeks a part-time Head Mountain Biking Instructor & Trip Leader for the 2026 fall season and 2027 spring season. This individual will lead the school’s mountain biking program, overseeing skill development, trip planning, and training progression across both seasons. Responsibilities include designing weekly practice plans, leading both on-campus and off-campus rides, and mentoring assistant staff in instructional and technical best practices.
This role is ideal for a seasoned outdoor educator seeking meaningful leadership experience in program design, group management, and coaching under the mentorship of the Outdoor Program Director.
Schedule:
- Monday–Friday: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
- One to two extended practices each week: 3:30–8 p.m. for off-campus rides, depending on weather and school events.
- One weekend mountain biking trip at the end of each season, typically Friday–Saturday.
Responsibilities:
- Design and implement the seasonal training progression for the mountain biking program.
- Lead practices on campus trails and at nearby trail systems, focusing on skill progression, conditioning, trail awareness, and rider confidence.
- Plan weekly practices, identify instructional themes, and manage trip logistics including sites, transportation, and equipment.
- Teach bike handling, line choice, braking, cornering, climbing, descending, and trail etiquette appropriate to student skill levels.
- Model and enforce best-practice risk management, including group management, trail safety, and emergency response.
- Supervise assistant instructors and mentor student leaders within the program.
- Help maintain bikes, tools, and riding equipment and oversee routine safety checks.
- Foster trust, teamwork, and positive rapport among students in an all-boys boarding environment.
Qualifications:
Required
- Extensive mountain biking experience and strong technical competence on varied terrain.
- Demonstrated experience leading mountain biking programs or group instruction in outdoor or school settings.
- Strong judgment and calm, effective response in emergencies.
- Clear communication skills and ability to mentor both students and staff.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license.
Preferred
- Comfortable driving a short bus with trailer, with training provided.
- Prior experience designing seasonal training or coaching curricula.
- Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.
- Mountain bike instructor certification such as PMBI, BICP, or FIT Level 2/Advanced.
- Prior experience leading youth or educational mountain biking trips.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary: $2,500–$3,000 per season, based on position and experience.
- Meals: Dinner provided after practice from 5:30–7:30 p.m.; all meals on team trips covered by the school.
- Paid professional development: Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder recertification.
- Potential advancement opportunities within Christ School, including faculty or staff roles.
- School breaks aligned with the academic calendar, including Thanksgiving Break of approximately one week and Spring Break of approximately two weeks.
How to Apply:
Email Outdoor Program Director Wesley Shelmire at wshelmire@christschool.org with a brief note of interest, résumé, and list of current certifications.
About Christ School:
Christ School was founded in 1900 and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Located nine miles south of Asheville, North Carolina, Christ School is an all-boys boarding and day school for grades 8–12. Students come from 16 states and eight foreign countries. All world faiths are represented and welcomed at Christ School.
Christ School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other legally protected status.