Sweetlines Race Team Coach Job Description

Sweetlines is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Race Team Coach to join our dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for mountain biking, a strong understanding of downhill and/or enduro racing, strong anti-discrimination values, and a commitment to inspiring and educating young riders. As a Race Team Coach, you'll play a vital role in developing the skills, confidence, inclusion, and sportsmanship of our athletes, embodying our "Fast! Fun! Fierce!" motto.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Coaching

• Deliver high-quality bike skills instruction, focusing on techniques essential for downhill and enduro racing, to riders ranging from Cat 3 to Elite levels.

• Guide students through practice drills, structured trail rides, and games designed to enhance race performance and overall bike handling.

• Coach and mentor groups of students at Duthie Hill Bike Park, various Greater Seattle area parks and trails, and potentially at race venues or riding locations outside of Washington State.

• Provide constructive feedback and encouragement, helping students set and achieve goals that build confidence and skill.

• Prepare students for success in race environments, including basic mishap management and race-day preparation.

• After a period of training, use a practice outline (supplied by management) to lead and execute a team practice of skills, trails, and goals 

• Complete monthly skills and mental game check-ins with racers and parents

Team Development & Support

• Foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive community within the race team.

• Embody Sweetlines’ values of gender inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-harassment

• Promote stewardship of trails and a healthy, active lifestyle among team members.

• Develop goal-setting skills and encourage self-empowerment in all athletes.

• Support Sweetlines' core values by creating an environment where riders can thrive both on and off the bike.

Safety & Education

• Carry Coach Pack with safety supplies at all times.

• Emphasize trail etiquette and safe riding practices at all times.

• Explore diverse trail systems, discussing their unique features and challenges.

• Maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

Schedule & Program Dates

• Interviews and hiring:  Mid February

• Mandatory Race Coach Training, Levels 6+: Evening Zoom February 27 & All Day February 28 (weather dependent, March 1 as backup date).

• Race Program Season: March 10 through September.

• Practice Times: Must be available Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays from 4:45 PM - 7:15 PM; and/or Sundays from 1:45 PM - 5:15 PM (1 day per week minimum commitment).

• Practices are conducted at a variety of trail systems.

Qualifications

Required:

• Age: Race Coaches must be 18 years or older.

• Mountain Biking Proficiency: Proficient mountain biker with a minimum of 5 years of riding experience.

• Race Experience: Must have personal experience racing downhill and/or enduro, or demonstrate equivalent understanding through deep immersion in the race community.

• Certifications: (All must be obtained before coaching but are not required to be hired)

• Current First Aid and CPR or Wilderness First Aid certification.

• Completion of SafeSport Training (first-time and repeat options available).

• Completion of Concussion Training (CDC HEADS UP).

• Sweetlines Coach Training: (Once hired)

• Levels 1-5: Mandatory for all new coaches (approx. 14 hours, on March 28-29).

• Jumps & Drops: (3 hours).

• Levels 6+ Racing: Specific training for Race Teams (approx. 10 hours).

• Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent at working with kids of all different backgrounds.

• Strong anti-discrimination and inclusion values.

• Strong teaching and instructional skills.

• Basic bike maintenance knowledge.

• Creative problem solver with lots of patience.

• Safety-conscious and committed to having fun.

• Ability to ride mountain bikes 3 hours/day (with breaks) and carry a heavy pack. (Accommodations can be made for excellent candidates.)

Preferred:

• Previous teaching experience.

• Previous experience working with kids.

• MTB certifications such as BICP or PMBIA.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with passionate riders and share your love of mountain biking.

• Gain valuable experience in bike coaching and youth development.

• Be part of a dynamic and growing organization that supports a healthy lifestyle and community stewardship.

• Discounts on sponsor brands via Ride Bicycle Bike Shop in Issaquah and online.

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of mountain bike racers? Please fill out the application below and we will reach out to you early to mid February.