Seasonal Nordic Head Coach

Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (SLNC) is offering an exceptional opportunity for a Head Coach who wants to lead, inspire, and shape one of Canada’s strongest cross-country ski communities. As one of Canada’s largest Nordic clubs, with 50+ km of daily groomed trails, a thriving athlete base, and a full suite of high-performance facilities, it’s a place where a coach can truly make an impact. Located just minutes from the City of Vernon, Sovereign Lake delivers a rare blend of professional and outdoor lifestyle. The North Okanagan’s trails, lakes, and mountains sit right outside your door, making year-round training and recreation part of everyday life. If you’re driven to develop athletes, build a positive team culture, and contribute to enhancing Nordic programs while enjoying an unmatched work-life balance, Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is an ideal place to lead your next chapter. Reporting to the General Manager, this role works in close partnership with the Biathlon Head Coach and a dedicated team of volunteer coaches to deliver premier Nordic programming. The successful candidate will foster a collaborative environment that strengthens the club’s community and ensures a unified approach to athlete development.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Head Coach provides technical leadership and strategic oversight for SLNC’s competitive and developmental pathways, from Learning to Train (L2T) through post-secondary levels. This role is responsible for ensuring all training aligns with Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles and maintaining the high standard of excellence for which our programs are known. Key focuses include athlete progression, program integration across disciplines, and the successful delivery of seasonal training cycles.

Key Responsibilities

Athlete Instruction & Planning: Designing comprehensive yearly training plans (YTPs); Conducting performance testing; Providing expert technical modeling in classic, skate, and roller skiing; Coach (assist) for biathlon program with communication with the Biathlon Coach. Race & Technical Leadership: Providing high-level coaching and oversight at regional, provincial, and national events; Management of race-day wax operations; Provide race support liaison with other coaches and race officials. Program Growth: Driving club expansion through athlete recruitment; Lead volunteer coaching development; Conducting professional development workshops; Recruit and train assistant coaches. Safety & Communication: Maintaining a secure, inclusive training environment through strict adherence to Safe Sport protocols; Develop, communicate and ensure implantation of safety management plans for all coach-supervised training sessions in consultation with the Program Committee; Ensure and manage pro-active effective communication pertaining to weekly training sessions, club events, and XC race dates to athletes, parents, and other coaches via digital platforms. Administrative Oversight: Participating in committee meetings; Regular coach meetings and ensuring program deliverables; Contributing to the continuous improvement of club operations; Regular reporting to the General Manager; Develop and maintain relationships with sponsors and community organizations.

Fundamental Requirements

Professional Credentials:

• NCCP Competition Coaching Development Certification (or ability to obtain within 8 months);
• NCCP Competition Introduction Certified Coach Status (or equivalent);
• 5 years’ experience as an XC coach and/or athlete;
• Standard First Aid Certification (to be maintained as current).
• Proven excellence in classic, skate, and roller ski techniques with the ability to demonstrate skills to athletes effectively.

Operational Readiness:

• A valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle access;
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in diverse outdoor conditions;
• Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector Check.

Character & Fit:

• Collaborative, empathetic mentor;
• Genuine passion for growing the sport across all skill levels;
• Strong team player;
• Ability to motivate, build trust, and gain the confidence of athletes and parents.

Position Type: Seasonal Full-Time (August 17 – March 31) Salary: $45,000 (seasonal term) paid biweekly

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application by June 30, 2026, including a resume, cover letter, and two references (one character, one professional) to the General Manager of Sovereign Lake Nordic Club: gm@sovereignlake.com We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.