Nordic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning.

We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.
We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation.

You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

SUMMARY: The Nordic Ski Assistant Coach supports the Head Nordic Ski Coach in developing, implementing, and maintaining a successful boys and girls Nordic ski program at Hopkins High School. This position assists with skill development, conditioning, race preparation, team organization, and student-athlete supervision.

The coach is expected to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, personal growth, and a positive team culture. The Nordic Ski Assistant Coach helps create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that aligns with the mission and values of Hopkins High School, Hopkins Public Schools, and the Minnesota State High School League.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support

• Assist the Head Coach in implementing the overall philosophy, expectations, and goals of the Nordic ski program.
• Support the team in practices, meets, team activities, and competitions.
• Help teach proper Nordic skiing techniques, including classic and skate skiing fundamentals.
• Assist with dryland training, conditioning, strength development, balance, endurance, and race preparation.
• Help prepare student-athletes for competition through skill instruction, goal setting, and feedback.

Student-Athlete Development

• Encourage academic success, leadership, accountability, teamwork, and positive character.
• Build respectful and supportive relationships with student-athletes.
• Promote confidence, resilience, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility.
• Support athletes of varying skill levels, from beginners to experienced racers.
• Help create an inclusive team environment where all student-athletes feel valued and supported.

Equipment and Safety

• Assist with the care, organization, and distribution of team equipment.
• Help educate athletes on proper use and maintenance of skis, poles, boots, bindings, and wax.
• Promote safe training habits in winter conditions and outdoor environments.
• Monitor student-athletes for weather-related concerns, injuries, fatigue, and safety risks.
• Follow district procedures for reporting injuries, incidents, or concerns.

Communication and Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with the Head Coach, Athletic Director, coaching staff, student-athletes, parents, and school personnel.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with athletes, families, officials, and opposing teams.
• Attend team meetings, coaches' meetings, and required trainings.
• Support team events, fundraising, community engagement, and program promotion as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous Nordic skiing, endurance sport, or coaching experience.
• Knowledge of basic Nordic skiing techniques and training principles.
• Ability to work effectively with high school student-athletes.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Successful completion of required background check.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and concussion certification, or ability to obtain before the season.

Preferred

• Previous coaching experience at the middle school, high school, club, or collegiate level.
• Experience with both classic and skate skiing techniques.
• Knowledge of ski waxing, equipment care, and race-day preparation.
• Familiarity with MSHSL Nordic ski rules and high school athletics.
• Experience supporting athletes of varying skill and experience levels.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Required Knowledge

• Fundamentals of Nordic skiing, including classic and skate techniques.
• Dryland training, conditioning, endurance development, and race preparation.
• Basic ski equipment use, care, and safety.
• MSHSL rules, eligibility requirements, and sportsmanship expectations.
• Hopkins Public Schools athletic policies and procedures.
• Positive coaching strategies and adolescent development.
• Equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive coaching practices.

Required Skills

• Ability to teach and demonstrate Nordic skiing skills effectively.
• Ability to motivate, encourage, and support student-athletes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with the Head Coach and coaching staff.
• Ability to supervise student-athletes in outdoor winter conditions.
• Ability to remain organized during practices, travel, and meets.
• Ability to promote a safe, positive, and inclusive team culture.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires the ability to actively supervise and participate in Nordic ski practices and competitions, including skiing, walking, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment. The coach must be able to work in cold, snowy, icy, and changing winter weather conditions. The position may require lifting and carrying equipment up to 40 pounds.

Adequate vision, hearing, mobility, and verbal communication are necessary to supervise student-athletes, provide instruction, respond to emergencies, and ensure safety during practices and meets. The position requires sound judgment, patience, emotional control, and the ability to make decisions in a fast-paced outdoor athletic environment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily outdoors during winter conditions, including ski trails, parks, school grounds, and competition venues. Some indoor work may occur for meetings, equipment organization, waxing, and team preparation. Evening, weekend, holiday, and occasional school-break work may be required during the Nordic ski season. Travel to practices, meets, and postseason competitions is required.

Schedule & Compensation
58 days.  
Coach Stipend Range: $3,400-$3,800, DOE
Position specific Benefits information is available HERE
Union Contracts, Position Handbook