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session 1: february 18 – may 14
afterschool 2 days a week

session 2: june 15  – aug 6
full day, monday through thursday

session 3: sept 8 – dec 3
afterschool 2 days a week

for current and rising 9th and 10th graders

year long commitment - priority given to applicants who can attend all three semesters

photos

San Francisco Spring 2026

what is rocking the boat?

Rocking the Boat San Francisco is a youth development program in Bayview-Hunters Point that helps participants develop pride, purpose, and possibility by learning the unique and lifelong skills behind building wooden boats from scratch, learning how to read boat plans, and using shop tools to create something that really works. No prior carpentry experience is needed.

Through Rocking the Boat, participants have fun, gain self-confidence, and become part of an exceptionally strong community of young people determining their own futures.

Rocking the Boat recruits current 9th and 10th graders for its programs. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience to apply, just a willingness to learn new things and get dirty! While all schools have different policies on awarding credit for extra-curricular activities, Rocking the Boat staff will work with all participants to help them obtain academic credit in return for successful program participation.

benefits

  • Learn the practical skills needed to build a wooden boat from scratch.

  • Explore the nature of San Francisco Bay aboard rowboats.

  • Build a community of peers and mentors to help you succeed in your personal and academic goals.

  • Be supported by a team of licensed Social Workers from the 3rd Street Youth Center & Clinic. Support includes individual counseling, referrals to outside services, advocacy at school and at home, workshops and discussion groups, professional development, and college and career guidance.

apply

located at india basin waterfront park
900 innes ave, san francisco

now hiring

part-time:

san francisco program assistants (up to four)

san francisco program assistant

Organizational Background
Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of over $5 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves roughly 5,000 community members annually. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counseling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants. At the invitation of the San Francisco Department of Recreation and Park and with the endorsement of the India Basin Waterfront Parks Executive Team, Rocking the Boat is replicating its model youth development program in the new India Basin Waterfront Park in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, opening its doors in fall 2024.

Position Summary
Program Assistants are part-time positions that support the delivery of Rocking the Boat’s after school and summer Youth Development Programs. These include a four-day a week after-school wooden boatbuilding and rowing-based youth development program for 16 high school students as well as seasonal weekend public community rowing and intermittent daytime programs for school and community groups. Up to four positions report to the Program Director.

Responsibilities

  • Facilitate education in wooden boatbuilding, rowing, and environmental education to small groups of 9th and 10th grade students
  • Assist in classroom instruction during session as well as lesson planning and preparation beforehand
  • Independently lead small group instruction and activities
  • Incorporate and promote Rocking the Boat’s Core Values into all aspects of program delivery
  • Actively practice and promote all safety protocols in the shop and on the water
  • Assist in leading day and overnight trips designed to introduce participants to new experiences related to Rocking the Boat programs
  • Manage the upkeep of the boatbuilding shop and waterfront including maintaining hand and power tools, cleaning and organizing the shop after use, and storing wood, paint, and other proper materials properly
  • Ensure appropriate use and care of all materials and equipment
  • Manage participant behavior to facilitate an effective and safe learning environment
  • Participate in other activities as necessary to fulfill the mission of Rocking the Boat

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Demonstrates the initiative and leadership qualities that lead to a high level of productivity
  • Ability to think independently while working as part of a team
  • Ability to communicate honestly, respectfully, and effectively with supervisors and coworkers

Rocking the Boat Offers

  • Up to 40 Safe and Safe hours per calendar year, accrued at a rate of one hour of Safe and Sick time earned to every 15 hours worked
  • Salary ranging from $18 to $21 per hour, commensurate with experience

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all applicants and employees. The organization strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Candidates should feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.

To apply
Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject “Rocking the Boat San Francsico Program Assistant” to Chris Childers, Chief Program Officer, at chris@rockingtheboat.org.

Spread the word about the positions and come down to India Basin Waterfront Park to experience the beauty of the new park, the joy of wooden boats, and wonder of San Francisco Bay.

rocking the boat
812 edgewater road
bronx, ny 10474

info@rockingtheboat.org
phone: 718.466.5799

Rocking the Boat is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Download Form 990. CA Nonprofit Annual Economic Statement.

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