Search 
jobs
Explore 
organizations
Join talent network
Talent
My job alerts

Youth Programs Educator

Northwest Maritime

Northwest Maritime

Port Townsend, WA, USA
USD 23-25 / hour
Posted on Oct 17, 2025
Apply now
Position: Youth Programs Educator
Location: Port Townsend, WA
Job Id: 150
# of Openings: 1
JOB DESCRIPTION: Youth Programs Educator

This six-month gig of nautical excitement (mid-April to the end of September) is tailor-made for the science, sailing, and STEM enthusiast – because, let's face it, these things float your boat. If you're the type who gets a kick out of guiding students through the mysteries of the sea by tying knots, joyfully belting out sea shanties, and nailing that elusive synchronized rowing stroke, well, then grab an oar!

As a Youth Programs Educator, you'll be inspiring students aged 5 to 17 in maritime experiences and team-building activities - because the sea is the most powerful teacher we know. In the spring and fall, you'll be honing your science inquiry skills while sailing and unleashing your leadership skills for ashore and afloat programs. Come summer, you’ll be messing about in boats with kids, stirring up wonder and curiosity. Forget about the mundane – this is your ticket to a summer of sea-soaked, sun-fueled fun!

If you've got a go-getter attitude, ready to dive into any part of the programming action when needed, then you're our kind of teammate. Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and safe learning vibe is your superpower, and you know how to switch seamlessly between solo acts and partnering with the crew. Do you have clear communication, a collaborative spirit, and the flexibility to ebb and flow with the tides? Join us! We work hard and have fun, each day is a new opportunity to see something cool!

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Spark wonder and curiosity on land and water in a hands-on, engaging way for elementary through high school students, including facilitating shoreside programming in inclement weather
  • Facilitate daily activities aligned with class content as presented in the program description & curriculum
  • Ensure and maintain an emotionally and physically safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants
  • Collaborate with Program Managers, other Educators, and students for a high-quality maritime learning experience
  • Be accountable for NWM gear inventory and usage, and work with the Program Operations Coordinator for logistics and maintenance
  • Complete necessary daily paperwork, such as lesson plans and incident reports
  • Conduct daily check-ins with staff and the School Programs Manager or Summer Program Coordinator
  • Adhere to established Safety and Risk Management Protocols
  • Other duties as assigned
Spring and Fall Season- During overnight Salish Sea Expeditions, you will guide 5th-12th grade students in crafting and executing marine science research projects, overseeing activities onboard a tall ship or other sailing vessels or on land, conducting experiments, maintaining scientific equipment, and providing support during pre-classroom visits. During a Maritime Discovery Program, you deliver maritime skills training, team building, and on-land/on-water instruction at Northwest Maritime.

Summer Season- As a Messing About in Boats Instructor, you will work collaboratively as a team to teach and manage the program under the guidance of the Summer Program Coordinator. You will lead 5 to 10-year-old students in experiences to have fun and increase comfort on the water, in the spirit of adventure and discovery. You will also communicate with parents, create curriculum, and manage teaching assistants.

GENERAL OPERATIONS
While this position’s primary responsibility is facilitating learning experiences, the Youth Programs Educator position will work as part of the NWM team to ensure smooth operations for the organization as a whole. This could include providing information to visitors to NWM and helping out in projects and events that require all-hands-on-deck, to helping tie up a vessel coming into our dock because you happen to be standing there. We all pitch in for the heavy lifting now and then—sometimes this is metaphoric; occasionally, we all have to actually help lift something heavy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Teaching experience, preferably in informal settings like summer camps or on the water
  • Versatility in using various teaching methods for different audiences and learning styles
  • Work experience with 5–17-year-olds
  • Competence in student management, particularly for elementary to middle school students
  • An ability to communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and be flexible in dynamic situations
  • Enthusiasm for working outdoors in all types of weather
  • Ability to lift and carry gear up to 50lbs
  • Current first aid/CPR certification, Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification, CDC “Heads Up” online concussion training or training plan
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Washington State Boaters Card or ability to obtain
Work offers are contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check and drug test. The NWM boat-based programs are drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free. Throughout employment with Northwest Maritime, certain boat-based program employees will be enrolled in a random drug testing program administered by the Maritime Consortium, in compliance with the Coast Guard mandatory drug testing regulation, as contained in 46 CFR part 16.

HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in Marine Biology/Oceanography and associated sampling techniques
  • Demonstrated inquiry-based teaching ability
  • WFA/WFR/EMT certification
  • Experience in small boat sailing and/or rowing, coupled with knowledge of fundamental boat operations, including standard knots, basic navigation, and awareness of weather, tides, and currents
WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE
  • Position will require on-site work in Port Townsend and on sailing vessels on the Puget Sound
  • Some work is overnight, 3 to 4 days at a time, staying on a sailing vessel
  • Main NWM Offices are located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368
  • 2026 Seasonal Position:
    • Six months: Spring- Mid April to mid-June, Summer- End of June to end of August and Fall- mid to end of September
    • Variable hours per week, but often averaging about 30 hours per week during the Spring and Fall sessions, and averaging about 35-40 hours per week during the Summer session
    • Because this is a seasonal position, we rely on consistent attendance throughout the program. Time off during the season is generally not possible, except for emergencies, illness, or when arranged in advance.
  • Reports to: School Programs Manager (Spring & Fall) and Waterfront Programs Manager (Summer)
WAGE RANGE & BENEFITS
  • $230-$250 day rate when working an overnight education program, and $23-25 per hour all other times
  • Paid time off: 1 hour of sick time accrued for every 25 hours worked + paid time off for NWM observed holidays
  • Employee discounts
  • Season Completion Bonus: $1000 upon meeting eligibility requirements
  • Opportunities for participation in virtual NWM classes
  • Partial board and subsidized housing ($300 per month rent) - Housing option includes a bed in a shared room in the Port Townsend crew house. There is a shared kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and laundry facilities. During spring season programs, you may be sleeping at the house, on a boat, or in a tent. Meals while running an overnight program are provided; otherwise, you will be responsible for providing your own meals.
NWMC is committed to equal employment opportunity, striving towards being an antiracist and inclusive organization. We value the diversity of our staff and the communities that we serve, which includes a spectrum of racial, cultural, religious, sexual and gender identities, and abilities. We strongly encourage applications from people who have not seen themselves represented in the industry.
Pay Range: $23 - $25 per hour
Apply for this Position
Apply now
See more open positions at Northwest Maritime
Privacy policyCookie policy