Search 
jobs
Explore 
organizations
Join talent network
Talent
My job alerts

Seasonal Program Coordinator

Northwest Maritime

Northwest Maritime

Operations
Port Townsend, WA, USA
USD 26-26 / hour
Posted on Oct 24, 2025
Apply now
Position: Seasonal Program Coordinator
Location: Port Townsend, WA
Job Id: 156
# of Openings: 1
JOB DESCRIPTION: Seasonal Program Coordinator (March – end of September)

If you thrive on organization and maritime adventures, this role is for you. As Program Coordinator, you’ll be the logistical backbone for youth maritime programs at Northwest Maritime (NWM) and aboard NWM vessels. You’ll assist in training seasonal staff, facilitate communications, support program decisions, and ensure a safe, positive experience for participants. Every day will bring a mix of administrative and hands-on responsibilities, ensuring smooth, dynamic programming.

In spring and fall, your focus will be on school programs, managing tasks such as coordinating resources, creating schedules, packing gear for overnight trips, tracking registrations, and liaising with teachers. You’ll also assist with maritime skills training for seasonal staff and students, working closely with Program Managers to prioritize tasks.

In summer, you’ll oversee day-to-day operations for both Adult and Youth programs. This includes supervising Youth Learn to Sail and Messing About in Boats Programs, providing logistical and administrative support for Adult Programs, and handling a variety of tasks - staff coordination, parent communication, boat maintenance, and occasional relief instruction.

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
  • Collaborate with Program Managers to plan, organize, and implement programs, including staff training and orientation
  • Facilitate engaging, hands-on programming for students (elementary through high school), both on land and water, including in inclement weather
  • Ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants, adhering to safety and risk management protocols
  • Manage daily activities aligned with class content and assist with programming as needed
  • Serve as the main point of contact for participants, parents, and staff regarding questions, concerns, or feedback
  • Complete administrative tasks, including lesson plans, incident reports, and daily staff check-ins
  • Support summer program operations by supervising Youth Programs staff and ensuring smooth logistical and administrative processes
  • Provide fleet management support, including Boat usage, sailing equipment, safety equipment, sailboat rigging and inspections, boat and gear handling and inventory, troubleshooting, and ensuring the safe operation of vessels
  • Serve as Port Captain two evenings per week, overseeing waterfront activities
  • Assist in volunteer and relief staff scheduling in collaboration with the Waterfront Programs Manager
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support program success
GENERAL OPERATIONS

While the primary focus of this position is facilitating learning experiences, the Program Coordinator works as part of the entire NWM team, ensuring smooth operations. As a growing non-profit, we all pitch in for the heavy lifting, whether it's participating in all-hands projects and events, assisting visitors, or occasionally doing some literal heavy lifting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience managing staff, working with youth and teens, and ensuring effective program delivery
  • Strong communication skills, with an ability to engage collaboratively with parents, teachers, and colleagues
  • Teaching experience, preferably in informal settings such as camps or on the water, using diverse methods for various learning styles
  • Competence in student management, especially for elementary and middle school students
  • Experience coordinating sailing programs, including scheduling, logistics, gear management, and staff support
  • Ability to take initiative, solve problems, and adapt to dynamic situations
  • Enthusiasm for working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to lift and carry gear up to 50 lbs
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification and Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine Auto-Injector certification (or a plan to obtain)
  • Valid driver’s license and Washington State Boater’s Card (or ability to obtain)
  • Professionalism, punctuality, and a positive attitude
HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in small boat handling (outboards & towing), sailing and/or rowing, coupled with knowledge of fundamental boat operations, including standard knots, basic navigation, and awareness of weather, tides, and currents
  • US Sailing Level 2 Instructor
  • USCG OUPV 6-pack License
  • Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in Marine Biology/Oceanography and associated sampling techniques
  • Demonstrated inquiry-based teaching ability
Work offers are contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check and drug test. 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.

WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE
  • The 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:
    • Spring: March through June
    • Summer: June through August
    • Fall: September
    • Variable hours per week, but often averaging about 30-40 hours per week as scheduled
    • 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
  • $26 per hour, non-exempt, and $260 day rate when working an overnight education program
  • Paid time off: 1 hour of sick time accrued per every 25 hours worked + paid time off for NWM observed holidays
  • Employee discounts
  • Season Completion Bonus: $1000 upon meeting eligibility requirements
  • 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
NWM 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: $26 per hour
Apply for this Position
Apply now
See more open positions at Northwest Maritime
Privacy policyCookie policy