| JOB DESCRIPTION: Fleet and Maritime Education Coordinator
The Fleet and Maritime Education Coordinator oversees the care and upkeep of Northwest Maritime’s fleet and boatshop in close coordination with the Boatshop Manager, ensuring vessels, tools, and workspaces are safe, functional, and well-maintained. The role includes managing maintenance schedules, logs, annual inspections, and haul-outs, while working closely with staff and guiding volunteers on projects.
A core part of this position is supporting education and public engagement through teaching classes in the boatshop. Working closely with and under the guidance of Boatshop Manager and program staff, the Fleet and Maritime Education Coordinator helps integrate fleet maintenance and shop work into high-quality instructional experiences, builds strong, welcoming relationships with students, interns, apprentices, volunteers, and visitors, and models safe, inclusive work practices. As a public-facing representative of Northwest Maritime, this role engages the community around boatshop activities, craftsmanship, and maritime skills, helping make the boatshop an accessible and inviting learning environment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Programming: - Work with the Program department staff to deliver/provide/teach adult and youth boatshop experiences such as boat building or fleet maintenance
- Collaborate with the Boatshop Manager on program development
- Collaborate with Program staff to develop and deliver one-on-one boatshop experiences in the style of apprenticeships and internships
- Guide volunteers on fleet maintenance projects under the direction of the Boatshop Manager
- Provide support to the Volunteer Coordinator in sourcing new volunteers for the boatshop
- Interact with the public and represent the organization in the boatshop
Fleet Maintenance: - Implement and manage maintenance needs of NWM’s fleet, both in and out of the water
- Maintain NWM fleet boats, systems, and outboards as needed and in partnership with the Waterfront Programs Manager and Program Operations Coordinator
- Coordinate with the Waterfront Program Manager to facilitate the annual USCG inspections of Longboats
- Maintain a vested role in all current and future fleet vetting processes
Shop Operations in Collaboration with Boatshop Manager: - Monitor safety and ensure safe practices following the Boat Shop Procedures, including Program Staff Manual, & Risk Management procedures
- Act as a role model and train other users in safety protocols
- Foster safe and friendly interactions with the passing public, as the shop is open to the public during standard operating hours
- Manage and maintain inventory of the boatshop supply store
- Maintain shop tools as needed
- Lead the effort on boat shop organization and systems
Other duties as assigned, and: - Serve as Program Port Captain as scheduled
- Support the Boatshop needs during the annual Wooden Boat Festival in September
GENERAL OPERATIONS
While the primary focus of this position is maintenance and instruction, the Fleet and Maritime Education 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 - Demonstrated experience in wooden boat maintenance, repair, and care, including traditional and modern methods
- Proven ability to teach or instruct youth and adult learners in hands-on, skill-based learning
- Strong public-facing and interpersonal skills with comfort engaging a wide range of audiences
- Experience in a shop setting with a strong commitment to safe work practice
- Comfort working independently while also collaborating closely with a team
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position to include lifting, bending, standing for extended periods, and working in an outdoor maritime environment
- Available to work a flexible schedule to include occasional weekends and evenings
HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS - Passion for maritime heritage, boats, and experiential instruction
- Understanding the basic operations, functions, and maintenance of sailing vessels, both modern and traditional
- Small boat handling experience with relevant USCG credentials or sailing certifications is a plus
- Forklift Certification or the ability to obtain
- Experience working with volunteers, including training and supervision
- Ability to provide and maintain their own basic hand tools necessary for daily work; the organization supplies all major machinery, specialty tools, and safety equipment
APPLICATION PROCESS - Submit your resume with the online application
- Deadline for applications: Open until filled, application review begins January 23, 2026
WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE - Position will require on-site work at NWM’s main offices located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368
- Position is full-time, 40 hours/week with occasional weekends required
- Reports to: Waterfront Programs Manager
WAGE RANGE & BENEFITS - $28-$30 per hour, non-exempt
- 100% company-paid Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance + contributions to HSA account
- Matching contributions to a SIMPLE IRA retirement fund after 1 year of employment
- Paid time off: accrues 2 weeks of vacation per year, 17 paid holidays in a calendar year, & 1 hour of sick time accrued per every 25 hours worked
- Employee discounts
- Transitional housing available during relocation if desired: includes a bed in a shared room in the Port Townsend crew house with shared kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and laundry facilities for $300/month
- Full details on benefits
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.
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