Maritime Education Instructor

The Maritime Education Instructor is responsible for Northwest Maritime’s (NWM) everyday operations and instruction at the Maritime High School (MHS). You will plan and implement NWM’s independent programming, and in collaboration with MHS staff develop projects and contribute to the function of the school. Utilize your experience in project-based learning, teaching, youth mentorship, and maritime-related industries to lead students in a variety of contexts: 

• Maritime-related lessons aboard our 40-foot educational vessel, Admiral Jack, including Vessel Operations and Marine Science
• Certificate courses in the classroom, including Washington Boater’s Education Cards
• Boat design and construction in the on-site woodshop
• Place-based, maritime-focused trips off campus in collaboration with partner organizations and businesses

Your unique blend of education and maritime skills will enhance our school's operations and instructional capabilities. Your experiences showcase innovative education through project design and group facilitation, emphasizing a student-centered approach that celebrates individual strengths and passions. Your dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the maritime industry ensures a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. We look forward to the valuable contributions you will make to our team and the students we support.

NWM is an innovative non-profit organization, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration, open communication, frequent exchange of ideas, and teamwork allow us to provide transformative maritime experiences for our students. NWM is a founding partner of MHS, part of the Highline Public School District in Des Moines, WA. This school approach is student-centered, maritime-focused, and equity-driven.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement authentic and engaging maritime-focused curriculum through project-based learning aligned to MHS competencies, academic and industry standards, and the MHS maritime curriculum map
• Provide direct instruction using inclusive instructional techniques to differentiate for and accommodate all students and learning styles
• Collaborate with maritime industry partners to design relevant and engaging learning opportunities for students that can support their career and educational growth
• Establish and maintain safe and inclusive learning environments
• Support the implementation of meaningful projects with MHS teachers that blend academics, industry/workforce skills, and social-emotional learning that culminate in exhibitions of learning at regular intervals 
• Support the operational needs of the NWM program, including program gear, maintenance, and the logistics of implementing all our programs
• Support the growth of a physically and emotionally safe school culture through participation in staff training, regular staff meetings, and collaborative planning times
• Participate in community engagement and student recruitment events and activities

GENERAL OPERATIONS

While the primary focus of this position is the direct planning and instruction of maritime-related experiences at MHS, the Maritime Education Instructor 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 teaching in hands-on alternative learning environments
• Strong professional skills including organization, time management, and accountability 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills 
• Strong relationship-building with students, families, and school partners 
• Experience and ability to work with and understand the developmental nature of our young people with a focus on developing their innate skills
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn Maritime Skills
• Current CPR & FA certification or a willingness to enroll in classes upon hiring
• Valid WA State Driver’s License
• Work offers are contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check and drug test. Throughout employment with Northwest Maritime Center, certain boat-related 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

• Experience teaching in hands-on alternative learning environment, preferably in the following areas: Marine sciences and resource management, vessel/ boat operations design or marine construction, engineering, design, and construction
• Multi-lingual and/or ASL skills
• Experience working with English Language Learners 
• Experience with positive youth development and supporting the social and emotional needs of students
• Experience with Project Based Learning, Performance Assessment and/or Mastery-based Assessment 
• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential: 25T license and above 
• Experience or certification as a paddling instructor or guide
• Experience teaching shop safety and woodworking 

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Submit your resume with the online application
• Deadline for applications: Open until filled, application review begins July 15, 2024
• Ideally the successful applicant will start in the position in early August 2024

WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE

• Position will require onsite work on the MHS Campus at 615 S 200th St, Des Moines, WA 98198
• Regular shift is 8 am to 4 pm, with occasional adjustments due to programming schedule
• Furloughed during July and August 
• Occasional weekend work may be required
• NWM main offices are located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368
• Position is full-time, 40 hours/week
• Reports to: Maritime Education Manager

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.

• 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
• Full details on benefits