Youth Programs Educator

$47,840 - $52,000/Yr

Northwest Maritime Center - Port Townsend, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Port Townsend, WA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Youth Programs Educator at Northwest Maritime is a dynamic role focused on inspiring students aged 5 to 17 through engaging maritime experiences and team-building activities. This seasonal position runs from mid-March to early October and involves facilitating hands-on learning both on land and water, while fostering a safe and inclusive environment. The educator will lead various programs, including sailing, science inquiry, and outdoor adventures, while collaborating with other educators and program managers to ensure a high-quality educational experience.

Responsibilities

• Spark wonder and curiosity in students through hands-on, engaging activities.
• Facilitate daily activities aligned with class content as presented in the program description.
• 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.
• Guide students in crafting and executing research projects during overnight Salish Sea Expeditions.
• Deliver maritime skills training and team building during the Maritime Discovery Program.
• Lead 5- to 10-year-old students in experiences to increase comfort on the water during the summer.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

Benefits

• $230-$250 day rate when working an overnight education program.
• $23-25 per hour all other times.
• Paid time off: 1 hour of sick time accrued per every 25 hours worked.
• Employee discounts.
• Season Completion Bonus: $1000 upon meeting eligibility requirements.
• Partial board and subsidized housing ($300 per month rent).
• Meals provided during overnight programs.