JOB DESCRIPTION: Maritime Education Instructor
The Maritime Education Instructor is part of the team of educators who provide audacious hands-on maritime education that ignites curiosity and cultivates belonging for our students. Northwest Maritime (NWM) is an innovative non-profit organization, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration, open communication, exchange of ideas, and teamwork help us connect communities, careers, and the sea through maritime learning. This position is responsible for NWM’s everyday instruction and operations at Maritime High School (MHS) and in our other programs and activities throughout the greater Seattle area. Bring your experience in the maritime field to project-based learning, teaching, youth mentorship, and maritime workforce pipelines for students ages 5 to 18 in a variety of contexts:
- Maritime-related lessons aboard our teaching platforms from kayaks to ferries
- Certificate courses, including Washington Boater’s Education Cards and First Aid
- Project design and implementation in vessel operations, marine construction, and marine resource subject areas
- Place-based, maritime-focused trips in collaboration with partner organizations and businesses from shipyards to science labs
Your unique blend of education and maritime skills will enhance our operations and instructional capacity. Your experiences demonstrate 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 an environment of belonging for all students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implement authentic and engaging maritime-focused curricula through project-based learning, including field trips, workshops, and trainings at Maritime High School and beyond
- Assist in the development of curriculum, lesson plans and instructional resources
- Provide direct instruction using inclusive instructional techniques to differentiate for and accommodate all students and learning styles in safe and inclusive learning environments
- Collaborate with maritime industry partners to design relevant and engaging learning opportunities for students that can support their career and educational growth
- Support the operational needs of Northwest Maritime’s Seattle-area programs, including gear inventory and maintenance, and program logistics at multiple sites
- Participate in implementing program evaluations and tracking of program alumni
- Contribute to a professional, collaborative, and enjoyable work environment by actively participating in staff training, team meetings, and shared planning
- Facilitate maritime engagement activities at community outreach events
GENERAL OPERATIONS
While the primary focus of this position is the direct planning and instruction of maritime-related experiences, the Maritime Education Instructor works as part of the entire NWM team. As a growing non-profit, we all pitch in for the heavy lifting, whether it's participating in all-hands projects and events or occasionally doing some literal heavy lifting.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in facilitating hands-on maritime education for middle and/or high school age students with a focus on developing their innate skills
- Strong professional skills including organization, time management, and accountability
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Demonstrated experience building relationships with students, families, and community partners
- Current CPR & First Aid 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, 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 the following areas: Vessel/ boat operations design or marine construction, engineering, design, and construction, marine sciences and resource management
- USCG Merchant Mariner Credential: 25T license and above
- Experience or certification as a paddling instructor or guide
- Experience teaching shop safety and woodworking
- Experience working with English Language Learners. Spanish and/or ASL fluency a plus
- Experience with Project Based Learning, Performance Assessment and/or Mastery-based Assessment
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Submit your resume with the online application.
- Deadline for applications: Open until filled, applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Priority given to applications received before July 27, 2026.
- Ideally the successful applicant will start in the position in August 2026
WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE
- Position will require onsite work primarily on the MHS Campus at 615 S 200th St, Des Moines, WA 98198 and in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood
- Regular shift is 8 am to 4 pm, with occasional adjustments due to programming schedule
- 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
WAGE RANGE & BENEFITS
- $26-$28 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
- Full details on benefits
NWM is committed to equal employment opportunity. 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.
