Youth Programs Educator

Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Youth Programs Educator

This six-month gig of nautical excitement (mid-April to the end of September) is tailor-made for the science, sailing, and STEM enthusiast – because, let’s face it, these things float your boat. If you’re the type who gets a kick out of guiding students through the mysteries of the sea by tying knots, belting out sea shanties, and nailing that elusive synchronized rowing stroke, grab an oar!

As a Youth Programs Educator
, you’ll be inspiring students aged 5 to 17 in maritime experiences and team-building activities because the sea is the most powerful teacher we know. In the spring and fall, you’ll be honing your science inquiry skills while sailing and unleashing your leadership skills for ashore and afloat programs. Come summer, you’ll be engaging with kids on the water, stirring up wonder and curiosity.

This role emphasizes a sea-soaked, sun-fueled approach to learning and exploration.

If you’ve got a go-getter attitude and are ready to dive into any part of the programming action when needed, 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 work and collaboration. 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, with each day offering a new opportunity to see something cool.

• Spark wonder and curiosity on land and water in a hands-on, engaging way for elementary through high school students, including facilitating shoreside programming in inclement weather
• Facilitate daily activities aligned with class content as presented in the program description and curriculum
• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Spring and Fall Season – During overnight Salish Sea Expeditions, you will guide 5th–12th grade students in crafting and executing marine science research projects, overseeing activities onboard a tall ship or other sailing vessels or on land, conducting experiments, maintaining scientific equipment, and providing support during pre-classroom visits. During a Maritime Discovery Program, you deliver maritime skills training, team building, and on-land/on-water instruction at Northwest Maritime.

Summer Season – As a Messing About in Boats Instructor, you will work collaboratively as a team to teach and manage the program under the guidance of the Summer Program Coordinator. You will lead 5 to 10-year-old students in experiences to have fun and increase comfort on the water, in the spirit of adventure and discovery. You will also communicate with parents, create curriculum, and manage teaching assistants.

While this position’s primary responsibility is facilitating learning experiences, the Youth Programs Educator position will work as part of the NWM team to ensure smooth operations for the organization as a whole. This could include providing information to visitors to NWM and helping out in projects and events that require all-hands-on-deck, to helping tie up a vessel coming into our dock because you happen to be standing there.

We all pitch in for the heavy lifting now and then—sometimes this is metaphorical; occasionally, we all have to actually help lift something heavy.

• 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…