PWSC Adjunct Faculty - Introduction to Maritime Trades

Adjunct Instructor for MT A102:
Introduction to Maritime Trades

Prince William Sound College is seeking a qualified adjunct instructor to teach MT A102:
Introduction to Maritime Trades during the Spring 2027 semester. This is a 2-credit Career and Technical Education course that introduces students to seaside and shoreside maritime vocations. The course covers maritime facilities, dockside heavy machinery, common ship-loading procedures, nonverbal signaling, maritime water safety and survivability, boat identification, basic navigation, chart reading and plotting, and introductory marine engine maintenance.

Course Schedule

Semester:
Spring 2027

Course: MT A102 Introduction to Maritime Trades

Credits: 2 credits

Schedule:

Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Length: 15 weeks

Location:

Prince William Sound College, Valdez, Alaska

The adjunct instructor will be responsible for delivering classroom and hands-on instruction in accordance with the approved course curriculum and learning objectives. The course is intended to provide students with an introduction to the skills, terminology, safety practices, and operational knowledge needed to enter maritime trades. Instruction will include both lecture and lab-based activities. The course also prepares students to take the National Center for Construction Education and Research, or NCCER, certification exam in Introduction to Maritime Trades.

Course Topics

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Shoreside maritime facilities, including petroleum, explosives, and passenger terminals
• Dockside tools, machinery, vehicles, and heavy equipment
• Common ship-loading procedures
• Proper use of hand signaling and nonverbal communication
• Identification of major vessel types
• Maritime water safety and survivability
• Personal Flotation Device, or PFD, use, maintenance, and repair
• Basic navigation, buoys, maritime rules of the road, maps, and charts
• Chart reading and plotting
• Introductory marine engine maintenance, including inboard and outboard motors
• Introduction to boilers and other maritime systems

To thrive in this role, applicants should have relevant marine service, maritime, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, vessel operations, or related technical experience. Previous teaching or training experience, particularly in vocational or technical education settings, is highly desirable. Successful applicants will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and motivate students from diverse backgrounds. Adjunct instructors should be committed to promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports student success and achievement.

Applicants should be comfortable providing hands-on technical instruction, reinforcing safe work practices, and helping students develop entry-level skills for marine service and maritime-related occupations. The ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and stakeholders to enhance program quality and relevance is also important.

Minimum Qualifications:

Relevant maritime industry, vessel operations, marine service, port operations, or shoreside maritime experience. Familiarity with maritime safety practices, vessel identification, dockside operations, navigation, chart reading, and marine systems. Experience providing hands-on training or technical instruction. Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively with students from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. NCCER familiarity or instructor certification preferred, but not required.

Applicants will be assessed based on their academic background, industry experience, teaching or training experience, and potential to deliver high-quality instruction to undergraduate students.

This position is located on the Prince William Sound College campus in Valdez. This is an adjunct represented temporary position. New hires will be placed on the adjunct salary schedule as outlined in the UNAD CBA.

This is a pooled position and applications are reviewed as needed. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on…