Maritime Education Instructor

Maritime High School (MHS) launched in the fall of 2021. A student-centered, equity-driven, maritime-focused endeavor, MHS is a unique school that is a collaborative project of Highline Public  Schools (HPS), Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC), Duwamish River Community Coalition (DRCC), and the Port of Seattle. As a newly launched school entering its third year, MHS is designed with community, family, and learner input. 

Maritime Education Instructors play an integral and collaborative role in the everyday operations of the school, including planning and implementing curriculum, collaborating with other staff to develop projects, mentoring students in life, career, and academic skills, and contributing to the design and function of a new school. You will utilize your experience in experiential project-based learning, curriculum and lesson plan development, youth mentorship, and maritime-related industries to lead students in a variety of contexts, including:

• A variety of maritime-related lessons aboard our 39-foot educational vessel, Admiral Jack including Vessel operations and Marine science
• Certificated 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

We love working with team members who are:

• Passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in the maritime industry
• Value and work towards safe learning environments for all students. 
• Committed to developing a strong sense of belonging for students, families, coworkers, and community
• Flexible and willing to help out wherever is needed in this innovative and new school environment
• Dedicated to student-centered learning environments in which individual students’ strengths and passions are highlighted and celebrated
• Innovative in project-design and group facilitation
• Curious about place-based history and current events, especially around Seattle, the Duwamish River, and Puget Sound
• Eager to join, build, and sustain community

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and ability to work with and understand the developmental nature of our young people with a focus on developing their assets

• 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 

• 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.

• Current CPR & FA certification or a willingness to enroll in classes upon hiring

• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn Maritime Skills

• Valid WA State Driver’s License

HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience teaching in a 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 

• 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 and cover letter with the online application.

• Deadline for applications: Open until filled, application review begins July 14, 2023

• Ideally the successful applicant will start in the position in early August 2023

WORK LOCATION & SCHEDULE

• Position will require onsite work at 615 S 200th St, Des Moines, WA 98198, and reports to campus or work location a minimum of 30 minutes before the start of instruction 

• Main NWMC Offices are located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368

• Position is full-time, 40 hours/week for 10 months (furloughed for the summer)

• Reports to: MHS Maritime Education Manager

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NWMC is an equal-opportunity employer, striving towards being an antiracist and inclusive organization. Our staff 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 maritime industry, advocacy, and nonprofit work.