Lead Instructor- Youth Sail Program

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Lead Instructor - Youth Learn to Sail Program

Spend your summer months as a Learn to Sail Lead Instructor, teaching youth to sail on a fleet of Optis, 420s, and FJs. You will teach 8 to 18‑year‑old students from beginner to advanced level sailing, communicate with parents, and uphold all NWM safety policies and procedures.

The Learn to Sail Lead Instructor is responsible for managing the program under the guidance of the Summer Program Coordinator. You will teach classes, manage Assistant Instructors, communicate with parents, and uphold all NWM safety policies and procedures. The Learn to Sail Lead Instructor is expected to be a strong leader and an outstanding role model for both the Assistant Instructors and the participants.

• Have a proactive work ethic– willing to jump in and help in any aspect of programming when necessary
• Love to create a fun, inclusive, and safe atmosphere for learning
• Communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and are flexible in dynamic situations

• Develop daily lesson plans in keeping with the class content as presented in the program description, including facilitating a shore‑side program in inclement weather.
• Ensure that all boats and safety equipment are prepared for each day of programming, in cooperation with the Programs Operations Coordinator and the Summer Program Coordinator.
• Complete and follow all required and necessary daily paperwork and related guidelines, i.e., lesson plans, incident reports (as needed), class actuals, maintenance/equipment log.
• Participation in pre‑season setup and postseason teardown of the program.
• Participation in the Staff Orientation - date to be determined.
• Other duties as assigned by the Summer Program Coordinator.

While this position’s primary focus is sailing instruction, the Learn to Sail Lead Instructor works as part of the entire NWM team, ensuring smooth operations. As a growing non‑profit, we all pitch in for the heavy lifting, whether it’s participating in all‑hands projects and events, assisting visitors, or occasionally doing some literal heavy lifting.

• 3+ years of experience teaching or participating in a sail training environment.
• Current US Sailing Level 1 or 2 Small boat Instructor.
• Experience in boat handling: small row boats, sailboats, and inflatables.
• Good understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or training plan.
• CDC “Heads Up” online concussion training or training plan.
• Knowledge of safe boating practices with considerable sailing experience.
• Work offers are contingent on a satisfactory pre‑employment background check.

• Complete the online application.

• Position will require onsite work.
• NWM main offices are located at 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368.
• Position is seasonal, June 25 to August 28, 2026, up to 40 hours/week.
• Reports to:
  
  Waterfront Programs Manager.

• $21-22 per hour, non‑exempt.
• Paid time off: accrues 1 hour of sick time for every 25 hours worked.
• Employee discounts.
• Additional benefits:
  Subsidized housing (you pay $300/month in rent). Housing option includes a bed in a shared room in the crew house in Port Townsend. There is a shared kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and laundry facilities.

NWM is committed to equal employment opportunity, striving towards being an antiracist and inclusive organization. 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.