About Urban Boatbuilders:

Urban Boatbuilders is a youth development organization and our mission is “to empower youth to build the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and life through woodworking and experiential learning.” We serve hundreds of youth each year. Through our Partnership Program and Apprenticeship Program, youth develop technical woodworking skills, social and emotional learning skills, and a connection to their local waterways.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

We believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment that enhances our ability to pursue our mission and support youth. We are committed to building an organization that fosters inclusivity and equity among members of the community. Our organization actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates for all positions. We are committed to supporting and training our employees.

Position: Youth Development Building Instructor, multiple positions available
Position Status: Part time temporary; Hourly, non-exempt. See project descriptions below.
Urban Boatbuilders Compensation and Benefits
• Compensation: $22/hour
• Earned Sick and Safe Time

Position Description
The Youth Development Building Instructor facilitates and manages building classes with small groups of K-12 youth of diverse backgrounds in both an in-school and after-school program model. The position is focused on creating a safe work environment, managing building projects, fostering a positive team culture, and teaching technical skills. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate a commitment to engaging young people of diverse backgrounds through project-based learning and building positive relationships with youth and community members. A woodworking background is not necessary to be considered for this position.

Program Description and Schedules – All times reflect the hours spent with youth. Some additional planning and prep time is available outside of the listed hours. There will also be additional paid training hours prior to program start dates. The timing of training will be based on instructor availability. Additional opportunities may become available for future projects. Please look closely at the provided schedules and be sure you are able to work the schedule before applying.

Duties Include
• Coordinate and collaborate with school partners and coworkers to plan and implement youth empowerment programming
• Train youth to safely use power tools and hand tools
• Assess and meet the needs of youth participants
• Develop lesson plans and daily strategies to challenge and engage youth
• Facilitate activities and reflections around social and emotional learning topics
• Create and maintain a safe, respectful environment, encouraging curiosity and experimentation
• Collaborate with partner staff to manage group dynamics and behavior
• Provide coaching and mentorship for youth to achieve their individual, interpersonal, and group goals
• Provide youth with regular feedback to foster growth
• Manage class pacing and build progress
• Develop and maintain a respectful supportive relationship between Partner and Urban Boatbuilders staff
• Execute necessary administrative duties to support the program

Required Qualification
• Experience working with youth of diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Positive attitude and exceptional collaboration skills
• Experience or interest in fields of education, youth development, and social work
• Ability to motivate a group of young people while fostering their potential
• Ability to uphold high standards set by the community
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, dependability, and capacity to manage time, tools, and classroom dynamics
• Reliable transportation to and from project sites
• Ability to lift boats, lumber, or equipment of 35 lbs. or heavier. Urban Boatbuilders will make appropriate accommodations and support folks who are unable or have difficulty doing so.
• Upon offer of employment, a candidate will be required to pass a Minnesota Child Protection background check.

Preferred Qualifications
• Ability to respond appropriately and creatively to the youth’s behaviors and building complications as they arise
• Experience creating and implementing youth programming or curriculum
• Building experience, preferably boat building and woodworking
• Paddling experience, preferably with youth

Project 1
Partner: Metro State TRIO Upward Bound
Project: Longboards
Program Dates: June 20 to July 21, 2023
Schedule: Instructor will be on-site 4 days/week, Tuesday – Friday. Class meets from 1:00pm to 3:10pm. 3 paid work hours per class day.

Details:
● Instructors will be working with a cohort of 10 students.
● No classes July 4

Training: Skateboard building, riding safety, youth development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training provided. Training dates will be determined based on new hires’ schedules and availability.

Project 2
Partner: Saint Paul Community Education Summer Programs
Project: Longboards
Program Dates: July 10 to July 21, 2023
Schedule: Instructor will be on-site 5 days/week, Monday – Friday. Class meets from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. 4 paid work hours per class day.

Details:
Instructors will be working with a cohort of 10 students.

Training: Skateboard building, riding safety, youth development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training provided. Training dates will be determined based on new hires’ schedules and availability.

To Apply:
Please send your cover letter and resume to Ed Daugherty, Partnership Program Manager at [email protected] In the email, please indicate which of the listed projects you are available for. There will be an immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications.

Let’s Connect

Interested in our programs, boats, volunteering, or supporting youth in other creative ways?