About Urban Boatbuilders:
Urban Boatbuilders empowers youth to succeed in work and life through
woodworking and experiential learning. More than 1,000 youth each year develop
social and emotional skills, technical woodworking skills, and a connection to their
local waterways through the partnership and apprenticeship programs.
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 diverse candidates for
all positions.
Title: Apprenticeship Coordinator .75 FTE (30 hrs)
Program Description: The Apprenticeship Program is a paid work-readiness
program serving underserved youth ages 16-21 facing barriers to employment. Over
the course of 11-16 weeks, youth apprentices build boats and engage in weekly
workshops and daily reflections all while developing SEL, STEM, and technical
woodworking skills. Weekly workshops cover topics from workplace etiquette to
financial literacy, as well as resume building and mock employment interviews. In
2019, the Apprenticeship Program served 40 youth who built 9 boats, 40
paddles/toolboxes, completed 20 workshops/field trips, took 3 multi-day wilderness
trips, including a 5-day excursion in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
During 2020, the program served youth remotely.
Position Description: Urban Boatbuilders is seeking an energetic individual
passionate about youth empowerment and hands-on learning to facilitate youth
empowerment programming and coordinate critical program logistics. The
Apprenticeship Coordinator will lead a crew consisting of eight to ten youth two days
a week, co-facilitate large group workshops one day a week, and be present at the
shop to support the other crew the remaining two days of the work week. During the
summer, the coordinator will lead a crew four days a week.
The coordinator will work collaboratively with program staff to create a safe and
productive learning environment. They will also develop and facilitate educational
curriculum that supports youths’ goals while refining youths’ workplace and planning
skills. This person will aid in navigating and addressing negative youth behaviors and
helping intervene during key moments to promote youth growth and healthy team
dynamics.
This team member is responsible for half of the program’s logistical coordination in
order to facilitate a program that meets youths’ needs, and fosters creativity and
personal growth. One day each week, the coordinator will co-teach with their
counterpart. See the description below for a more complete list.
Ideal applicants have a history of engaging young people through project-based
learning, experience working with diverse populations, and building positive
relationships with youth and community members. Candidates should have
excellent organizational skills, enjoy working with a team, and be adept at managing
a multi-faceted program. We seek candidates that love hands-on learning and
encourage youth to try new things and learn through experience.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Manage and support logistics of the apprenticeship program for 16-22
students ages 16 – 21. Logistics include but are not limited to: supply
coordination, youth hiring and recruiting, seeking out resources for youth, and
managing program volunteers.
● Teach 3-4.5 hour long program sessions
● Collaboratively develop and implement program curriculum surrounding:
Woodworking, Career Readiness, and Social and Emotional Learning
● Coordinate workshops, special programming, on-water days, and field trips
● Facilitate lessons, team building activities, workshops, and reflection sessions
● Assess the needs of youth participants and seek resources to support success
● Provide mentorship for youth to achieve their individual, interpersonal, and
group goals, and give youth regular feedback
● Conduct outreach to partners and referral sources to recruit youth
● Support co-instructors through program coordination and co-facilitation
● Compile program data and compose quarterly apprenticeship grant reports.
● Support development, implementation, and utilization of apprenticeship
program evaluation systems to improve programming
● Maintain a safe, and respectful environment
● Assist with the management and construction of boats
● Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
● Experience working with diverse populations
● Experience in the field of youth development or teaching, preferably
project-based learning
● Excellent organizational skills, dependability, and capacity to manage time
● Excellent collaboration skills and enthusiasm for team teaching
● Ability to motivate a group of young people while fostering their potential
● Excellent communication skills
● Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs
● Must pass a Minnesota Child Protection Background Check once offered
position
● Valid driver’s license, safe driving history, and a reliable vehicle (mileage
reimbursement will be provided for necessary travel)
Preferred skills:
● Social work experience
● Building experience, preferably boatbuilding and woodworking
● First Aid/ Wilderness First Aid/ Wilderness First Responder Certification
● Wilderness based leadership experience, ideally with youth
Schedule:
Position starts no later than August 30th, 2021
Composition of hours will vary based on programming needs and the season:
Fall and Spring Schedule (teaching schedule may vary)
M- F 2:30pm-6:30pm
12 hours teaching
8 hours days of administrative hours and onsite instructor support
The remaining 10 hours a week are flexible administrative and project
driven hours. These may vary based on youth and organizational needs
Total: 30 hours per week
Summer Schedule(teaching schedule may vary)
M 12:30-5:30
T-TH 9:00am- 5:00pm
15- 20 hours teaching
10-15 hours administrative work
Total: 30 hours per week
Compensation:
• $29,000 – $30,000/yr depending on experience
• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, HSA, Simple-IRA,
Paid holidays and vacation.
To Apply:
Application deadline is Friday, July 30th, 2021. Please email your cover letter and
resume to Dennis Walsh, Program Director, at [email protected]