Motorboat Operator -Training Course Instructor Pool (Short Term) - 2026/2027

Oregon State University; Newport; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon State University’s Marine Operations unit seeks hourly, short-term Motorboat Operator Training Course Instructors to join an on-call pool for up to one year in Newport, OR. The role supports delivery of MOTC, ensuring safety and instructor-student ratios across diverse sites.

Under supervision of the Boating Safety Officer, you will adapt instruction for adult learners, maintain logs, and collaborate with SBP to uphold university safety policies. Contact Dan Battaglia for details.

Qualifications

• Completion of the Motorboat Operator Instructor Training Course (MOITC) or equivalent.
• Experience teaching MOTC or equivalent within the last 5 years.
• Ability to teach adult learners and adapt to varying environments.
• Experience operating small boats and maintaining safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Deliver established MOTC curriculum in classroom, dockside, and on-water settings.
• Tailor instruction to adult learners and OSU-affiliated researchers.
• Create and revise teaching aids, checklists, and learning materials.
• Coordinate with Boating Safety Officer and instructors to align with safety policies.
• Maintain instructional logs and compliance records for audit purposes.

Skills

Adult learning

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Communication skills

Education

MOITC or equivalent

Job description

Department

Marine Operations

Position Overview

Oregon State University's Marine Operations unit is seeking hourly, short-term Motorboat Operator Training Course Instructors. These are full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month positions. These positions are expected to last up to one year from appointment date. These positions are located in Newport, Oregon.

Under the supervision of the Boating Safety Officer (BSO), the Motorboat Operator Training Instructor contributes to the delivery and coordination of OSU's Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC)-a required safety certification for faculty, staff, students, and research collaborators who operate small boats in support of education and research. This intermittent position is part of a qualified instructional pool that helps ensure training compliance and student-to-instructor ratio requirements are met during MOTC sessions.

The Motorboat Operator Training Instructor plays a critical role in implementing hands-on, competency-based learning in classroom, field, and on-water settings. Working independently and in collaboration with the Small Boat Program (SBP) team, this position helps ensure the successful delivery, review, and improvement of watercraft safety instruction across diverse instructional sites and audiences.

As one of only three Land, Sea, Space and Sun Grant universities in the nation, OSU serves Oregon and the world through our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, our marine research center in Newport, field station in Port Orford, and our award-winning E-campus. With over $400 million in competitive research awards per year, OSU continues to lead the way with practical, impact-driven research that improves lives, protects natural resources, and generates economic growth to transform our future.

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact: Dan Battaglia at [e-mail]

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver established curriculum for the Motorboat Operator Training Course in classroom, dockside, and on-water environments.
• Tailor instructional approaches to meet the needs of adult learners and OSU-affiliated research personnel.
• Help create and revise teaching aids, checklists, and supplementary learning materials.
• Collaborate with the Boating Safety Officer and other instructors to ensure consistency and alignment with university safety policies.
• Assist in maintaining accurate instructional logs and compliance records for audit purposes.

Qualifications

• Completion of the Motorboat Operator Instructor Training Course (MOITC) or equivalent.
• Documented experience participating in the instruction of at least one MOTC or equivalent course within the past 3 years, and one within the past 5 years.
• Demonstrated skill in teaching, training, or instructional delivery for adult learners.
• Demonstrated experience operating small boats in a range of environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of learners and colleagues.
• Familiarity with the maintenance and safe operation of small boats and equipment (e.g., outboard motors, trailers).
• Competence in using computers for communication, recordkeeping, and data entry.
• Ability to foster an inclusive learning environment and embrace a diverse set of ideas, perspectives and backgrounds.
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a "Lead Instructor" or "Course Administrator" from the Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) or the U.S. Department of the Interior Watercraft Safety Program.
• Authorization to teach advanced MOTC modules (e.g., Open Water, River, or Non-Motorized Modules).
• Experience coordinating instructional activities with multiple partners or stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive education and safety practices.
• Experience assisting with program evaluation, training material development, or peer instructional review.

Working Conditions / Schedule

This is an on call, as needed position. Working dates and hours will be arranged in advance.

Regular outdoor work in a variety of field settings including rivers, bays, and offshore marine environments.

Exposure to inclement weather and cold-water conditions.

Frequent lifting, loading, and transport of equipment.