Volunteer Opportunities at Northwest Maritime
Volunteers support our mission all year long!
We have a dedicated team of volunteers working with us throughout the year, including over 500 volunteers for the Wooden Boat Festival alone. We are always eager to have new folks join us. Explore our volunteer pages to discover ways you can be involved with the Wooden Boat Festival, our races, or year-round at Northwest Maritime.
New volunteers, please fill out a Volunteer Application, linked below. Returning volunteers, please make sure to sign our updated waiver each year.
- New Volunteers: Fill Out an Application
- Returning Volunteers: Sign 2025 Waiver
Volunteer For Our Events
Volunteer for Wooden Boat Festival
September
5-7, 2025
Volunteer for SEVENTY48
Race Start:
June 6, 2025
Volunteer for
WA360
Race Start:
June 28, 2025
Volunteer Year-round with Northwest Maritime
We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that suit different skills, interests, and schedules. Whether you’re interested in bartending in a lively setting, assisting in our office, or contributing to boat restoration, we have a role for you!
Explore our volunteer opportunities below, then fill out a volunteer application to get started.
Welcome Center
Help engage visitors and share the rich history of the sea at our Welcome Center. We’re looking for friendly volunteers to staff morning and afternoon shifts seven days a week. If you enjoy meeting people and have a passion for maritime history, this is the place for you.
Office Assistance
Support our operations by helping with office tasks such as:
- Greeting visitors and answering the main phone line
- Recruiting volunteers
- Managing emails and documents
- Assisting staff with various projects
Whether you’re experienced or looking to build your skills, your help is invaluable.
Docents
As a docent, you’ll play a vital role in connecting visitors to our maritime heritage. This could include guiding tours, demonstrating our ship simulator, or leading boat tours. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and knowledge levels.
Boatshop
Get hands-on experience with boat maintenance and restoration. You’ll assist in preserving both the Wooden Boat Foundation and Northwest Maritime boats, with tasks such as painting, tool maintenance, and shop cleanup.
Leadership Roles
Lead volunteer teams at events like R2AK or the Wooden Boat Festival. As a Captain, you’ll gain leadership experience by working closely with staff and helping plan and manage volunteer activities.
Year-Round Event Support
Help us with community and fundraising events, including She Tells Sea Tales, Maritime Career Expo, and the Tow Boat Golf Classic. Roles include:
- Event setup and teardown
- Bartending, ticket-taking, and concessions
- Shuttling racers and providing A/V support
Building & Docks Maintenance
If you enjoy physical work, help us maintain our facility, fleet, and docks. Tasks include painting, sanding, cleaning, and repairing boats and docks. We provide all necessary training, tools, and safety equipment.
On-the-Water Support
If you have boating experience, we occasionally need help with moving boats, guiding participants at events like the Wooden Boat Festival, or assisting with safety during the NWM adventure races.
Audio/Visual Tech Team
Join our A/V team to support events with presentations, video screenings, and more. Basic knowledge of A/V equipment is required, along with a willingness to learn. Our A/V Tech Captain ensures the team is well-trained and supported.
Ready to get involved?
Questions? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@nwmaritime.org or call 360.385.3628 ext. 115
Sign up for volunteer updates
“Volunteering IS connecting in Port Townsend, especially for someone who tends toward solitary pursuits. Four hours of work with a stranger is enough to cement regular chats whenever you cross paths. Faces familiar from shared volunteer shifts make so many of us feel buoyed everywhere we go in town.”
– Carol McCreary, NWM Volunteer
Did you know that thousands of companies provide incentives for their employees to volunteer with organizations like Northwest Maritime? Find out if your employer offers volunteer grants or Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO), and access the instructions and forms necessary to participate by using this tool.
