Robotics Coach – Middle School

Department: Teaching and Learning

Reports To: Student Activities and Grant Coordinator

Time: August through December 2025

JOB SUMMARY

The Middle School FTC Coach is responsible for leading and mentoring a team of middle school students in the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics program. The coach will guide students through the engineering design process, foster teamwork and problem-solving skills, and help the team prepare for and participate in competitions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Serve as the adult leader and mentor for the middle school FTC robotics team.
Organize and oversee regular after-school meetings and practice sessions.
Teach and support students in programming, engineering design, mechanical construction, and project documentation.
Guide students in following the official FTC game challenge, rules, and deadlines.
Promote student leadership and teamwork in a collaborative environment.
Ensure all safety guidelines and school district policies are followed during meetings and events.
Coordinate team registration, event logistics, transportation, and equipment needs in collaboration with school administration.
Communicate regularly with parents, students, and school staff about schedules, expectations, and progress.
Facilitate the team’s participation in local, regional, and state competitions.
Foster an inclusive, encouraging environment for students of all backgrounds and skill levels.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in STEM or education fields preferred.
Experience working with students in grades 6–8 preferred.
Basic understanding of robotics, programming (e.g., Java, Blocks), and engineering principles, or a willingness to learn.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to supervise students in a hands-on, project-based setting.
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Must be able to pass a background check as required by the school district.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 2–3 days per week after school during the FTC season
Additional time required for competitions, preparation, and team events as scheduled.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Waverly Community Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (517) 319-3031) or msavage@waverlyk12.net.

Robotics Coach - Middle School