Robotics Coach / Robotics Instructor
Reports To: School Administration
Classification: Part-Time or Teaching Assignment Add-On
Location: Olive Knolls Christian School
Position Summary
Olive Knolls Christian School is seeking a mission-aligned, relational, and growth-minded Robotics Coach / Robotics Instructor to help lead and develop our robotics program with excellence, structure, and vision. This individual will play an important role in shaping students not only in technical skill, but also in character, teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.
The right candidate will understand that robotics at Olive Knolls is more than an extracurricular activity. It is an opportunity to help students think critically, work collaboratively, compete honorably, and use their gifts in a way that reflects discipline, creativity, and stewardship. This role may be part-time or may be combined with a broader teaching role depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the needs of the school.
We are looking for someone who can maintain and build upon the strength of the existing program while helping students grow in both competence and confidence.
Core Purpose of the Role
The Robotics Coach / Robotics Instructor is responsible for leading, organizing, and developing the school’s robotics program in a way that promotes technical learning, strong team culture, student growth, and competitive excellence. This includes teaching foundational and advanced robotics concepts, preparing students for competitions, and fostering a culture of teamwork, ownership, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Robotics Instruction and Program Leadership
- Lead robotics instruction for students participating in the school’s robotics program.
- Teach relevant concepts related to robotics, engineering design, coding, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
- Help students understand both the technical and strategic aspects of robotics competition.
- Build on the school’s current robotics program and help strengthen its consistency, quality, and long-term development.
- Create an environment where students are challenged, supported, and equipped to grow.
2. Team Development and Student Growth
- Cultivate a strong team culture marked by responsibility, collaboration, perseverance, and excellence.
- Help students learn how to work effectively on teams, solve problems under pressure, and communicate well.
- Encourage leadership, initiative, and maturity in students as they participate in the program.
- Support students in developing both technical skill and character.
- Help students represent the school well in conduct, sportsmanship, and preparation.
3. Competition Preparation and Oversight
- Prepare students and teams for robotics competitions throughout the season.
- Organize practice plans, build schedules, deadlines, and readiness benchmarks.
- Oversee the preparation, testing, and refinement of robots for competition.
- Travel to and supervise competitions as needed, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Help ensure students are prepared, organized, and equipped for success in competition settings.
4. Collaboration with Staff and School Leadership
- Communicate regularly with school leadership regarding schedules, needs, student development, and program progress.
- Collaborate with teachers, aides, and administration when student support, scheduling, or coordination is needed.
- Work within the broader life and rhythm of the school with professionalism and flexibility.
- Support school-wide excellence by ensuring the robotics program reflects the values and expectations of Olive Knolls Christian School.
5. Stewardship and Organization
- Help manage robotics materials, tools, equipment, and supplies responsibly.
- Maintain organization of build spaces, resources, and student work areas.
- Assist in identifying needs for materials, repairs, and future program growth.
- Promote a culture of stewardship, responsibility, and respect for equipment and shared spaces.
Who This Person Needs to Be
The right person for this role is not simply someone who knows robotics. They are someone who can teach, lead, motivate, and develop students well.
They should be someone who:
- Deeply aligns with the mission and culture of a Christian school
- Enjoys working with students and helping them grow
- Is organized, dependable, and proactive
- Can teach clearly and lead patiently
- Values excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Brings energy, maturity, and encouragement to the program
- Can challenge students while also building their confidence
- Understands how to balance competitiveness with strong character and sportsmanship
Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Formal training, educational background, or demonstrated experience in robotics, engineering, STEM, coding, or a related field preferred
- Experience working with students in an educational, coaching, camp, club, or mentorship setting preferred
- Ability to teach technical concepts in a clear and age-appropriate way
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead teams and prepare students for competition
- Experience with school robotics programs or student competitions preferred
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Work Rhythm and Expectations
This role may be structured as a part-time position or as an added responsibility within a broader teaching role. Historically, robotics has often been taught by a current faculty member, but the school is open to qualified part-time candidates as well.
The program rhythm may include:
- Elective teaching times, especially Tuesdays and Thursdays
- After-school practices
- Competition days on weekends
- Occasional Saturday events if teams advance to higher-level competition
The candidate should be prepared for a schedule that flexes with the needs of the program and competition season.
Measures of Success
Success in this role will be reflected in:
- A healthy and organized robotics program
- Students growing in technical skill, responsibility, and confidence
- Strong team culture and collaboration
- Thoughtful preparation for competitions
- Continued program strength and development over time
- Students representing the school with excellence and character
Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
