Associate Instructor Online Education

Gemological Institute of America; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA seeks an experienced instructor to deliver Gemology courses across online and in-person formats. You will guide student outcomes, review material, and manage LMS activities using Brightspace and Jenzabar.

The role requires a Graduate Gemologist diploma and 3+ years of industry experience, with a willingness to travel for teaching locations as needed. Hybrid work schedule with in-office days, competitive benefits, and opportunities to advance

Qualifications

• High School diploma and Graduate Gemologist diploma with 3+ years of trade experience required.
• LMS experience (Brightspace/Jenzabar) preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Creates and presents course material reviews via Zoom and PowerPoint for Pearls, Diamonds, Colored Stones and Gem ID courses.
• Utilizes Brightspace to post timely announcements and discussion prompts.
• Receives, corrects and processes student assignments and examinations.
• Provides written results and feedback to students via Brightspace.
• Instructs students in Online Education Gemology Program and ancillary courses in person, via Zoom and e‑mail.
• Manages student workroom setup and equipment.
• May travel and teach in other locations as needed.
• Keeps current with industry trends.

Skills

Gemology knowledge

Gem identification equipment

Online instruction

LMS experience

Education

Graduate Gemologist diploma

Bachelor’s degree in related field (desirable)

Tools

Brightspace

Jenzabar

MS Office

Job description

Company Overview

The Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 600 of its 3,000 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment.

Location

The Location: Overlooking the iconic Flower Fields & Pacific Ocean, this position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters. We offer a hybrid schedule with 3 days in the office (subject to change), provided if metrics such as productivity and the quality of the deliverables are achieved.

Environment

The Environment: On-site cafe - affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks! Economic friendly services - electric vehicle charging stations on-site

Culture

The Culture: At GIA, our people are at the center of everything we do. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and curiosity, where teams learn from one another, celebrate successes and grow together while doing meaningful work with real impact. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute their best. That commitment extends to employee well-being, with robust benefits tailored by location, including medical insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, life insurance and more. Passionate people coming together with a shared purpose—that’s life at GIA.

What to Expect

We offer competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans (no vesting required) Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits

JOB OVERVIEW

Provides instruction for assigned classes, courses, or lab classes and guides student outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and presents course material reviews via Zoom and PowerPoint for Pearls, Diamonds, Colored Stones and Gem ID courses.
• Utilizes Brightspace to post timely announcements and discussion board prompts.
• Receives, corrects and processes student assignments and examinations.
• Provides written results and feedback to students by email via Brightspace.
• Instructs students in Online Education Gemology Program and ancillary courses in person and via telephone, Zoom and e‑mail.
• Provides and assists students in navigating and using Learning Management System (LMS)/Brightspace for virtual classroom learning.
• Performs various assignments relating to the updating of education stone sets, key cards, course materials, notes, etc., on the Carlsbad campus.
• Assists students in proper usage of gemological identification equipment (i.e., microscope, refractometer, tweezers, polariscope, dichroscope, etc.); also assists students in understanding course content by using texts and other resource materials, and explaining information in simple and understandable language.
• Initiates student support, provides advice, and motivation to Online Education students to assist them in successfully completing their course work.
• Collaborates with other instructors and staff to develop and continuously improve education delivery methods.
• Manages student workroom setup (e.g., gathering of materials, managing equipment / materials appropriately, etc.).
• Ensures administrative student workroom responsibilities are completed in a timely manner (e.g., attendance, assessments, posting grades, documentation, etc.).
• May participate in student orientation and/or graduation activities, as needed.
• May support other functional areas, as needed.
• May be required to travel and teach in other locations or work various shifts, as needed.
• Stays current with industry trends (follows industry publications, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

In-depth knowledge of gemstones, diamonds, gem identification equipment, and understanding of the jewelry industry. Ability and willingness to meet all minimum requirements mandated by federal, state, local, accrediting, and other regulatory bodies to be a GIA Instructor. Professional Development: Meets annual professional development requirements as defined by management. Knowledge: Sound industry gemological knowledge Language skills: ability to read, comprehend and follow standard procedures or instruction (proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in English required) Communication skills: ability to communicate complex info in a simplified and clear manner; can communicate effectively with students on achievement or lack of achievement of goals, able to develop and modify communication strategies to deliver difficult messages to students. Interpersonal skills: ability to create positive interactions with students; actively communicates with co-workers, students or with management in a timely & professional manner; maintains collaborative working relationship with others and peers to improve student performance Personal accountability: continually improves performance; takes personal accountability for decisions, actions & outcomes Time management / organizational skills: Manages time and priorities appropriately - approaches work in an organized and systematic manner. Able to monitor student progress (strengths / weaknesses) in an effort to meet student needs Strong computer skills (MS Office, email, etc., Jenzabar and/or Brightspace preferred) Flexibility: able to adapt to change, able to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail. Able to adapt learning styles to meet student needs. Able to travel and/or work alternative shifts as needed. Conflict resolution: able to settle differences in productive ways while minimizing disruptions. Ability to communicate and enforce policies via email, Zoom, phone and in the classroom (willingness to confront issues) Teamwork: Ability to communicate and collaborate well with cross-functional and supporting departments (facilities, admissions, education technology, etc.) Maintains & fosters sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity in and out of the classroom Decision quality and problem solving: identify potential problems, articulate / classify issues and able to determine next steps; apply sound analytical and reasoning skills during the problem-solving process; analyze the data gathered and reach a solution or provide a summary for a management decision when required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma, Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and 3+ years of trade experience required.
• The following is desirable: Bachelor’s degree in related field Additional related training (GJ, JDT, FGA, etc.) Retail management experience 2+ years of teaching, mentoring or training experience Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) Bilingual in Spanish or Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT (if applicable)

Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment. Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, and other business related machines and software release is a violation of Company policy.

Pay

$75,100

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer

This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.

Working at GIA

With a reach that spans the globe — GIA is a nonprofit institute dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry through cutting edge gemological research and rigorous education programs. We have shaped the gem industry, protected millions of consumers and taught generations of jewelers and gemologists all over the world since 1931. Comprising over 3,000 employees in 13 countries, GIA is a place of diversity, innovation, creativity and engagement. Whether you are passionate about science, history, design, education, IT or a corporate career, GIA has a place for you. Join one of the world’s most colorful and brilliant industries with an organization that serves the public good by bringing knowledge and objectivity to gems and jewelry.

What GIA Does

Research that deepens the world’s understanding of gems and jewelry manufacturing and shares these findings with academia, the industry, and the gem-buying public Education that builds careers and enhances the knowledge and integrity of the gem and jewelry industry Standard setting that protects those who buy gems by ensuring the qualities of gems and jewelry are objectively and consistently described Laboratory services that provide an unbiased and scientific assessment of gem quality

Employee Benefits

GIA offers competitive salaries and exceptional benefits as well as training opportunities to employees all over the globe. An Equal Opportunity Employer All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Crime Statistics (For U.S. Only)

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, GIA's current annual crime statistics are available at: Clery Report: Annual Disclosure of Campus Security Policies and Crime Statistics