FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Teams Mentor (As Soon as Possible- meeting weekly through April 2027)

Francis W. Parker School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Francis W. Parker School in Chicago seeks a FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Teams Mentor to guide upper school students in designing, building and programming competition robots. The role is hands-on, with two weekly after-school sessions, weekend work, and travel to competitions.

You will mentor students through the engineering process, foster teamwork, and participate in monthly mentor meetings. Prior FIRST Robotics experience and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be able to mentor and engage adolescents effectively.
• Ability to communicate with students, mentors, parents, and administration.
• Substantial FIRST Robotics experience as participant or mentor.
• Deep knowledge of FIRST Robotics competition culture, rules, and game format.
• Specialized knowledge in engineering and/or programming.
• Ability to model and guide the engineering process and teamwork.
• Demonstrated leadership with student teams and mentors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee two weekly after school work sessions, weekly Saturday work sessions and competition events.
• Mentor and guide students through the process of researching, designing, building, programming, testing and driving robots for use in competitions.
• Foster and manage teamwork skills.
• Attend anywhere from 4 to 7 robotics competitions.
• Attend monthly mentor meetings.
• Other related activities.

Skills

Mentorship with adolescents

Communication

FIRST Robotics experience

FIRST culture knowledge

Engineering knowledge

Programming knowledge

Leadership skills

Tools

CAD experience

3D printing

Laser cutting

Fabrication skills

Job description

FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Teams Mentor

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a mentor for our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics teams. Each team is composed of 10-15 student participants. This is a hands-on mentoring opportunity, working with Upper School students in team building activities and engineering a robot for competition. Program initiatives are supported by the head coach, assistant coach, faculty, staff and other mentors.

This position averages 5-10 hours per week during the competition season.

Essential Functions

• Oversee two weekly after school work sessions, weekly Saturday work sessions and competition events.


• Mentor and guide students through the process of researching, designing, building, programming, testing and driving robots for use in competitions.


• Foster and manage teamwork skills.


• Attend anywhere from 4 to 7 robotics competitions.


• Attend monthly mentor meetings.


• Other related activities.

Required Qualifications

• Affinity and enthusiasm to work with adolescents.


• Ability to communicate with Upper School students and adult mentors, as well as parents and administration.


• Substantial experience with FIRST Robotics as either a participant or mentor.


• Comprehensive knowledge of FIRST Robotics competition culture, rules, and game format.


• Specialized knowledge and experience in engineering and/or programming.


• Ability to demonstrate, model and guide students through the engineering process.


• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills with student team members and adult mentors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Substantial programming experience


• Substantial CAD experience


• FIRST Robotics coaching experience


• 3D printing, laser cutting, and part fabrication experience

Compensation

$30/hour for a maximum of 100 hours; this position is not eligible for benefits

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.