Upper School Robotics Assistant Coach

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 4,500 - 5,500; Full time

Job summary

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia seeks an Upper School FRC Assistant Robotics Coach to guide a 9-12 student team through the season's design, build, and competition cycle.

You will mentor students, ensure safety, and promote Gracious Professionalism during practices and events. The role focuses on hands-on learning, teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration with Head/Associate Coaches to support a positive team culture.

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring students in robotics or related programs.
• Knowledge of robot design, construction, and programming preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and mentoring students while promoting Gracious Professionalism and FIRST Core Values.
• Providing consistent adult supervision during team practices, particularly when students are working with power tools and other shop equipment.
• Assisting students with robot design, construction, programming, and troubleshooting based on the coach's areas of experience and expertise.
• Encouraging student problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, and hands-on learning.
• Attending weekend competitions and events and helping supervise and support team members.
• Assisting with competition-day activities and team logistics as needed.
• Ensuring students follow school safety guidelines and FIRST competition rules.
• Collaborating with the Head and Associate Coaches to support a positive, inclusive, and productive team environment.

Job description

Competition Season: January Through April

Practice Schedule: After School Mondays through Fridays, occasional weekends

Times: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Competitions: 2 - 4 weekend competitions during the competition season

Pre-Season: Nov - Dec (meets 2 -3 days per week, negotiable)

Stipend: $5,000

The Upper School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Assistant Robotics Coach plays a supportive role in guiding and mentoring a robotics team of students in grades 9-12. This position involves leading and supporting team members in the design, construction, and programming of robots for competition in an action-packed game on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance. The coach fosters a positive and inclusive team culture, collaborates with team members to develop and refine strategies, and emphasizes critical thinking and creativity.

Essential duties include:

• Supporting and mentoring students while promoting Gracious Professionalism and FIRST Core Values.
• Providing consistent adult supervision during team practices, particularly when students are working with power tools and other shop equipment.
• Assisting students with robot design, construction, programming, and troubleshooting based on the coach's areas of experience and expertise.
• Encouraging student problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, and hands-on learning.
• Attending weekend competitions and events and helping supervise and support team members.
• Assisting with competition-day activities and team logistics as needed.
• Ensuring students follow school safety guidelines and FIRST competition rules.
• Collaborating with the Head and Associate Coaches to support a positive, inclusive, and productive team environment.

A good coach brings technical expertise to the team, provides opportunities for students to learn through experience, and helps build their leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as their sense of belonging and self-confidence. Mentors and coaches can come from various backgrounds, including FIRST alumni, community members, parents, teachers, professionals, and college students.