id='p2418_'>First Tech Challenge Mentor (Coach) JobID: 2418
Position Type:
Community Education
Date Posted:
7/31/2026
Location:
Orono Public Schools
Additional Information: Show/Hide
Position Summary
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Team Coach serves as the primary mentor, organizer, and advocate for a team of students in grades 612. Coaches guide students through the engineering design process, project management, teamwork, and competition
preparation while fostering a positive and inclusive team culture centered on the FIRST Core Values and Gracious Professionalism.
FTC coaches help students develop technical, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands-on robotics experiences. While technical knowledge is beneficial, coaches do not need to be engineers or programmers; their primary role is to facilitate learning, connect students with resources and mentors, and create an environment where students can succeed.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership and Student Development
- Create a positive, inclusive, and student-centered team environment.
- Foster the FIRST Core Values and Gracious Professionalism.
- Encourage students to take ownership of team decisions, design solutions, and competition strategy.
- Support the development of leadership, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Promote a culture of learning, innovation, and respect among team members.
Technical Guidance
- Guide students through the engineering design process, from brainstorming and prototyping to testing and iteration.
- Support students in designing, building, and programming a competition robot using FTC-approved hardware and software.
- Encourage best practices in mechanical design, programming, CAD, documentation, and project management.
- Help students develop autonomous and driver-controlled strategies for competition.
- Connect students with technical mentors and subject matter experts when additional expertise is needed.
Team Administration and Organization
- Register the team with FIRST and local program partners.
- Manage team communications with students, parents, mentors, and program administrators.
- Schedule and coordinate team meetings, workshops, outreach activities, and competitions.
- Maintain team calendars, deadlines, and season milestones.
- Assist with budgeting, fundraising, sponsorship development, and resource management as needed.
Competition Preparation
- Ensure the team understands FTC game rules, season requirements, and competition expectations.
- Guide students in maintaining their Engineering Portfolio and preparing for judging interviews.
- Support students in developing presentations, outreach initiatives, and award submissions.
- Coordinate tournament registration, travel arrangements, and event logistics.
- Assist students with match preparation, scouting, and competition strategy.
Safety and Team Environment
- Promote safe use of tools, equipment, and workshop spaces.
- Ensure team activities follow established safety guidelines and youth protection policies.
- Maintain a welcoming environment where all students feel valued and supported.
- Model professionalism, integrity, and respect in all team interactions.
Volunteer & Mentor Coordination
- Recruit, support, and coordinate technical and non-technical mentors.
- Engage parents and volunteers in supporting team activities.
- Serve as the primary liaison between students, parents, mentors, sponsors, and FTC program representatives (locally and nationally).
- Ensure all volunteers understand team expectations and youth protection requirements.
Desired Qualifications
- Passion for inspiring and working with young people.
- Experience mentoring, teaching, coaching, or leading youth programs preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Interest in STEM education and project-based learning.
- Experience with robotics, engineering, programming, CAD (such as Onshape or Fusion 360), electronics, or related technical fields is helpful but not required.
- Willingness to learn alongside students and seek assistance from mentors and community resources when needed.
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies based on team goals and experience level. Typical
commitments include:
- Weekly team meetings during the FTC season.
- Additional planning, communication, and administrative activities outside of meetings.
- Attendance at FTC competitions, workshops, and outreach events. Participation in preseason registration, recruitment, and team planning activities.
Bargaining Group and Level: NA
Pay Rate: $2500 coach stipend
Application Procedure:
All applicants must apply online at: http://bit.ly/oronojobs
District Website: www.oronoschools.org
Contact:
Tara St. Martin, Enrichment Coordinator
952-449-8394 tara.st.martin@orono.k12.mn.us
Dr. Scott E. Alger, Executive Director of Human Resources
952-449-8370 scott.alger@orono.k12.mn.us