To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

                                                                 Robotics Program Liaison

Department:     Curriculum              

Unit:                  GREA Extra Duty

Salary:               Stipend:

                           6% of GREA Bachelors, Level One (GRPS Robotics Liaison with no teams)

15% of GREA Bachelors, Level One (Two or more of the teams (First Robotics Competition (FRC), First Tech Challenge (FTC) or First Lego League (FLL) or one of the above teams and the GRPS Robotic Liaison)

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

JOB SUMMARY

Oversee all First Robotics Programs for Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) from elementary through high schools.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Initial Goals:

1. One+ First Lego League (FLL) team in each elementary school (4th/5^th grade FLL Challenge program)
2. Higher involvement by girls at each program level.
3. Setting structure of FRC high school program for future coach.

4^th – 12^th General Program Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between team coaches and FIRST in Michigan
• Act as liaison between teams’ coaches and GRPS
• Submit all Governmental grants for the FIRST program
• Interface with GRPS teachers and school community to improve connections with the program (Staffing meetings, Coach recruiting, Involvement with STEM planning)
• Foster environment of excitement for student growth
• Foster environment conducive to positive team experiences
• Provide opportunities for robotics teams at all levels to connect with each other.
• Identify grants and share with GRPS.
• Coordinate all teams and handle logistics.
• Work with and assist OEL Director with to maintain team’s budget
• Set in place processes at each level that promote the Robotics teams philosophies:
• Student–Centered and Student-Led whenever possible
• Promote an interest in STEM
• “Try-it” mentality
• Accessible to all students
• Promote diverse populations
• Develop the whole person (technical skills, teamwork, communications, etc.)

First Lego League (Elementary)

September to December: 

• Recruit coaches for all elementary schools to have FLL Challenge Program Team (4^th/5^th grade, 1-2 coaches per team)
• Support coaches in leading their teams; train where necessary
• Oversee recruitment of students to program
• Manage FLL physical resources
• Manage all FLL paperwork
• Recruit graduating FLL students to First Technical Challenge (FTC) program and middle school summer camps

First Tech Challenge (Middle School)

September to December:

• Support Team Coaches for all FTC teams (5+ teams, 2-4 mentors per team)
• Recruit and retain Technical Mentors from industry
• Oversee relationships with sponsors and recruitment for new sponsors
• Coordinate the FTC program: train all mentors, mentor meetings, oversight of all teams on season-long timeline
• Schedule the competitions to participate in and handle logistics
• Coordinate in-season FTC scrimmage for local teams
• Manage all FTC paperwork
• Manage FTC physical resources (parts, etc.)
• Recruit graduating FTC students to FRC program and high school summer program
• Facilitate the hosting of the FTC GRPS competition

First Robotics Competition (High School)

January to April: Liaison should be present for meetings and competitions  

• Oversee relationship with sponsors and recruitment of new sponsors
• Schedule the competitions to participate in and handle logistics
• Oversee safety training for students
• Manage all FRC paperwork
• Manage FRC physical resources (parts, etc.)
• Recruit new students to FRC program
• Develop relationship with high schools to invite students to join
• Facilitate the hosting of the FRC GRPS competition
• Act as liaison with teachers to improve connections with the program (Staff meetings, Coaching recruitment, and Involvement with STEM planning)

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bargaining unit members will be given first opportunity for position.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous robotics or similar coaching preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in Math and Science.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of STEM.
• Able to work with a diverse student population.
• Able to develop working relationships with students, staff, parents, and community.
• Able to conduct safety and training sessions related to using tools and equipment.
• Coordinate transportation for trips/competitions away from school.
• Order and maintain equipment and supplies.
• Assist in design, fabrication, testing and competing during robotics season.
• Ability to work in an economically, culturally, and racially diverse environment.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, and hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed indoors.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.