After School Robotics Coach

The Napa Valley Education Foundation's mission is to inspire public school students to broaden horizons, deepen knowledge and develop skills to become confident, healthy and successful individuals in the community. With an annual budget of $3,000,000, the Foundation is looking for a coach to launch its STEM & Robotics Programming at the new Discovery Campus in downtown Napa.

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Robotics Coach will coach the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s (NVEF) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, housed at the Discovery Campus. This position will provide hands-on instruction, mentorship, and leadership to students as they design, build, and compete with robots in regional and national competitions. This is a part-time (up to 20 hours per week) position, after school and on weekends, with additional hours during the January–April competition season. During the summer, the Robotics Coach will design and facilitate robotics and STEM camps and courses at the Discovery Campus, inspiring students to explore engineering, technology, and innovation. Hourly rate based on experience, $35-$50/hour.

Background on Position:

This position will work with an existing team of coaches and mentors in guiding a FRC team transitioning to a new home within NVEF. The initial robotics season focus for the ideal candidate is to coach existing team members in robot design and build with the goal of assuming expanded team leadership responsibilities over time following the 2026 FRC season. The team anticipates working primarily on weekends and a limited after school schedule in the 2026 FRC season from January through April.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Coach a FIRST Robotics Competition team through the full competition cycle, from design and build season to regional and national events.
• Develop and implement robotics and STEM programming for afterschool and weekend sessions.
• Create an inclusive and supportive team culture that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student participants and volunteer coaches and mentors.
• Coordinate competition logistics and attend events, including team registration, transportation, and event communication.
• Foster partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local industry professionals to expand access to STEM opportunities.

Instruction & Coaching

• Teach and coach students in engineering design, programming, electronics, and fabrication.
• Guide students through CAD modeling, 3D printing, machining, and mechanical assembly.
• Ensure all participants are properly trained on equipment safety and tool usage.
• Encourage student leadership, teamwork, and personal growth through the robotics program.
• Understand, embrace and teach students FIRST core values (Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork and Fun) and ethos (Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®).
• Coordinate outreach activities for the purposes of team member recruitment as well as to spread enthusiasm for STEM and the FIRST program.

Administration & Operations

• Manage the robotics program budget, materials, and equipment inventory.
• Ensure compliance with Napa Valley Education Foundation policies and safety procedures.
• Communicate with parents, coaches, and NVEF staff about schedules, events, and expectations.
• Maintain accurate records of participation, outcomes, and competition results.

Qualifications

• Strong background in robotics, engineering, or related STEM fields.
• Experience mentoring or teaching middle or high school students.
• Proficiency with CAD, CAM, 3D printing, and mechanical or electrical systems.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Java, Python, or C .
• Knowledge of machine shop practices, safety standards, and equipment maintenance.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and additional hours during competition season.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain) and valid California driver’s license.
• Preferred experience with FIRST Robotics (FRC, FTC or FLL).

Requirements

• FIRST requires coaches, mentors, and volunteers to complete Youth Protection Program Training, including Livescan fingerprint background check through the California Department of Justice and an online Mandated Reporter Training, as required by state law for volunteers who work with youth.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Travel reimbursement

Ability to Commute:

• Napa, CA 94559 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3,000,000