Career Center

The Assistant Robotics Coach is an integral member of The Potomac School’s robotics program.  This is a part-time role, working with other coaches in support of the robust program. The Upper School robotics program is managed and overseen by the Director of the K-12 Robotics Program. This role will include approximately 4-6 practice hours each week in addition to attending all VEX VRC competitions held on weekends. This person would also travel with the team as an additional coach/chaperone for the multi-day State, National and World tournaments, if the teams qualify. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist Upper School Robotics coach to manage all the day-to-day operations of the US Robotics program.
• When asked, communicate with parents and students, information pertaining to the program (in consultation with other faculty members involved).
• When asked, work directly with the Transportation Manager to arrange all bus transportation for all tournaments or competitions (if needed).
• Maintain equipment and, with prior approval, purchase needed supplies.
• Chaperone tournaments and competitions; providing supervision of students at all times.
• Mediate conflicts as teams navigate and discuss the ideation process.
• Partner with other coaches and all students to help them seek solutions in a positive collaborative manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering or a deep technological background with an understanding of the engineering design process.
• Ability to communicate, motivate, and understand the students’ educational and emotional needs.
• Must be flexible, collaborative, a creative problem-solver, calm, empathetic, and have the ability to multitask.
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with other teachers, support staff, parents and members of the community.
• Ability to recognize and respond to individual and cultural differences in students and use different teaching methods that inspire high student achievement.
• Enthusiasm and joy for working with students.
• Ability to apply the engineering design process, including documentation in a design notebook; demonstrate and emphasize the value of creativity in the design process; articulate and tech best practices for robot design and building
• Must be familiar and comfortable working with software and mechanical elements including: Robotics hardware and software, programming, AutoCAD software, Troubleshooting, Chassis design, drive trains, arms, lifts, and mechanisms
• Knowledge of tournament competition preferred

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks many different voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds. We recognize that differences are a source of strength, and we know that everyone is enriched when each person's contributions and perspectives are valued.

About The Potomac School

The Potomac School is an independent K-12 day school located in McLean, Va. While we are a K-12 school, we are more accurately described as a K through lifetime experience. We nurture the development of our students as unique individuals and as contributing members of a vibrant learning community. Our school comprises four distinct yet interconnected divisions, joined through a shared mission, integrated curriculum, and deeply rooted communal ties. We enjoy the beauty and natural resources of our 90-acre campus, our athletic fields, woods, streams, and ponds providing a rare and wonderful setting for each student's educational journey. Mission: At The Potomac School, we believe that intellectual development, love of learning, and strength of character are complementary, and equally essential, educational goals. With a firm commitment to our core values and a rigorous academic program, we prepare students to lead lives of purpose, achievement, and generosity of spirit.

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