Get Involved
Event Volunteer Position Descriptions | Volunteer Schedules
Want to Get Involved with FIRST in Minnesota?
There are many opportunities to participate as a volunteer with FIRST. Minnesota teams are seeking mentors to help guide them through the robot-building process. Please visit www.volunteermatch.org to find a mentoring opportunity in your area.
It takes hundreds of volunteers to make a FIRST regional competition successful. The listings below contain detailed descriptions about each volunteer position. Please click on (this link) for more information about time commitments and scheduling requirements.
Like a specific job description? Please visit http://www.usfirst.org/involved/volunteer/default.aspx?id=176 and click “ Go directly to the Volunteer Information and Matching System (VIMS)” to sign up for the FIRST Minnesota Regional.
Event Volunteer Position Descriptions
Ambassador: Ambassadors interact with teams and serve as role models for team students and mentors. They educate and engage VIP guests to ensure their continued motivation, passion, and commitment to FIRST. Ambassadors are responsible for their own travel and accommodations, expenses, and arrangements.
Ambassador Coordinator: The Ambassador Coordinator assists the Regional Director in facilitating the Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Coordinator welcomes Ambassadors and facilitates a “meet and greet” between the Ambassadors; explains the program and distributes materials; sends Ambassadors on tour with team members; and facilitates a “lessons learned” when they return to the Ambassador area.
Assign as Needed: Volunteer will provide assistance in various areas as determined by the
Volunteer Coordinator. This volunteer position frequently helps with last
minute tasks identified by event staff and Key Volunteers. They fill specific
volunteer positions for “No-Show” volunteers who were assigned prior to the
event.
AutoDesk Attendant: Assist the staff from AutoDesk. Instruct users and answer questions when viewing animation on the laptops provided by AutoDesk.
Awards Assistant: Awards Assistants report to the Event Assistant and are responsible for the unpacking, cleaning, marking, organizing and distribution of the various awards, trophies and medallions awarded at Event Ceremonies. The volunteers should plan for a minimum of three hours before the ceremonies to begin this process. The Awards Assistants will need to set up the medallion stands and assist with medallion distribution to the team members receiving medallions.
Crowd Control: Crowd Control volunteers will facilitate smooth pedestrian traffic flow throughout the facility, monitor the audience, keep walkways and aisles clear and the crowd flowing. Effective crowd control is critical to a safe and well-run event.
Field Assembly: Field Assembly volunteers assist with assembly of the competition playing field and practice
Field Disassembly: Field Disassembly volunteers assist with disassembly of the competition playing field and practice field.
Field Reset Repair: Volunteers repair and reset the playing field after each team match. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event (Include in full position description).
Field Supervisor: (Key Volunteer Position) The Field Supervisor participates in field construction and maintenance and directs activity on the field to ensure smooth execution of the matches. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. He/she works in collaboration with the FIRST Technical Advisor. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.
Game Announcer: (Key Volunteer Position) The Game Announcer works as part of a team with the Master of Ceremonies to energize the teams and spectators, generate and maintain interest, enthusiasm and excitement throughout the matches. Announces play-by-play commentary for each match. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event. Key volunteer position, significantly impacts the success of the event. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.
Head Referee: (Key Volunteer Position) The Head Referee is responsible for training, directing and supervising all Referees. Oversees all scoring processes and procedures. Has final authority for decisions regarding team scores. The Head Referee plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.
Judge Assistant: The Judge Assistant is responsible for assisting the Judge Advisor throughout the event, providing computer support (word processing), and performing other duties as assigned. The Judge Assistant will be provided with a checklist of activities in the Judge Crate at the event. The Judge Assistant is not a judge, does not interview teams or participate in awards recipient selection process. The Judge Assistant is responsible for setting up the Judge Room on Thursday and breaking it down on Saturday.
Judge: **ASSIGNED BY FIRST HQ OR REGIONAL COMMITTEE*** Judges are responsible for selecting team award recipients through interaction with teams. Documentation regarding team background information is provided to familiarize judges with teams. They serve as role models for the competitors. Judges are responsible for own travel and accommodation expenses and arrangements. Judges receive training at the Thursday night judge dinner, and must be available for both days of the competition. They will receive a Judge Handbook electronically from FIRST Headquarters prior to the event.
Judge Advisor: (Key Volunteer Position) The Judge Advisor may be nominated by the Regional Planning Committee. To be considered for this position, the individual must have two years of prior judging experience. Once nominated, the Lead Judge Advisory panel and the Director of the FIRST Robotics Competition must approve the nominee. Prior to becoming a Judge Advisor, the candidate must attend a Judge Advisor training session held in January, conducted by the Lead Judge Advisory panel. Existing Judge Advisors are expected to attend this training session at least once every two years in order to remain qualified. All Judge Advisors are recruited and assigned by FIRST Headquarters.
Lead Robot Inspector: (Key Volunteer Position) The Lead Robot Inspector will oversee and perform mandatory robot inspections and weigh-in processes to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. The Lead Robot Inspector is also responsible for training, supervising and directing the Robot Inspectors and making final decisions regarding inspection decision disputes. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.
Lead Safety Advisor: (Key Volunteer Position) **ASSIGNED BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)***
This position
is filled at each event by UL employees. The Lead Safety Advisor works with a
team of Safety Advisors to increase the awareness of safety among all FIRST
participants. The Lead Safety Advisor is responsible for providing training of
the Safety Advisors in team coaching, mentoring and evaluation during the
competition from Thursday to Saturday. Safety Advisors ensure that teams
understand, comply with, and practice the fundamentals of safety to ensure
the safety of all event participants. The Safety Advisors select one team to win
the Industrial Safety Award at the conclusion of the event.
Lead Safety Glasses Attendant: This individual organizes and manages the dispensing of safety glasses at tables set up by the Pit entrances. The Lead Safety Glasses Attendant ensures each table is staffed, especially at critical times, and that volunteers get their meals/breaks. The Lead Safety Glasses Attendant must keep the tables well stocked with safety glasses at all times. He/She works closely with Volunteer Registration and with vendors, if present.
Lead Team Queuer: (Key Volunteer Position)
The Lead Team Queuer is responsible for robot traffic between the Pit and the
playing field. This individual trains Team Queuing volunteers to stage and
position teams in preparation for the start of matches. This position plays a
critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of
the event. FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.
Lead Website Evaluator: **PRE-EVENT POSITION, not required to attend competition The Lead Website Evaluator oversees the group of Website Evaluators that have volunteered for their regional. They will ensure that reviewing is taking place in a timely fashion and that all websites have been evaluated. The Lead Website Evaluator also acts as a Website Evaluator. Lead Website Evaluators cannot have ANY affiliation with a team.
Machine Shop Assistant: Process work orders for the Machine Shop Staff from NASA. Work in a fastpaced environment with students, mentors and NASA crew. General knowledge of robotics and parts a plus.
Machine Shop Shuttle Driver: Transports team members from venue site to Machine Shop and back to venue site. Transportation by Machine Shop Shuttle is restricted to/from Machine Shop. Communicates with the Pit Administration Supervisor regarding transport requests and status of transport location. Vehicle insurance is necessary and required for all drivers. The Regional Planning Committee is responsible for providing a utility van or a passenger van with a removable back seat.
Master Of Ceremonies: (Key Volunteer Position) The Master of Ceremonies (a.k.a. MC or Emcee) is the individual primarily
responsible for setting the tone of the competition. He/she creates and
sustains an exciting and fun atmosphere throughout the event, is the most
visible presence at the event; embodies the spirit of FIRST and is the
consummate FIRST ambassador. The MC works as a team with the Game
Announcer to produce a well-organized, thrilling event. The MC ensures the
smooth flow of match play, and maintains the pace of the event. This is a Key
Volunteer Position that significantly impacts the quality of the competition.
FIRST Headquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.
Media Center Support: Assist FIRST Media staff on-site during the Championship event, staffing the FIRST Media Center and Georgia Dome Media Center to welcome and check-in members of the media, distribute media materials, and facilitate efficient handling of the media.
Pit Administration Supervisor: (Key Volunteer Position) The Pit Administration Supervisor is responsible for setting up the Pit area, training the volunteers, and managing all activities in the Pit including coordination of Pit Administration Table, team interface, and collaborating with Emergency Medical Technicians. FIRSTHeadquarters will provide pre-event training for this position.
Pit Admin. Support: These individuals assist the Pit Administration Supervisor and will provide direction, assistance, information, and support to teams in the Pit.
Pit Announcer: The Pit Announcer’s primary duty is to call teams to the queuing area, and make general announcements via use of the public address system. They work in collaboration with the Team Queuing volunteers to facilitate adherence to team match schedule.
Practice Field Attendant: Schedule teams on the practice field. Must be organized and have the ability
to maintain time schedules, and have knowledge of the game. Clean practice
fields after matches. Opportunity to interact with students. These folks
monitor field use to discourage teams from monopolizing the area when
others are waiting to use it.
Referee: Referees observe team matches, identify rule violations, and “call” them. They calculate the official score of the matches and participate in deliberations regarding contested calls. Referees work under the direction of the Head Referee. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event.
Replacement Parts Attendant: This volunteer team consists of a minimum of two individuals who are responsible for managing distribution of replacement kit of parts materials to teams and lending Innovation FIRST control system parts. Robot Inspectors or FIRST alumni are highly recommended as volunteers to fill this position as they have prior knowledge of parts allowed and provided. Instructions for handling this position are packed in the replacement parts crate.
Robot Inspector: Robot Inspectors perform mandatory robot inspections and weigh-ins to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. They determine inspection outcome decisions (pass/fail). Robot Inspectors may perform random inspections. They work under the direction of the Lead Robot Inspector. The Lead Robot Inspector will provide training to the Robot Inspectors at the Volunteer Orientation and Dinner.
Safety Advisor: Safety Advisors are involved in ongoing safety assessment during the entire
event. The Safety program nurtures a positive reinforcement model using
safety credits to emphasize safe behavior and coaching to correct unsafe
behavior. The goal is to have a safe event and to promote safety as a holistic
life skill. Safety Advisors will receive training from the Lead Safety Advisor
provided by UL at each event. (See detailed description later in this section.)
Scorekeeper /Field Power Controller: (Key Volunteer Position) The Scorekeeper/Field Power Controller manages and operates the scoring
and field control systems, inputs scores into the system from the Head
Referee, prints reports as needed and uploads data onto the FIRST website
as required. This individual plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of
match play and maintaining the pace of the event. FIRST Headquarters will
provide pre-event training for this position.
Team Queuing: Team Queuing volunteers are responsible for managing team traffic to and from the playing field. Team Queuers will stage and position teams in preparation for the start of matches. They play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining the pace of the event. The Lead Team Queuer will provide training during the Volunteer Orientation and Dinner.
Team Social Attendants: If the Regional is going to have a Team Social, this position will work with the
Team Social Coordinator to recruit, train, and supervise the Team Social
Attendant volunteers. Team Social attendants will attend the Team Social and oversee the event to ensure a safe and secure environment for an enjoyable event for attendees.
Team Social Attendants will report to the Team Social Coordinator and remain
at the Team Social until all teams have departed.
Team Survey Volunteer: Primary responsibility will be to conduct FIRST event quality control surveys with teams using PDA technology. This individual will interview all teams asking pre-determined questions and entering the team responses into a PDA at Regionals and the Championship. This volunteer position will play a critical role in collecting information pertinent to the various components of putting on a FIRST event. Each year FIRST will designate the regionals at which the team survey will be conducted.
VIP Lounge Monitor: This is a crowd control position. Volunteers will be assigned to entrances of VIP room and monitor those entering with VIP badges. Number count may be necessary. Must be cordial and able to interact with VIP guests.
VIP / Media Registration and Information Table Attendant: The VIP/Media Registration and Information Table Attendant assists the VIP Reception Coordinator and Media/PR Coordinator with VIP/Media Registration and Information Table operations. This individual facilitates VIP and media so that they have a positive experience at the event.
VIP Student Tours: In most cases, these are student team members recruited for this role during
the event. Students provide VIPs with a guided tour through the Pit Area,
giving a description of their team’s experience leading up to the event, the
game itself, and specific robot features as a way of proudly “showing off” their
robot and overall accomplishments. (Friday and Saturday only) Eight to ten
individuals; regional-specific.
Volunteer Registration and Information Table: The Volunteer Registration and Information Table Attendants will manage all activities at the Volunteer Registration and Information Table; and provide direction, assistance, and information to event volunteers and attendees. These individual work under the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator.
Volunteer Lounge Monitor: This is a crowd control position. The volunteer will sit by the Volunteer Lounge during meal times, allow only event volunteers to enter for each meal, and count the number of people going in to eat. This is a good opportunity to interact with all volunteers.
Website Evaluator: **PRE-EVENT POSITION, not required to attend competition Prior to the competition, Website Evaluators will review and score websites that are designed, built and managed by students participating on FIRST teams. Evaluation is accomplished via an on-line system. FIRST Headquarters provides direction and guidance to the Lead Website Evaluators, who then trains the Website Evaluators for their Regional. (See a detailed position description in the following pages.) Website Evaluators cannot have ANY affiliation with a team.
Back to Top
Volunteer Staffing Scedules
The following tables list the general Regional staffing requirements and schedules for a FIRST
Robotics Competition. This covers both Key Volunteers and General Event Volunteers.
Key Volunteer Positions:
General Event Volunteer Positions:
