✖
Event Volunteer Role
Inspection Manager
As Inspection Manager, you’ll help keep the event running smoothly by organizing inspection logistics, tracking team progress, and supporting the Lead Robot Inspector in ensuring every team is ready for competition. This behind-the-scenes role is perfect for detail-oriented volunteers who enjoy teamwork, clear communication, and making a meaningful impact on event flow.
Volunteer as an Inspection Manager
The Inspection Manager manages the paperwork and details associated with the inspection process and tracks the progress of all teams at the event through inspection. Provides support to the Lead Robot Inspector in prioritizing team inspections based on match schedule. Identifies issues and potential bottlenecks. Provides recommendations on physical flow of teams through the inspection process.
Minimum Age: 18 years old (must be post-high school or equivalent)
- Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner
Experience: No FIRST or related experience required
Training: No pre-event training required
Role Details / Responsibilities:
- Strong organization skills and attention to detail preferred
- Assist with set-up of inspection area
- Support the Lead Robot Inspector as needed including conveying team inspection assignments
- Track progress of all teams through the inspection process, and ensures the information is accurately displayed
- Perform robot weight and size checks as necessary, and helps sequence teams
- Ensure team inspection status is current and prominently displayed
- Provide info to Lead Robot Inspector and other key volunteers on progress and issues
- Manage the inspection station including when the Lead Robot Inspector is away
- Volunteers should focus on the role they are filling at that event. This includes:
- Helping avoid the appearance of bias by not cheering for one specific team when wearing official event apparel (volunteer shirt or FIRST/Partner staff clothing). Instead, we encourage volunteers to cheer for all teams equally.
- Refrain from accessing sensitive event areas unless they are necessary to fulfill your volunteer role for this event. This can include playing field access, scoring table and judging rooms.
- Wearing volunteer specific apparel (e.g. FTA shirt, Robot Inspector hat, etc) when filling that specific role.
- Sign and comply with Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement if applicable
- If affiliated with a team, cannot make decisions about or inspect affiliated team’s robot
- Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook
Reports to: Lead Robot Inspector
Want to prepare to be a Inspection Manager? Robot Inspector is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.
Currently an Inspection Manager and looking for a challenge? Lead Robot Inspector might be a great role for you!
Volunteer as an Inspection Manager in two FIRST programs
Learn more about volunteering as an Inspection Manager in each program.
-
FIRST Tech Challenge
Program Role DetailsInspection Manager with FIRST Tech Challenge
Volunteer Time Commitment: Half day commitment (mornings only for typical 1-day events)
Role Training:
- Lead Robot Inspector conducts training day-of and provides guidance during the competition.
-
FIRST Robotics Competition
program role detailsInspection Manager with FIRST Robotics Competition
Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Minimum 2 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)
Role Training:
- Lead Robot Inspector conducts training day-of and provides guidance during the competition. Please review the Inspection Manager Best Practice resource before the event
Role Resources:
-
FIRST Championship
Eyebrow TextInspection Manager at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- May be asked to help fill in other duties like sizing and actuator counts of robots by the LRI.
- Prefer volunteers with experience as an Inspection Manager or Inspector
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday morning – Friday afternoon.
- If available, Tuesday afternoon to help set-up.
- More information with times will be sent before the event
- Reports to: Division Lead Robot Inspector
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- May be asked to help fill in other duties like weigh-in of robots by the LRI.
- Prefer volunteers with experience as an Inspection Manager
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday morning – Friday afternoon.
- If available, Tuesday afternoon to help set-up.
- More information with times will be sent before the event
- Reports to: Division Lead Robot Inspector
Program Role Details
Inspection Manager with FIRST Tech Challenge
Volunteer Time Commitment: Half day commitment (mornings only for typical 1-day events)
Role Training:
- Lead Robot Inspector conducts training day-of and provides guidance during the competition.
program role details
Inspection Manager with FIRST Robotics Competition
Volunteer Time Commitment:- Minimum 2 full day commitment (Districts)
- Minimum 3 full day commitment (Regionals)
Role Training:
- Lead Robot Inspector conducts training day-of and provides guidance during the competition. Please review the Inspection Manager Best Practice resource before the event
Role Resources:
Eyebrow Text
Inspection Manager at FIRST Championship
This role is available in the following programs at Championship with the additional requirements below:
FIRST Tech Challenge:
- May be asked to help fill in other duties like sizing and actuator counts of robots by the LRI.
- Prefer volunteers with experience as an Inspection Manager or Inspector
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday morning – Friday afternoon.
- If available, Tuesday afternoon to help set-up.
- More information with times will be sent before the event
- Reports to: Division Lead Robot Inspector
FIRST Robotics Competition:
- May be asked to help fill in other duties like weigh-in of robots by the LRI.
- Prefer volunteers with experience as an Inspection Manager
- Championship Volunteer Time Commitment:
- Volunteers are needed Wednesday morning – Friday afternoon.
- If available, Tuesday afternoon to help set-up.
- More information with times will be sent before the event
- Reports to: Division Lead Robot Inspector
Event Volunteer Roles