Technical Director

Volunteer as a Technical Director

FIRST Tech Challenge Only

The Technical Director ensures a smooth and engaging event experience by overseeing technical setup, coordinating with key volunteers, managing audiovisual needs, and supporting the flow of ceremonies and event operations from planning through execution.

Minimum Age: 18 years old (must be post-high school or equivalent), 21+ years old preferred

• Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner

Experience: Both FIRST or Related Field Experience preferred

Training: Some pre-event training required

• Access through FIRST Training

Role Details:

• Before the Event:
  
  • Attend Planning Committee Meetings as applicable
  • Ensure you have all updated files for the event on a thumb drive (PowerPoint Slide templates, team lists and contacts, award scripts, etc.)
  • Assist in planning the technology needed and planning the run of show for the event
• At the event:
  
  • Oversee Event Set-up – work with the FTA and other volunteers to ensure all needs are met
  • Work with field staff including Emcee and FTC to ensure all technology needs are met
  • Help keep the event running on time by providing technical support and trouble shooting.
  • Meet with the Judge Advisor to establish a timeline for when you need awards entered into the scoring system
    
    • Ensure you have this information and have reviewed it before ceremonies
  • Oversee Opening & Closing ceremonies to help make sure the correct screens and audio are ready when they need to be
  • Prepare Awards displays for Closing Ceremonies 
• 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) only when filling that specific role.
• Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook

Volunteer Time Commitment: 
Pre-event work varies by region. 
•    Must be available for pre-event planning and for the full duration of the event. 

Reports to: Event Director and Program Delivery Partner