Part-Time Trap & Skeet Coach
The Trap and Skeet Coach/Instructor oversees all aspects of a university clay target shooting program, delivering curriculum and coaching for beginner-to-advanced shooters. The role emphasizes firearm safety, proper shooting mechanics, mental preparation, and skill development in trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Responsibilities include fostering a safe, educational, and engaging learning environment; recruiting and mentoring student-athletes; organizing practices and competitions; managing travel and budgets; and ensuring compliance with governing agencies. The position supports both the university's lifelong physical activities program and its collegiate shooting team, promoting athletic excellence and responsible firearm use.
JOB DUTIES
Coaching, Instruction & Competitive Preparation:
Plan, organize, and conduct daily practices for trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Provide technical instruction on shotgun handling, shooting fundamentals, mental preparation, and competition strategies. Organize and conduct shooting competitions each semester. Deliver individualized instruction during practice sessions to enhance athlete performance and skill development.
Range Operations, Safety, and Risk Management:
Enforce strict firearm and range safety protocols at all times. Ensure full compliance with university policies, state regulations, and applicable athletic governing bodies. Oversee shooting range operations, including facility upkeep, cleanliness, and appearance. Maintain firearms, targets, and related equipment in safe working order. Model and enforce proper equipment usage through example and instruction.
Classroom Instruction & Curriculum Delivery:
Teach four credit hours of classroom instruction each semester, delivering curriculum related to shooting sports, safety, fundamentals, and performance development. Prepare course materials, assess student learning, and ensure alignment with institutional academic standards.
Administration, Program Management & Club Support:
Manage program budget and purchasing, oversee inventory and equipment maintenance, and coordinate team travel logistics. Communicate regularly with student-athletes regarding practice schedules, competitions, team calendars, and coaching expectations. Maintain accurate records and provide administrative support for the shooting sports club and program operations.
Student Development, Mentorship & Academic Support:
Monitor student-athletes' academic progress and promote personal growth, discipline, and sportsmanship. Support institutional academic policies by ensuring timely and accurate reporting of mid-term and final grades for assigned courses. Provide mentorship and guidance to support student success both on and off the range.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Cooperates and collaborates with other employees in the spirit of teamwork and collegiality and interacts with confidence, patience and integrity to provide professional leadership during emergencies.
- Complies with all Trinity University policies and guidelines.
- Performs other duties as required.
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's Degree
Preferred: Master's Degree
EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience teaching and coaching Trap and Skeet, including instruction in shooting fundamentals, athlete development, and competitive preparation.
- Significant coaching and/or competitive experience in clay target shooting sports, demonstrating a strong understanding of trap, skeet, and related disciplines.
- At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in firearm safety protocols, range operations, and comprehensive equipment knowledge, with the ability to enforce and model best safety practices.
- Shotgun-based shooting and instructional background, including formal experience with progression-based learning models and athlete skill development.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of shotgun safety, rules, and fundamentals, with the proven ability to instruct, motivate, and develop student-athletes of varying skill levels.
- 1-2 years of instructional experience in a college-level physical education or closely related academic course, including curriculum delivery and student assessment.
3-5 years of extensive knowledge and practical experience in Clay Target Sports, including discipline-specific rules, competitive formats, equipment trends, and best instructional practices.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Required:
Extensive knowledge of shotgun shooting fundamentals and safety protocols. Ability to work weekends and travel for competitions.
Formal Instruction offered by the governing bodies of Skeet (NSSA), Trap (ATA), Sporting Clays (NSCA), and/or the NRA.
Preferred:
Teaching background working with both beginning and advanced shotgun athletes
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Required:
Formal coaching or instructional certification issued by a recognized governing body in at least one clay target shooting discipline, including:
- National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA)
- Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA)
- National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA)
AND
National Rifle Association (NRA) coaching certifications, including Student Athlete Firearm Education (SAFE) and/or Coach Leadership and Safety Support (CLASS) programs.
Preferred:
- Formal instruction and certification from all of the above governing bodies, demonstrating broad, cross-disciplinary expertise in clay target shooting sports.
- Formal teaching credentials, such as college-level instructional certification, coaching education credentials, or equivalent academic or pedagogical training.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
All jobs require a current Criminal Background Check (CBC).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None outside of generally accepted teacher/student and coach/athlete related supervision.
NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS
None
DECISION MAKING
As pertaining to the curriculum for the class and the necessities of the Trap & Skeet Team
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY
- Maintain control of four budgets including two endowments and two cost centers.
- Manage PCard
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
- Control and safeguard use of school issued purchasing card.
- Submit expenditure reports on an as-needed monthly basis.
- Control expenditures regarding supplies, entry fees, association dues, uniforms.
- Submit an annual grant request to secure funds from team endowment through MidwayUSA.
- Monitor donations received to ensure correct application.
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