Associate Instructor (Gemology, Distance Education)-$5,000 Signing Bonus

Provides instruction for assigned classes, courses, or introductory seminars and guides student outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives, corrects and processes student assignments and examinations. Provides written results and feedback to students by mail, e-mail or fax.
• Instructs students in Distance Education Gemology Program and ancillary courses in person and via telephone and e-mail.
• Provides and assists students in navigating and using Learning Management System (LMS)/Blackboard for virtual classroom learning.
• Monitors student progress via the creation and maintenance of active student database.
• Performs various assignments relating to the updating of education stone sets, key cards, course materials, notes, etc., on the Carlsbad campus.
• Assists students in proper usage of gemological identification equipment (i.e., microscope, refractometer, tweezers, polariscope, dichroscope, etc.); also assists students in understanding course content by using texts and other resource materials, and explaining information in simple and understandable language.
• Initiates student support, provides advice, and motivation to Distance Education students to assist them in successfully completing their course work.
• Collaborates with other instructors and staff to develop and continuously improve education delivery methods.
• Manages student workroom setup (e.g., gathering of materials, managing equipment / materials appropriately, etc.).
• Ensures administrative student workroom responsibilities are completed in a timely manner (e.g., attendance, assessments, posting grades, documentation, etc.).
• May participate in student orientation and/or graduation activities, as needed.
• May support other functional areas, as needed.
• May be required to travel and teach in other locations or work various shifts, as needed.
• Stays current with industry trends (follows industry publications, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• In-depth knowledge of gemstones, diamonds, gem identification equipment, and understanding of the jewelry industry.
• Ability and willingness to meet all minimum requirements mandated by federal, state, local, accrediting, and other regulatory bodies to be a GIA Instructor.
• Professional Development: Meets annual professional development requirements as defined by management.
• Knowledge: sound industry gemological knowledge
• Language skills: ability to read, comprehend and follow standard procedures or instruction (proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in English required)
• Communication skills: ability to communicate complex info in a simplified and clear manner; can communicate effectively with students on achievement or lack of achievement of goals, able to develop and modify communication strategies to deliver difficult messages to students.
• Interpersonal skills: ability to create positive interactions with students; actively communicates with co-workers, students or with management in a timely & professional manner; maintains collaborative working relationship with others and peers to improve student performance
• Personal accountability: continually improves performance; takes personal accountability for decisions, actions & outcomes
• Time management / organizational skills: Manages time and priorities appropriately - approaches work in an organized and systematic manner. Able to monitor student progress (strengths / weaknesses) in an effort to meet student needs
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, email, etc., Jenzabar and/or Blackboard preferred)
• Flexibility: able to adapt to change, able to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail. Able to adapt learning styles to meet student needs. Able to travel and/or work alternative shifts as needed.
• Conflict resolution: able to settle differences in productive ways while minimizing disruptions. Ability to communicate and enforce policies via email, phone and in the classroom (willingness to confront issues)
• Teamwork: Interface well with others (other departments like facilities, admissions, education technology, etc.), knows who to go to and how to communicate issues/needs
• Maintains & fosters sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity in and out of the classroom
• Decision quality and problem solving: identify potential problems, articulate / classify issues and able to determine next steps; apply sound analytical and reasoning skills during the problem-solving process; analyze the data gathered and reach a solution or provide a summary for a management decision when required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma, Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and 3+ years of trade experience required.

The following is desirable:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Additional related training (GJ, JDT, FGA, etc.)
• Retail management experience
• 2+ years of teaching, mentoring or training experience
• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS)
• Bilingual in Spanish or Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT (if applicable)

• Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment.
• Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, fax, and other business related machines and software.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.