Associate Instructor Online Education

Gemological Institute of America • Carlsbad, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Instructor provides instruction for assigned classes, courses, and lab classes and guides student outcomes in GIA’s Online Education Gemology Program and ancillary courses. Instruction and student support are provided in person and through telephone, Zoom, and email. The instructor creates course material reviews for Pearls, Diamonds, Colored Stones, and Gem ID courses, supports students using Brightspace, evaluates coursework, and helps students understand gemological concepts and equipment. The role also includes updating course materials and stone sets, coordinating student workroom activities and administrative records, and collaborating with instructors and staff to improve education delivery. The position is based at GIA’s Carlsbad, California headquarters and follows a hybrid schedule with three days in the office, subject to change and achievement of productivity and deliverable-quality metrics. Travel or alternative shifts may be required as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA.
• At least 3 years of trade experience.
• In-depth knowledge of gemstones, diamonds, gem identification equipment, and the jewelry industry.
• Ability and willingness to meet all minimum requirements mandated by federal, state, local, accrediting, and other regulatory bodies for a GIA Instructor.
• Meet annual professional development requirements defined by management.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and simply, including communicating with students about achievement or lack of achievement of goals and adapting communication strategies to deliver difficult messages.
• Ability to build positive interactions with students and maintain timely, professional communication and collaborative working relationships with students, coworkers, management, and peers.
• Personal accountability, commitment to continually improving performance, and sound time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to monitor student progress, including strengths and weaknesses, to meet student needs.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office and email.
• Flexibility to adapt to change, multitask while maintaining attention to detail, and adapt learning styles to student needs.
• Ability to travel and/or work alternative shifts as needed.
• Conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to settle differences productively and enforce policies via email, Zoom, phone, and in the classroom.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional and supporting departments.
• Sensitivity to and respect for cultural diversity in and out of the classroom.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills, including identifying and classifying issues, determining next steps, analyzing information, and reaching or presenting a solution.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Additional related training, such as GJ, JDT, or FGA.
• Retail management experience.
• At least 2 years of teaching, mentoring, or training experience.
• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS).
• Bilingual ability in Spanish or Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin).
• Experience with Jenzabar and/or Brightspace.

Responsibilities

• Create and present course material reviews via Zoom and PowerPoint for Pearls, Diamonds, Colored Stones, and Gem ID courses.
• Use Brightspace to post timely announcements and discussion board prompts.
• Receive, correct, and process student assignments and examinations.
• Provide students with written results and feedback by email via Brightspace.
• Instruct students in the Online Education Gemology Program and ancillary courses in person and via telephone, Zoom, and email.
• Help students navigate and use the Learning Management System (LMS)/Brightspace for virtual classroom learning.
• Perform assignments related to updating education stone sets, key cards, course materials, and notes on the Carlsbad campus.
• Assist students with gemological identification equipment and explain course content using texts and other resources in simple, understandable language.
• Initiate student support and provide advice and motivation to help Online Education students complete their coursework successfully.
• Collaborate with instructors and staff to develop and continuously improve education delivery methods.
• Manage student workroom setup, including gathering materials and appropriately managing equipment and materials.
• Complete student workroom administrative responsibilities in a timely manner, including attendance, assessments, grade posting, and documentation.
• Participate in student orientation and/or graduation activities as needed.
• Support other functional areas as needed.
• Travel to teach at other locations or work alternative shifts as needed.
• Stay current with industry trends and publications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Matching 401(k) plan with no vesting required.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition assistance.
• Commuter benefits.
• Life insurance.
• On-site cafe with affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks.
• On-site electric vehicle charging stations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED