Head Clay Target Coach

Albert Lea Area Schools•Albert Lea, MN

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Clay Target Coach leads, organizes, and develops the Albert Lea High School Clay Target program for students in grades 7–12. The coach prioritizes firearm safety, student development, sportsmanship, and positive relationships while providing a quality competitive experience. The role includes coaching, supervising assistant coaches and volunteers, managing program operations, and ensuring compliance with school district, league, and range requirements. Compensation is in accordance with Schedule C of the Teacher Master Agreement, Group 8. The position is based at Albert Lea High School, with a date available of April 1, 2027, and is open until filled. Albert Lea emphasizes excellence, inclusion, and opportunity for all students. Coaches help shape student-athletes’ lives, build lifelong skills, and strengthen the community. The district describes its administrative support, facilities, and school culture as strong, excellent, and welcoming.

Requirements

Experience in trap shooting, competitive clay target shooting, or related shooting sports.
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of firearm safety, clay target shooting techniques, competitive rules, and youth development.
Complete the USA Clay Target League Coach Educational Program or a recognized equivalent, such as NRA, ATA, or 4-H coach certification, before the season starts.
Current CPR/First Aid certification, or obtain it within a district-established timeline.
Meet applicable Minnesota coaching certification requirements.
Successfully complete all district background checks and employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with middle school and high school students.
Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety Instructor certification, subject to applicable league and district requirements.
Range Safety Officer experience or training; required training must be completed as directed by the district.

Responsibilities

Enforce firearm safety procedures at all practices and competitions.
Ensure student-athletes complete the required Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety Certification or League SAFE Certification before handling equipment or participating in live fire.
Follow applicable USA Clay Target League, Minnesota State High School Clay Target League, school district, and host-range rules and procedures.
Address and document safety violations or behavioral concerns and report incidents to the Activities Director as appropriate.
Coordinate with qualified Range Safety Officers and range personnel to maintain safe practice and competition environments.
Plan and implement structured practices and competitions for student-athletes of varying ages, experience, and skill levels.
Instruct students in trap, skeet, 5-stand, and sporting clays fundamentals, including stance, gun fit, firearm mounting, eye dominance, target tracking, and mental discipline.
Monitor athlete progress, provide constructive feedback, and prepare students for competition.
Form competitive squads and manage progression from Novice to Junior Varsity to Varsity classifications.
Track athlete scores and submit required league results on time.
Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, accountability, inclusion, and responsible decision-making; establish a positive team culture and serve as a professional role model.
Coordinate registration, practice schedules, range reservations, league deadlines, and competition logistics.
Manage equipment inventory, maintenance, team apparel, and program budget in collaboration with the Activities Director.
Coordinate participation in applicable state tournaments and qualifying events.
Communicate program expectations, schedules, and important information to student-athletes and families.
Recruit, coordinate, and supervise assistant coaches and approved volunteers, providing direction and support for consistent coaching and safety practices.
Maintain professional communication with student-athletes, families, school administration, league representatives, and range personnel.
Complete required reports, meetings, training, and other duties assigned by the Activities Director.