Job Details

Head Football Athletic Trainer

Position Number: 6222839
Location: San Diego, CA
Position Type: Athletics/Coaching

Head Football Athletic Trainer

Position Title & Department: Head Football Athletic Trainer; Athletics

Posting #: 5243

Department Description:
As part of the University of San Diego, a Roman Catholic University, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to advancing academic and athletic excellence and enhancing students' lives while promoting the University of San Diego.

University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:
The Head Football Athletic Trainer is responsible for all aspects of health care in the athletic environment. In addition, this position will be responsible for the oversight of sports medicine services for the University of San Diego Football team. This includes prevention of athletic injuries; recognition and evaluation of injuries; management, treatment, and disposition of athletic injuries; rehabilitation of athletic injuries; organization and administration; and education and counseling of athletes, as outlined by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA). This position must maintain appropriate certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as required in the field.
Duties and Responsibilities:

Prevention

Coordinate and oversee the scheduling and organization of team pre-participation physicals and review of over 100 athletes' health history. Assist team physician(s).
Oversee selection of proper fitting plus maintenance of protective equipment, including the use of adhesive tape, bandages, and orthoses.
Reduce and control environmental hazards, thereby creating a safe environment.
Advise and educate the football coaching staff of general and specific health practices, training activities and programs.
In cooperation with the Strength and Conditioning Coach, provide strategic guidance and instruction to the coaching staff of appropriate weight training programs. Establish and maintain restrictions for Athletes at Risk.
Plan and implement preventative exercise programs for University of San Diego Student Athletes.
Promote the safety of the athletes and their environment, making effective and efficient decisions through process review and evaluation.
Practice Universal Precautions (OSHA) when exposed to bodily fluids.

Recognition and Evaluation

Through observance of daily practices and contests (Football), and working in the athletic training room, identify and evaluate the severity of athletic injuries.
Evaluate acute injuries with referrals to team physician(s) or other health care professionals as needed.
Evaluate chronic injuries with referrals to team physician(s) or other health care professionals as needed.
Assess patient progress.
Assess illnesses with referrals to team physician(s) or other health care professionals as needed.
Coordinate all team physician appointments.

Management and Treatment

Provide emergency and first aid care and treatment of acute injuries to over 100 football student-athletes
Implement athletic training staff emergency care procedures as needed.
Facilitate transportation logistics to expedite emergency care as needed.
Maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED certification.
Time permitting, provide first aid and injury referral of non-intercollegiate and club sport participants.

Rehabilitation

Under supervision of the team physician, administer therapeutic modalities. Design and implement injury rehabilitation programs.
Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive return-to-play protocols tailored to football-specific injuries. .
Design and fit specific orthopedic devices.
Apply therapeutic and protective bandaging and wrapping for practices and contests for over 100 football student-athletes
Makes and enforces autonomous return to play decisions.

Organization and Administration

Communicate effectively and timely with doctors, coaches, administrators, student athletes and sports medicine staff members on matters specific to football
Assist in administering the University Athletic Injury insurance policy and claims processing. Coordinate primary and University insurance information for medical providers.
Assist Director of Sports Medicine in annually providing students and parents/guardians with written information regarding the University Athletic Injury policy on an annual basis.
Acquire and maintain primary insurance information for individual athletes.
Maintain accurate health, injury, treatment, rehabilitation and physician referrals for over 100 individual athletes. Maintain daily treatment records and rehabilitation progress notes while protecting the athlete's privacy.
Organization and administration, including scheduling, of athletic department sponsored sports camps.
Supervise and manage between 8-15 athletic training students.
Assist with assigning athletic training students to practices, events and training room coverage.
Lead education and recruitment of football student athletic trainers.
Maintain athletic training room facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.
Assist with athletic training supplies and equipment inventory and maintenance.
Apply University and Athletic Department policies and regulations in regard to the use/abuse of alcohol and drugs.
Assist with NCAA and/or institutional drug testing.
Coordinate equipment repair and training room maintenance

Education and Counseling

Counsel and advise student athletes and coaches in rehabilitation, conditioning, diet, nutrition, use of ergogenic aids, and the psychology of athletes.
Communicate and liaison with the Program Coordinator and Clinical Coordinator of affiliated athletic training professional programs.
Oversee Athletic Training observation students.
Oversee undergraduate student intern program, including program processes, recruitment and retention..
Provide in-service and ongoing clinical education for the athletic training students.
Assist in CPR training for coaches and other athletic department members as needed.
Support coaching staff in the effective progression and development of student athletes.
Advocate for athlete health while respecting competitive and performance pressures.
Liaison with the University of San Diego Counseling Center and Affiliated Mental Health Providers.

Additional Responsibilities

Maintain all personal certification requirements, including CEUs for NATA certification.
Participate in Athletic Department meetings.
Be aware of and practice the NATA Code of Ethics.
Foster and maintain positive student body and faculty relations.
Report any potential NCAA violations.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Must be able to travel for extended periods of time to athletics events (which most trips cover 4 days every other week in season
Ability to work extended hours and weekends from the end of July until the end of November/December.
Must be able to withstand environmental conditions when working outside.
Employee may be exposed to adhesive sprays, bodily fluids, and extremes in temperature or humidity.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

NATABOC Certification (ATC) required
American Heart Association's Healthcare Provider CPR certification or equivalent
AED certification
California driver's license required within six weeks of hire

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Job Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required.
At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience after NATA certification required.
A successful candidate will be well versed and skilled in emergency care, evaluation, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, especially those caused by contact and/or collision.
Certificates, licenses, and registrations listed below.
Ability to use specialized equipment below.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree preferred.
4 or more years of progressively responsible experience after NATA certification preferred.
Football experience at either a collegiate, professional, or high school level strongly preferred.
Supervisory experience strongly preferred.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
Advanced supervisory skills. Will have direct oversight of a team comprised of full time, part time, and student athletic trainers.
Excellent interpersonal skills to interact and work with a broad range of people using tact and diplomacy.
Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to changes in schedules, travel, practices, treatment times, etc.
Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students and employees as required by University policy, FERPA, HIPAA, and the Buckley Amendment, as amended.
Ability to navigate nuanced, sensitive, and confidential matters.
Comprehensive working knowledge of all Athletics and Sports Medicine departmental policies and procedures, as well as understanding and adherence to external governing agencies' regulations and requirements.
Excellent skills in the use of specific equipment and tools as identified below.
Excellent skills in time management, organization, and critical thinking.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure, especially during game-time emergencies or other high stress situations.
Ability to make calm, decisive calls during high-stakes moments.

Posting Salary:
$5833.33 - 6,666.67 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:
Resume and Cover Letter Required
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers' review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Additional Details:
Hours: 40 hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: May 12, 2025
Applications close: Open until filled

To apply, visit https://jobs.sandiego.edu/cw/en-us/job/497017/head-football-athletic-trainer