Minor League Athletic Trainer

ABOUT US:

The Colorado Rockies are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. The mission of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club is to embody the principles and practices of a championship organization in both the sport and business of baseball. In the rich tradition that has made baseball America's national pastime, we are committed to conducting our business with integrity, service, quality, and trust. We are committed to achieving excellence both on and off the field.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The minor league athletic trainer is responsible for the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of athletic injuries for minor league players and staff by using the appropriate resources. This includes daily on-field coverage during games and practices, rehabilitation programs, detailed medical records, and collaboration with the medical staff to optimize player health and performance while traveling with the team during the season.

The placement of this position will depend on experience and best fit. This position will also be present for spring training in Arizona and Instructional league in the US or Dominican Republic.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Evaluation and treatment of injured players and staff members. All medical personnel will be responsible for treating players before the commencement of the daily program and for continuing treatment post-game treatment.
Communicate extensively with the Director of Player Development, Assistant Director of Player Development, Director of Medical Operations, Major League AT staff and the Rehabilitation Coordinator about all minor league players' health, status, and progression.
Implement injury prevention strategies through warm-up protocols, proper technique instruction, and athlete education.
Provide immediate medical attention to players during games and practices, including injury assessment, first aid, and emergency response.
Develop and implement individualized rehabilitation programs for injured players, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like ice, heat, and electrical stimulation.
Maintain accurate and detailed medical records of player injuries, treatments, and progress, including daily reports and communication with coaching staff and team physicians. This includes obtaining and entering all reports from physicians, office visits, diagnostic testing, and physical exams, and uploading all diagnostic studies.
Set up and maintain a clean athletic training room, ensuring proper supplies and equipment are readily available.
Educate athletes on injury prevention, recovery protocols, and promptly reporting injuries.
Work closely with the team's medical staff (physicians, physical therapists), coaches, and player development personnel to optimize athlete health.
Accompany the team on road trips to provide medical support during away games.
Provide injury recognition, prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, and reconditioning.
Provide first aid and emergency care, counseling, and guidance to players.
Coordinate appropriate referrals to a physician or for diagnostic testing when necessary. This includes scheduling and possible transportation for that player.
Work closely with the Colorado Rockies medical staff and the medical staff in your affiliate city. Maintaining a close professional relationship is essential so we can continue to expedite the services needed.
Provide daily medical updates to your team staff. Provide nightly medical updates for the Director of Player Development, Assistant Director of Player Development, Rehabilitation Coordinator, and all Coordinators via email. In addition, nightly injury reports will be generated from the Athlete Health Management System.
Conduct drug testing as directed by the League, Colorado Rockies Team Physician or Director of Player Development. All testing should comply with the Major League Baseball drug test policies and procedures in the athletic training manual.
Coordinate the administration of entrance and exit physicals as needed. This includes an internal medicine exam, orthopedic exam, blood draws, urinalysis, EKG, and drug testing. This also includes the education of the player's rights under the California Cumulative Trauma Law.
Travel to your affiliate city before Spring Training to establish contact with your affiliate front office and local medical staff. Make a preliminary inquiry into local housing for players and staff.
Compile a complete inventory of team equipment and new and existing medical supplies. This will ensure all equipment is accounted for and documented going into the next season and help with submitting the next season's supply order.
Manage your team's allotted budget for supplies and make the necessary orders for your season.
Identify players needing a Therapeutic Use Exemption and ensure they are aware of the protocol and complete the process.
Assist players with any personal health issues. This includes aiding them with their individual health insurance information. Be aware of insurance coverage; all providers should be “in-network” only.
Educate the players that the only approved supplements are NSF-certified for sport.
Educate the players on the risk of tobacco use and the Major League Policies.
Provide all umpires with the same quality of care, injury reporting, and documentation.
Create and establish an Emergency Action Plan for your home stadium. This includes setting up possible medical coverage at all home games.
Assisting the visiting athletic trainer in any way possible with medical contacts, scheduling appointments, etc.
Continue to follow up on all players throughout the off-season to check on their health and baseball activity progression coming into the following year.
Schedule any off-season appointments that may be needed for unresolved injury issues.
Assist in completing and submitting necessary paperwork between Major League Baseball or Denver and the affiliate city.
Assist in all issues pertaining to uniforms and equipment.
Educate the players on nutrition and try to help with advice to the affiliates on pre-game and post-game meals.
Chaperone players to other cities or countries for potential doctor’s appointments or surgeries.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities are not limited to the list above. Your duties and areas of responsibility may be changed from time to time as the Club may require. You are an employee at will and your employment may be terminated at any time by you or by the Club. Further, as an employee of the Club you are subject to the policies of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club as issued and as they may be changed from time to time.
Assist the front office in securing the completion of needed paperwork/forms promptly.
Coordinate in-season away game arrangements for your affiliate club. This includes transportation via bus or flight, hotel reservations, rooming lists, meal money, and all necessary baseball equipment. This also includes any changes to those reservations due to player transfers or any incoming personnel.
Handle all petty cash issues for travel and reimbursement where applicable.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Certified, and in good standing, Athletic Trainer (ATC) license from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Board of Certification (BOC) required.
Bachelor’s degree in athletic training or related field required.
Certified American Heart Association Basic Life Support or American Red Cross Basic Life Support preferred.
Bi-lingual Preferred.
Experience working with athletes in a competitive sports setting.
Strong understanding of injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation principles.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with players, coaches, and medical staff.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to travel extensively during the season.
Proficient in the ability to treat injuries, improve movement, manage pain, and return patients to proper functional activity.
Cognitive skills related to the position.
Ability to work well with other members of the Medical Team and Baseball Staff.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work a flexible schedule with long hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Travel will be required.
As a candidate for this position, your work location (AZ or other Affiliate locations) and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, job-related skills, and any other factors the Colorado Rockies consider relevant to the hiring decision for this position.

The following physical requirements are essential to the duties and responsibilities of this role:

Work Environment: The position requires flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Travel to different affiliate locations (domestic and international) will be required, which may involve extended stays away from home.
The position will be primarily based at the affiliate's facility. It will involve regular exposure to outdoor environments and varying weather conditions and active participation in both individual and group physical activities.
Physical Stamina: Ability to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and be on your feet for extended periods during training sessions, games, and events.
Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, running, bending, kneeling, and reaching are required for training sessions, assisting athletes, and setting up equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Ability to manipulate training equipment, weight room tools, and technology such as Sparta Science Force Plates, laptops, and other performance tracking devices.
Lifting & Carrying: Ability to lift, carry, and transport training equipment, weights, and other materials (up to 50 lbs).
Vision & Hearing: Ability to observe training sessions, monitor players’ movements, and listen to verbal communication and feedback from players and coaches.
Travel: Frequent travel by car and plane to various affiliate locations, requiring the ability to carry and transport equipment.
Environmental Exposure: The position involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments and interacting with varying weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain) during games, practices, and events.
Mental and Emotional Stamina: The role demands excellent mental focus, decision-making, and interpersonal communication. The coach will be expected to manage stress, particularly when making independent decisions regarding player health and performance during high-pressure moments.
On-call 24/7 during the season (March – September)
Off-season programs (October – February)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Annual salary of $56,000. This is a regular status, full-time position.
As a candidate for this position, your salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, job-related skills, and any other factors the Colorado Rockies consider relevant to the hiring decision for this position.
In addition to the base salary, the Club believes in providing a very competitive and generous compensation and benefits package for its employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, employee discounts on merchandise, and so much more! All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of official plan documents which may be modified or amended at any given time.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by January 17^th, 2025.

The estimated time to complete the recruitment process will be by January 31^st, 2025. Please note this is just an estimate, and the application process and recruiting process may extend or close at any time.
A note for Colorado Rockies employees:
- Please apply via the internal job board in UKG by following these prompts: MENU > MYSELF > VIEW OPPORTUNITIES > select the position > CONSENT > APPLY NOW
- If you cannot access UKG, please list your most recent Manager as an Employee Reference on your application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Rockies baseball is for everyone! We pride ourselves on hiring, developing, and promoting talent as an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment or promotion without regard to race (including, but not limited to, traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length and/or protective hairstyles), color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, ancestry, age (40+), creed, religion, disability, veteran status, pregnancy/childbirth and related conditions, or any other category or activity protected by law. In addition, we will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified job applicants and employees with known physical or mental disabilities in compliance with the ADA. All employment and promotion decisions will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Experience

Preferred