District Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainer

The District Athletic Trainer plans, coordinates, and delivers comprehensive healthcare and athletic training services for student-athletes across the Waterloo Community School District. Key responsibilities include event and practice medical coverage, initial clinical injury evaluations, emergency care, ImPACT concussion testing, and the design and implementation of customized rehabilitation programs. This role serves as the primary authority on state return-to-play/return-to-learn concussion compliance, leads venue-specific Emergency Action Plans, and maintains strong communication with coaches, families, athletic leadership, and medical providers.

Hiring Specifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in science, sports medicine, or a related field
• Master's degree in Athletic Training
• Or Bachelor's degree + BOC certification

Certification:

• Licensure through the Iowa Board of Athletic Training Examiners
• Certification by the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers
• CPR certified, or willing to obtain

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Ability to assess and treat student injuries, or facilitate appropriate care
• Ability to assess concussion symptoms and implement appropriate protocols
• Create and implement preventative plans for athletes
• Demonstrated skill in organizing ideas and people
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships based on mutual confidence and respect in identifying problems and their resolutions and in the evaluation of performance potential as revealed through interviews and other means of observation
• Knowledge of the scope and relationships of the position to the total athletic program
• Demonstrated sound judgment, social competency, adaptability, self-confidence, emotional maturity, initiative, enthusiasm and resourcefulness, as well as dedication to duty and the ability to act consistently and to evaluate a program through observation and examination of stated objectives and related results
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability
• Ability to organize varied functions and meet deadlines in a timely manner
• Ability to establish and maintain a favorable working atmosphere within the building that is conducive to optimum growth and learning consistent with goals and objectives in the school district
• Ability to accomplish tasks through the group process
• Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality

Technology Requirements:

• Proficiency with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems (or willingness to learn).
• Experience with student-athlete management platforms (e.g., injury tracking software).
• Knowledge of Google Suite applications.
• Commitment to HIPAA and FERPA compliance regarding student health data.
• Knowledge of computer security expectations.

Supervision of Others:

• Oversight of athletic training students/interns as applicable.
• Collaboration with coaching staff regarding safety and medical protocols.

Personal Contacts:

• Students and families
• District personnel
• Community Medical Providers (Unity Point/Mercy One)

Job Duties:

• Provides athletic training services at District-sponsored or District-approved practices, competitions, events and other activities as assigned.
• Attend events and practices to provide the needed on-site care
• Conduct thorough initial clinical evaluation of injuries and illnesses commonly sustained by participants in athletics and
• Maintain timely documentation of evaluations, treatment, referrals, parent communications, return-to-play decisions and emergency care.
• Provide appropriate first aid and emergency care, according to accepted standards, for acute injuries/illnesses resulting from participation in athletics.
• Design rehabilitation and training programs for athletes. Communicate appropriate updates and needs with the athlete's family.
• Handle clerical tasks such as managing budgets, restocking supplies, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with insurance and state reporting requirements.
• Develop customized treatment plans and make appropriate recommendations for ideal steps in athlete care
• Communicate athlete updates with coaches and athletic directors as needed.
• Implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program, under the direction of the Athletic/Activities Supervisor and consulting physician, for injuries/illnesses sustained by participants in athletics.
• Assist in implementing a program for prevention of injury.
• Observe athletes for signs and symptoms of illnesses and initiate referral when appropriate.
• Conduct and coordinate concussion screening/testing in accordance with District protocols and applicable requirements.
• Communicate concerns regarding the health care of the athlete and the athletic training program to the Athletic/Activities Supervisor; building athletic directors and coaches.
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP) responsibility development and maintenance of venue-specific EAPs, AED locations, coordination with local EMS
• Concussion Management Oversight serves as the primary authority regarding Iowa's return-to-play and return-to-learn legislation, ensuring final decision-making power for student-athlete clearance.
• Coordinate with Athletic Department leadership to maintain equipment inventory
• Stay current with emerging trends, research, and best practice in sports medicine and injury prevention.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

NEVER0% - OCCASIONAL1-32% - FREQUENT33-66% - CONSTANT67%+

A. - Standing - X

B. - Walking - X

C. - Sitting - X

D. - Bending/Stooping - X

E. - Pushing/Pulling - X

F. - Reaching - X

G. - Climbing/Stairs - X

H. - Driving - X

I, - Lifting - Up to 50lbs

J. - Carrying - Up to 50lbs

K - Manual Dexterity Tasks

Telephone - X

Computer - X

Other

L. - Working Conditions

Inside - X

Outside - X

Extremes in temp/humidity - X

Terms of Employment:

Twelve-month assignment per Board policy and administrative guidelines.

Performance evaluated annually.

Date Last Revised: 8/24/2026