Position SummaryThe Washington Nationals are seeking a Major League Lead Athletic Trainer to lead daily medical care and athletic training operations for the Major League club.
This role will oversee the Major League athletic training staff and work closely with team physicians, Physical Therapy, Physical Development, and Major League coaches to keep players healthy, available, and progressing toward their performance goals. The Lead Athletic Trainer will establish clear daily plans, apply organizational assessment and treatment standards, and ensure timely communication around player status, restrictions, and readiness.
The ideal candidate combines strong clinical skills with sound judgment, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to lead a collaborative medical group in a demanding Major League environment.
Primary Responsibilities- Lead daily injury evaluation, treatment, recovery, and athletic training services for Major League players in coordination with team physicians.
- Lead and develop the Major League athletic training staff, setting consistent standards for preparation, care, documentation, and communication.
- Implement organizational screening and testing protocols to establish baselines, monitor changes, and identify concerns requiring action.
- Coordinate individualized medical plans with physicians, Physical Therapists, Physical Development, and skill coaches.
- Communicate player status, clinical restrictions, treatment priorities, and changes in readiness to appropriate staff and leadership.
- Partner with rehabilitation staff to establish return-to-performance milestones and coordinate transitions between the Major League club, West Palm Beach, and rehab assignments.
- Maintain accurate medical records and coordinate appointments, imaging, specialist consultations, and continuity of care during travel and the offseason.
- Oversee athletic training supplies, treatment-area operations, and emergency preparation while continually improving the quality and efficiency of care.
Qualifications- Degree in athletic training or a related field, BOC certification, and eligibility for applicable athletic training licensure.
- Significant athletic training experience in professional baseball or a comparable high-performance environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead staff and coordinate care across multiple disciplines.
- Experience applying objective assessments and clinical findings to treatment and readiness decisions.
- Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
- Current CPR/AED certification and willingness to travel with the Major League club.
- Spanish proficiency is a plus.
CompensationThe projected annual salary for this position is $150,000 - $200,000. Actual pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to the applicant's: qualifications, skills, expertise, education/training, certifications, and other organization requirements. Starting salaries for new employees are frequently not at the top of the applicable salary range.
BenefitsThe Nationals offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that presently includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) and pension plan
- Access to complimentary tickets to Nationals home games
- Employee discounts
- Free onsite fitness center
