What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Athletic Trainer - Football position at Montana State University and Careers?
The Head Athletic Trainer – Football, under general direction the Deputy Athletic Director, is assigned to the sport of Football and responsible for the supervision and management of the Montana State University Football Athletic Training program and its staff. The Head Athletic Trainer – Football is responsible for measures necessary and appropriate for preventing athletic injuries; to screen and treat, based upon training or upon recommendation of the team physicians, athletic disabilities and injuries; to provide emergency medical care; to supervise assistant athletic trainers, training room graduate assistant trainers, student interns, and/or physical therapy students; and administer the football athletic training program.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for athletic training for the football program. Consults with Head Football Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach on all phases of the conditioning program (prevention of athletic injury). Collaboration and development and implementation of policies, procedures, and protocols related to athletic training services for the athletic department.
- Administer treatment as suggested by the medical partners, team physicians, physical therapists, and/or University Student Health Services for all injuries incurred by student-athletes; keep accurate records of all treatment.
- Assist with management of the partnership with MSU medical provider and its staff of team physicians, physical therapists, and personnel.
- Assist with the development and implementation of emergency action plans for all athletic practice and competition facilities/locations.
- Supervise football assistant athletic trainers and student assistant trainers.
- Approve all protective and special equipment for football with the Athletic Equipment Manager.
- Assures that no information is officially released regarding an injured student-athlete until: a) the doctor and trainer have conferred with the coach regarding the status of the student-athlete; and b.) the family of the injured student-athlete has been informed of the injury and its nature.
- Be responsible to the head coach for daily reports and consultation regarding the physical condition of student-athletes.
- Work collaboratively with MSU Athletics Olympic sports athletic trainer(s) to administer the comprehensive sports medicine program for Bobcat Athletics, in partnership with external medical providers.
- Coordinate student-athlete medical appointments and follow-ups with medical providers.
- Approve all medical and dental referrals and cost statements submitted to the Department for payment.
- Work with the athletic department insurance coordinator to administer the student-athlete primary and secondary insurance program.
- Keep timely and accurate student-athlete injury report information in the department’s injury tracking software.
- Plan and supervise a program of rehabilitation for the injured student-athletes.
- Supervise and train assistant trainers in the administration of therapeutic treatments.
- Maintain all Bobcat Athletic Complex Athletic Training Room equipment and apparatus.
- Requisition necessary training room supplies; be responsible for their proper and economic use.
- Assist in annual drug education presentation to incoming freshmen and other student-athletes as requested by the Director of Athletics.
- Assist in the coordination of drug testing and screening of Montana State University student-athletes and assist as site coordinator for Conference and NCAA substance abuse testing.
- Responsible for complying with all Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Montana State University, NCAA, and Big Sky Conference rules and regulations.
- Develop and oversee Bobcat Athletic Complex Training Room budget.
- Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Athletic Director/CFO and Director of Athletics.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in Athletic Training or related field, or combination of education and work experience.
- 3-5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified;
- Current certification by Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers;
- Licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Montana;
- Proficiency in injury assessment, emergency care and rehabilitation techniques;
- Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills;
- Willingness and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment;
- Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations pertaining to athletic training and sports medicine.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience as Football Head Athletic trainer for a NCAA Division I institution ;
- Experience in management of the partnership between University and an outside medical care provider.
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will be willing to work with any and all sports assigned.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Regular weekend work commitments during athletic events, including travel to away competitions.
Physical Demands
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on March 17th, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.