Minor League Athletic Trainer

Location for this position is open to various St. Louis Cardinals affiliate locations in 2027

Job Description:

The MiLB Athletic Trainer provides comprehensive sports medicine services at an assigned minor league affiliate within the St. Louis Cardinals player development system. This position delivers direct patient care including injury evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention programming in a collaborative, athlete-centered environment. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes sports medicine leadership, performance coaches, performance science, registered dietitians, and mental health and performance staff, the Athletic Trainer ensures optimal player health outcomes and supports sustainable career development. This role serves as the primary medical provider at the affiliate level, implementing organizational protocols while maintaining daily communication with coaching staff and medical leadership.

Job Duties:

• Direct Patient Care: Provide comprehensive medical care including injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for players at assigned affiliate.
• Injury Prevention: Implement evidence-based injury prevention programs in collaboration with performance staff.
• Communication & Coordination: Maintain consistent communication with coaching staff, medical leadership, and performance team regarding player health status and programming.
• Protocol Implementation: Execute organizational medical protocols, return-to-play progressions, and documentation standards.
• Emergency Response: Serve as primary emergency medical responder at affiliate venue and during team travel.
• Player Development Support: Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to support long-term player health and performance development.

Additional Duties:

• Provide direct sports medicine services including injury and illness evaluation, treatment, therapeutic interventions, and rehabilitation for minor league players and major league players on rehabilitation assignment during the season; implement organizational clinical standards and evidence-based protocols; execute return-to-competition progressions under the direction of the MiLB Medical Coordinator and Assistant Medical Coordinator; coordinate specialist referrals and follow-up care; maintain accurate medical documentation in compliance with HIPAA and MLB regulations.
• Implement injury prevention programs in collaboration with performance coaches and performance science staff; support pre-participation physical examinations and medical screening programs; participate in workload monitoring and programming discussions; integrate medical considerations into player development planning; provide input on training modifications based on player health status.
• Maintain daily communication with the affiliate manager and coaching staff regarding player availability and health status; provide consistent updates to the MiLB Medical Coordinator and Assistant Medical Coordinator on player progress, injuries, and treatment plans; collaborate with performance coaches to ensure consistency with workload monitoring and programming; coordinate with the multidisciplinary team including dietitians and mental health staff to support comprehensive player care.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records using organizational electronic medical record systems; ensure compliance with MLB medical documentation requirements and organizational protocols; complete injury reports, treatment logs, and rehabilitation documentation; support workers' compensation documentation and reporting as directed; participate in injury surveillance and data collection initiatives; lead affiliate sports medicine portion of the organizational player plan process.
• Serve as primary emergency medical responder at affiliate venue and during team travel; implement emergency action plans in coordination with venue staff and local emergency services; maintain current certifications in CPR/AED and emergency medical procedures; ensure availability and proper maintenance of emergency medical equipment; communicate emergency situations promptly to medical leadership.
• Manage athletic training room operations including supply inventory, equipment maintenance, and facility organization; coordinate medical logistics for team travel; support coverage during spring training, extended spring training (FCL staff only), instructional league, off-season camps, and other organizational events as assigned; participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities; maintain professional certifications and state licensure requirements.

Education/Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Board of Certification (BOC) certification as Athletic Trainer
• State licensure assigned state
• Current CPR/AED certification and advanced life support training
• Minimum 2 years of experience working as Athletic Trainer in team setting
• Demonstrated expertise in baseball-related injuries and sport-specific medical challenges
• Experience with healthcare policy development and regulatory compliance

Education/Experience Preferred:

• Master's degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, or a related field
• Minimum 4 years of experience working as an Athletic Trainer in a professional team setting
• Advanced coursework in movement science, biomechanics, or sports medicine
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
• Dry needling certification where legally permitted
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish preferred) for communication with diverse player populations