Certified Athletic Trainer

About the role

The Human Performance team at The Farm and Forge Club is seeking a full-time Certified Athletic Trainer (AT) to serve as the primary medical and performance support for our Human Performance Department and Tennis Academy.

This role operates similarly to an athletic trainer in a collegiate team setting and will work closely with human performance and tennis coaches and external medical providers to oversee the injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and return-to-play strategies for athletes. 

This role plays a key role in integrating medical care with on-court tennis demands and performance training, ensuring athletes are healthy, available, and progressing safely over time. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and comfortable functioning as the central hub between athletes, staff, and healthcare providers in a high-performance environment.

What you'll do

• Assist with pre-participation processes, including coordinating pre-participation physicals with designated medical providers and reviewing athlete health histories and flagging risk factors
• Develop and implement tennis-specific injury prevention strategies, including dynamic warm-ups, mobility work, shoulder and hip care, and stability/strength routines
• Build preventative exercise programs for Tennis Academy athletes
• Oversee fitting and application of protective equipment, braces, supports, and taping/bracing as appropriate.
• Identify and reduce environmental risk factors (heat, humidity, playing surface, etc.) to help create a safe training and competition environment.
• Collaborate with Human Performance staff and tennis coaches to set appropriate training restrictions for at-risk athletes and adjust training loads and organize modifications to reduce overuse injury risk

• Observe practices, training sessions, and competitions to identify potential injuries or health concerns.
• Perform on-site evaluations of acute injuries to determine severity, immediate needs, and next steps.
• Evaluate chronic or recurring issues, assess progress, and determine when referral is necessary.
• Coordinate and manage referrals to physicians, physical therapists, or other healthcare providers, and track follow-up.
• Regularly assess and document athlete progress, communicating updates to athletes, parents, tennis coaches, and Human Performance staff.

• Provide emergency care and first aid for acute injuries and illnesses during practices, training, and competitions.
• Implement Farm & Forge Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and serve as a leader in emergency situations until advanced care arrives.
• Facilitate transportation and logistics to expedite emergency or urgent medical care when needed.
• Maintain current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.
• Provide on-site care and treatment including Therapeutic modalities (as appropriate and within scope), manual techniques such as taping, wrapping, and bracing, and symptom management during the acute and subacute phases of injury

• Under physician direction and within scope of practice, design and implement individualized rehabilitation programs for injured athletes.
• Integrate sport-specific and position-specific progressions to prepare athletes for full tennis demands.
• Develop and oversee graded RTP protocols to outline clear criteria for advancement through stages, collaboration with Human Performance staff on reconditioning and loading, and coordination with tennis coaches on modified practice involvement
• Fit and instruct athletes in the use of orthopedic devices and supports as needed.
• Apply therapeutic and protective bandaging, taping, and wrapping for practices and matches.

• Maintain accurate and timely electronic records of Injuries and evaluations, treatments and rehabilitation sessions, RTP plans, restrictions and clearances, and referrals and communication with outside providers
• Protect athlete privacy and maintain confidentiality in accordance with professional standards and applicable privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA where applicable).
• Assist with pre-participation and medical paperwork workflows, in coordination with Farm & Forge operations and Tennis Academy leadership.
• Help maintain the athletic training and treatment spaces in a clean, safe, and organized manner (sanitation, equipment upkeep, supply inventory).
• Participate in Farm & Forge Human Performance staff meetings and contribute to ongoing improvements in systems, policies, and athlete care processes.

• Educate athletes and families on injury prevention, recovery timelines, and expectations, as well as foundational topics on foundational topics in nutrition, hydration, sleep, and recovery strategies (in alignment with Farm & Forge philosophy and any partnered nutrition professionals). 
• Counsel athletes through the psychological aspects of injury and rehab, and refer to mental health professionals when appropriate and available.
• Provide in-service education for Human Performance and tennis staff as needed on topics such as emergency response updates, best practices in taping/bracing and recovery, and trends in tennis-specific injury patterns and prevention
• Work closely with a variety of internal and external teams to align rehab, conditioning, practice plans and coordinated care. 
• Participate in Farm & Forge and Tennis Academy events, meetings, and culture-building initiatives.

• Uphold and model the NATA Code of Ethics and Farm & Forge values in all interactions.
• Practice Universal Precautions (OSHA) when exposed to bodily fluids and ensure proper disposal/cleaning protocols.
• Assist in the development and ongoing refinement of Emergency Action Plans, and safety standards regarding heat/hydration guidelines, concussion recognition and management protocols
• Maintain all required certifications, including BOC certification, state licensure, and CEUs for continued practice.

Required Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working as an athletic trainer post-certification in a team sport or high-performance environment 
• Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training or related field (required)
• BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in good standing.
• Eligible for or holding Athletic Training Licensure in the State of Tennessee (or ability to obtain prior to start).
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Strong clinical skills in injury evaluation, treatment, rehab, and RTP design.
• Ability to work independently and manage a daily caseload while integrating into a broader performance and coaching team.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and follow-through.
• Calm, composed presence in emergency and high-pressure situations.
• Physical Requirements:
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• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift, move, and handle basic sports medicine equipment, and assist in moving or supporting athletes in emergency situations
• Comfortable working in indoor and outdoor settings; must be able to tolerate heat, humidity, and variable weather during on-court activities.
• Ability to align working schedule with Tennis Academy training and match schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• Occasionally travel to events, tournaments, or activities outside of the Farm and Forge facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, or related field, preferred.
• Experience working in a tennis, racket-sport, or similar change-of-direction sport setting, preferred.
• Prior experience in a collegiate-style or academy-style performance environment with close daily integration into coaching and performance staff, preferred. 
• Familiarity with or strong interest in performance technology (e.g., GPS, wellness monitoring, force plates, wearables) and load management concepts.

Benefits

Farm and Forge offers comprehensive benefits that support our team's health and wellbeing. These include:

• Medical Insurance 
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company-sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance 
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Ongoing Training and Development
• Team Outings

The pay range for this role is:

70,000 - 85,000 USD per year (Farm and Forge HQ)