What are the responsibilities and job description for the Team Nutritionist position at Vegas Golden Knights?
The Team Nutritionist will provide comprehensive nutritional and dietary services to the Vegas Golden Knights organization, encompassing all associated teams, staff, players, and prospects. Responsibilities include meal planning, individual consultations, development of nutrition protocols, and educational material creation. This role will align with the principles of the Performance and Medicine Department, ensuring player-centric services within a multidisciplinary framework.
Professional Practice Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality nutrition coaching, including comprehensive assessment, monitoring and evaluation, individualized nutritional education and lifestyle guidance, meal planning, hydration strategies, supplement provision and recovery strategies, and post-injury/prolonged illness recovery strategies which are tailored to the health and performance needs of elite hockey players.
- Collaborate with Performance and Medical staff for team and player related meal planning, organization, and development of dietary protocols for injury recovery and special needs.
- Ensure maintenance of dietary guidelines and safety standards in accordance with professional hockey organization standards.
- Deliver team-based education training and material related to nutrition, hydration, supplementation, and recovery strategies.
- Coordinate individual player coaching sessions in alignment with the Club's and Players' training and performance schedules.
- Collaborate with Performance and Medical staff, as well as with team physicians, for medical nutrition therapy, supplement management, and nutritional bloodwork guidance.
- Work closely with team culinary staff regarding menu planning, recipe development, and education to ensure the training table is effectively supporting the nutritional needs of players.
- Document nutrition services provided to ensure appropriate documentation of coaching and consultation services.
- Monitor supplement use, availability, and inventory management to ensure safety, compliance, and effectiveness.
- Stay current with sports nutrition research and apply best practices for the Club’s nutrition solutions and strategies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Sports Nutrition, or related field
- Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) certification preferred
- Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience in elite athletics (professional, collegiate, or Olympic level preferred)
- Strong understanding of exercise physiology and performance nutrition
- Experience as a chef or a background in recipe development is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with elite athletes
- Strong organizational and planning skills, especially in fast-paced environments
- Performance-driven mindset with the ability to translate science into practical strategies
- Flexibility to work irregular hours (games, training camps, road trips)
- High level of discretion and professionalism
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.