First Assistant Athletic Trainer

POSITION TITLE:  First Assistant Athletic Trainer

DEPARTMENT:  First Team Player Medical

REPORTS TO:  First Team Head Athletic Trainer

TYPE:  Full-Time Regular

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  April 12, 2026

 

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

This position will be primarily responsible for managing the health care, injury rehabilitation, and injury prevention for all Sounders FC players under the direction of the First Team Head Athletic Trainer, and in coordination with other first team medical providers.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide medical assistance in managing the health care of first team players (i.e. rehabilitation, prevention, making medical referrals).
• Administer appropriate treatment (i.e., manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, passive modalities, return to sport testing, etc.) as devised through the rehabilitation plan.
• Maintain and update accurate medical records in the MLS EMR systems (ARMS/ HeadCheck etc.) daily.
• Consult with Chief Medical Officer and other relevant Medical Physicians to provide the best level of care for players.
• Collaborate closely with Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Massage Therapist, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Performance Specialists, and Nutritionist to perform daily departmental tasks and medical reports.
• Communicate appropriately and respectfully with colleagues in providing athlete medical and performance care within their respective job responsibilities daily.
• Work with Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists in documenting all medical treatments and interventions daily.
• Assist in ordering, maintaining, and inventorying supplies and clinical equipment.
• Keep athletic training room and clinic area safe, clean, and organized.
• Travel with players to appointments and surgeries when instructed by First Team Head Athletic Trainer.
• Travel with first team to away games and preseason.
• Assist and mentor Development medical staff with Tacoma Defiance and Academy players when instructed by First Team Athletic Trainer.
• Communicate with Development medical staff (Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists) and Performance staff assisting in the care of Tacoma Defiance and Academy players. 
• Oversee and administer the Club’s Athletic Training Internship Program, including participation in the recruitment and interviewing of Athletic Training students, providing ongoing mentorship and professional development, and ensuring full compliance with affiliated university standards and requirements.
• Assist in miscellaneous tasks such as supporting Athletic Trainers during training/games, hydration intake, dietary consumption, and operational daily tasks of the medical training room.
• Comply with all MLS medical policies and protocol.
• Comply with OSHA Standards with regards to blood borne pathogens.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse groups - including Sounders FC players, coaches, team personnel and League staff.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced work environment.
• Strong organizational and personnel management skills.
• Willingness to pitch in with menial tasks as needed.
• Professional demeaner, punctual and reliable.
• Ability to work under pressure situations.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish / English) or Multi-lingual skills a plus.
• Have reliable means of transportation.
• A passion for soccer highly desired.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook etc.).
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living organizational values and the to the organizational mission: Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify & Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and fans.

 

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Master’s degree (M.S.) in Athletic Training from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience working as an Athletic Trainer in elite level sports.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working for an MLS First Team preferred.
• Medical soccer experience preferred, but exception may be granted for experience in other elite level sports.
• NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer.
• In good standing with NATABOC and a member of the NATA (or CATA).
• Washington State Department of Health License in Athletic Training.
• Possess personal professional liability insurance.
• Current professional CPR/AED certification.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This position will work in-person from the Sounders FC Headquarters & training facility in Renton, WA, as well as matches at Lumen Field, events and meetings in market as needed.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must attend all Sounders matches and training sessions as directed by First Team Head Athletic Trainer.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel. Occasional out-of-town travel will be required.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to busy athletic facility areas, outside weather conditions and loud noise levels. May require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some heavy lifting (20+ pounds).

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $85,000-90,000. Base salary at time of offer is based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal equity, and current market conditions.  

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, we provide employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 per year for employee-only coverage and $2,000 per year for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Fertility & Family-Building Support: We provide a $10,000 lifetime maximum fertility benefit through our healthcare plan to support employees in their family-building journeys. This benefit includes coverage for infertility treatment, IVF, IUI, embryo transfer, fertility preservation, and related medications.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for public transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.

 

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected, valued and supported. We celebrate our diverse work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives. To that end, if you do not meet every job requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. We believe your relevant experience and expertise will help us become a high-performing best-in-class workplace for all. Women, gender-nonbinary, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The physical demands reflected in the duties and work environment herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. If you’d like to request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please do so by emailing the People & Culture Team.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

 

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