POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Fitness and Athletic Training – West Plains
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1121
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Associate Vice-Chancellor for Athletics and Community Engagement
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Fitness and Athletic Training – West Plains is responsible for athletic training and strength and conditioning programs for the Grizzly athletic teams as well as the development and management of individual and group aquatics and wellness programs for men and women as a part of the Athletics and Community Engagement, Aquatics and Wellness Department at the West Plains Civic Center. Patrons of the program include the students, faculty, staff, and administration of Missouri State University - West Plains; residents of West Plains, Missouri; and citizens of the seven counties comprising the Ozarks Heritage Region of south-central Missouri (Howell, Oregon, Texas, Douglas, Wright, Ozark and Shannon counties).
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training, Public Health, Health Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Physical Education, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least two years of experience is required in progressively responsible positions involving the development and management of individual and group wellness, fitness, health education, athletic training, strength training, and/or aquatics programs. Experience at the college/university level is preferred. Any experience in management of a health/fitness, weight training, and/or aquatics facility is preferred.
Skills: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are required. Excellent supervisory and organizational skills (e.g., ability to organize, plan, coordinate, and direct activities) are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
License: NATA Certified Athletic Trainer eligible for Missouri registration required. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification required/or to be obtained within one year of employment. Also prefer certification in First Aid & CPR, Lifeguard Instructor Certification and/or Aquatics Facility Operators Certification. Additional certifications in the areas of sports medicine and health/wellness will be considered.
Effort: Scope of the position requires ability to perform and/or demonstrate various physical fitness and strength exercises, and to assist others performing those exercises. Position requires some handling of hazardous materials in the operation of the aquatic’s facility.
Other: The scope of this position frequently requires attendance at activities on weekends and nights along with travel to athletic events out of town.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs athletic training duties for Grizzly Athletics teams. Attends all practices and home games. Travel for road games will be limited.2. Works closely with athletics and cheer coaches in performing strength and conditioning duties for Grizzly Athletics teams. Develops and monitors strength and conditioning program for each athlete to ensure peak athletic performance. Enables individuals to perform to their physical potential through the development and management of individual and group weight, strength and fitness training programs. Develops programs by evaluating current physical conditioning and tailoring strength and fitness programs for specific needs. Demonstrates proper performance of exercises. Manages programs by monitoring athletes’ progress and providing an assessment of development.
3. Works closely and coordinates with area medical and professional personnel (e.g., physicians, dentists, pharmacists, chiropractors) who provide services to the Grizzly Athletics program for the overall preventative and rehabilitation health care program of Grizzly athletes. To include the execution of the campus’ athlete drug testing policy.
4. Develops and coordinates an aquatics program. Hires and ensures proper training and certification of lifeguards.
5. Ensures that the West Plains Civic Center swimming pool and fitness room are operated in a safe, effective, and professional manner by supervising operations (including maintenance and cleaning of pool facilities) of the swimming pool and fitness room, instructing lifeguards and staff on policies and procedures regarding pool and fitness room usage, and providing administration for special scheduled events in the pool area.
6. Develops and coordinates a Wellness Program for patrons of the Athletics and Community Engagement Division.
7. Reduces the likelihood of injuries or the aggravation of such injuries during training sessions by being knowledgeable of injuries and proper prevention methods. Directs appropriate pre-training sessions and warmups. Works with qualified sports medicine personnel or athletic trainers.
8. Promotes healthy lifestyle alternatives for Aquatics and Wellness Program patrons and assures the campus’s compliance with federally mandated health programs by coordinating and implementing a comprehensive health education program for the campus.
9. Identifies the health, fitness, and strength training needs of Fitness Club clientele through development and use of appropriate evaluation tools regarding health education issues.
10. Promotes a positive image of the campus by participating in community and professional organizations, representing the campus at professional meetings and on community committees, and establishes and maintains credible relations with various news media.
11. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
12. Maintains competency and professional currency through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director of Athletics – West Plains and the Associate Vice-Chancellor for Athletics and Community Engagement.
13. Contributes to the overall success of Missouri State University-West Plains by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of Fitness and Athletic Training – West Plains receives supervision from the Associate Vice-Chancellor for Athletics and Community Engagement with athletic program oversight provided by the Director of Athletics – West Plains. The Director exercises considerable independent judgment in the management of the Aquatics and Wellness Program. The Director exercises supervision of any student or non-student assistants who may be employed in the Aquatics and Wellness Program.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MAY 2024
