Minor League Assistant Athletic Trainer (AA - Knoxville Smokies)

Chicago Cubs•Mesa, AZ

About The Position

Our business is a team sport built on creating and delivering memorable experiences around Cubs baseball and other live events. Chicago Cubs | Marquee 360 | Marquee Development | Marquee Ventures Each brand stands as unique as the teams that drive them. We welcome you to learn more about us. The Minor League Assistant Athletic Trainer will assist in the delivery and development of comprehensive Athletic Training services for Chicago Cubs Minor League players and staff. Working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary High-Performance (HP) environment, this role supports strategies that optimize athlete health, minimize timeloss injuries, and maximize on-field performance in both training and competition. This position requires flexibility and may include extended hours, evenings, weekends, travel to affiliates, and overseas assignments as required. Initial fixed-term contract from start date through October 31, 2026. Renewable annually based on satisfactory performance and completion of duties outlined below.

Requirements

Minimum 1–2 years of full‑time experience as an Athletic Trainer
Experience delivering Athletic Training services at the professional or collegiate level
Undergraduate degree in health or performance with an emphasis in Athletic Training or Sports Medicine
Certification recognized by the NATA / BOC
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification
Eligible for Licensure in Arizona and Tennessee
Commitment to best practice and innovation
Open, transparent communication
Accountability (self and others)
Growth mindset and professional passion
Alignment with organizational vision, mission, and values
Trust in shared beliefs and team processes
Clear understanding of individual roles within a High Performance model
Upholds Chicago Cubs High Performance Standards of Practice

Nice To Haves

Experience as a lead Athletic Trainer
Specialized skills that enhance the technical expertise of the Athletic Training unit
Bilingual (Spanish preferred)
Certification or advanced coursework in rehabilitation techniques

Responsibilities

Assist in the development and implementation of the Minor League Athletic Training strategy.
Provide oversight of injury rehabilitation, medical operations, and daily athletic training services at the Spring Training Complex and/or assigned affiliate.
Support the delivery of technically sound, evidence based, and worldclass Athletic Training services across the organization.
Record all timeloss and non-timeloss injuries accurately and consistently.
Maintain daily treatment and rehabilitation documentation.
Ensure all injury status and player availability are entered into the Athlete Health Management System (AHMS).
Maintain HIPAA compliance, medical record privacy, and appropriate de‑identification of athlete data.
Analyze injury, illness, and prevalence data across Minor League players.
Identify associated injury risk factors.
Integrate findings with performance, workload, and biomechanical data in collaboration with other departments.
Assist in developing written injury reduction objectives with clearly defined targets.
Communicate individualized injury reduction plans with athletes and coaches.
Implement and document targeted interventions (case study examples).
Integrate plans with High Performance staff and coordinators.
Conduct regular reviews of injury reduction objectives at established intervals.
Update strategies based on injury trends, workload data, clinical evaluations, MSK screening, and fitness testing outcomes.
Perform daily monitoring of workload and health availability.
Track player readiness and return-to-play status.
Contribute to return-to-performance decision-making processes.
Maintain clear, timely communication: Within the medical department Across High Performance departments With coaches, athletes, and coordinators With Front Office stakeholders
Influence and track athletes remotely during the off‑season.
Assist with programming Athletic Training related behaviors remotely.
Participate in established communication platforms for remote monitoring.
Support goal setting and longitudinal tracking of individualized off‑season plans.
Report to Arizona for assigned off‑season camp coverage as required.
Contribute innovative approaches that support best practice Athletic Training initiatives.
Participate in research ideas and applied performance projects.
Engage with external experts to exchange knowledge and advance departmental practice.
Manage emergency care using appropriate OSHA guidelines and execute medical referrals as needed.
Assist with oversight of preparticipation physicals for Spring Training, June Draft, and end-of-season exit physicals.
Coordinate medical appointments, diagnostic imaging, and follow-up care.
Support the management of continuous medical coverage for Chicago Cubs activities at assigned facilities.
Adhere to all administrative and compliance guidelines, including: AHMS documentation Emergency Action Plans COVID‑19 protocols Major and Minor League insurance programs Pharmaceutical management (VTYL One) Inventory and budget oversight Participate in periodic workers’ compensation claim reviews.
Maintain quality assurance and standard operating procedures across Minor League affiliates.
Maintain current BOC and CPR certifications and participate in continuing education initiatives.
Assist in maintaining Athletic Training facilities.
Manage medical supply inventories and ensure annual equipment recalibration.
Participate in internal and external training courses, seminars, and workshops.
Engage in research and education to enhance professional knowledge and skills as directed by Medical Department leadership.