Minor League Dietitian Apprentice

Houston Astros•Houston, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Houston Astros, LLC, are currently seeking a Minor League Dietitian Apprentice to join the Player Care & Performance (PC&P) at one of our minor league affiliates. With support from the MiLB Nutrition Coordinator, this position will experience all aspects of the team’s performance nutrition including education, medical nutrition therapy, counseling, practice and competition fueling, coordinating catering, overseeing meals, working closely with the clubhouse staff and home food service supplier, if applicable, and assisting with operational and administrative tasks. The focus of the role is performance enhancement, and this person will form a strong collaborative relationship with other members of the PC&P department (sports medicine, strength and conditioning, mental health and performance, and nutrition). This position will report to the MiLB Nutrition Coordinator. This role is expected to report to West Palm Beach, FL for Spring Training, then travel with their affiliate team for all home and away series until the end of the team’s competitive season.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential
Texas or North Caroline state licensure (LD) (or required upon hire)
1+ year of collegiate and/or professional sports experience
First Aid/CPR certification
Excellent communication, presentation, and counseling skills
Strong interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills
Self-motivation and ability to work independently
Ability to handle a fast-paced, intensive work environment.
Ability to identify, troubleshoot and resolve problems.
Ability to work in a team environment
Ability to accurately measure height, and body weight
Ability to accurately assess and evaluate body composition and energy balance
Knowledge of measurements of resting metabolic rate, energy expenditure, VO2max, and lactate threshold.
Comprehensive knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy, including interviewing, education techniques and appropriate recommendations.
Knowledge of food service quality and safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Working towards CSSD (Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics) credential
Experience working in baseball
Experience using applied sciences in the field of sports nutrition and dietetics
Experience conducting research
Fluent in Spanish

Responsibilities

Conduct performance nutrition assessments, counsel and create nutritional plans to support energy balance and needs, and performance and body composition goals.
Provide medical nutrition therapy to those who may have special health care needs (e.g., food allergy and/or intolerances, vitamin/mineral depletion, gastrointestinal disturbances, bone mineral disturbances, disordered eating/eating disorders, those recovering from injury and/or illness) based on PC&P department protocols.
Evaluate nutrition-related laboratory values and supplement in accordance with PC&P department protocols.
Maintain documentation of nutrition assessments and nutrition services provided.
Conduct body composition assessments, interpret data and provide recommendations in alignment with current research and that encourages optimal athletic performance, health, and wellness.
Utilize data from sweat testing to provide hydration and recovery nutrition recommendations in accordance with PC&P department protocol.
Create and deliver nutrition education, including presentations during Spring Training and off-season program, and weekly “turf talks” during regular season.
Educate, evaluate, monitor, and advise athletes on dietary supplements, including their health and/or performance-promoting functions, dosing, and timing, supplement safety and risk considerations, and ensuring compliance with MLB policies.
Attend team activities such as practices, lifts/conditioning/training, competitions, meetings, mealtimes, and other events where nutrition support is needed.
Communicate regularly with PC&P staff regarding athlete care and provide referrals and necessary updates to all relevant PC&P staff members through PC&P meetings, via Slack, email, or Microsoft Teams.
Support initiatives of PC&P department and assist with all aspects of nutrition including physical, mental, and health-related nutritional services to athletes.
Execute the nutrition department’s vision and strategy to enhance player performance and well-being
Serve as a reliable source and subject-matter expert for nutrition for athletes and staff, ensuring all content provided is in alignment with evidence-based research.
Adhere to the organization’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Astros Handbook, PC&P Handbook, Medical Department Handbook, and direct communication from the Director of Player Care and Performance
Manage nutrition fueling for home and away practices, lift, training sessions and competitions, including pre-, during, and post-game fuel and hydration.
Includes menu selection, ordering and procuring meals, snacks, and fluids.
Communicate regularly with food service suppliers, caterers, and vendors in efforts to strengthen relationships and provide greater resources and support to the athletes.
Coordinate food offered in the clubhouse, bullpen, and dugout with clubhouse staff.
Manage fueling station including but not limited to inventory, product ordering, fueling station aesthetics, and education.
Follow and promote proper food safety and sanitation procedures.
Educate athletes on food selection and preparation through counseling, presentations, grocery store tours and cooking demonstrations.
Manage the meal budget for the team including organizing, planning, forecasting, purchasing, and tracking expenses.
Coordinate the development of menus and communicate the expectations, including food variety, quantity, and quality, with food service suppliers and/or caterers.
Maintain dietetic registration and continuing education requirements.
Participate and present in monthly journal clubs with the nutrition team to discuss evidence-based findings and determine best practices.
Stay abreast of current food, nutrition, and health issues and research related to sports nutrition.
Other duties assigned by the Director of Player Care and Performance
Perform other duties as assigned.