Head Athletic Trainer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Head Athletic Trainer roles in the U.S. qualify as specialty occupations under the H-1B visa, requiring a bachelor's degree in athletic training or kinesiology. Most positions sit with NCAA programs, professional sports teams, or hospital systems, employers with established HR infrastructure and a track record of sponsoring healthcare-adjacent roles.
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Get Access To All JobsHead Strength and Conditioning Coach
Classification: 12-Month Coach
Priority Screening Date: November 23, 2026
Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled
Appointment Date: Spring 2027
ABOUT CSUMB
California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California's Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation's largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.
With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students' lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB's sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The university's Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.
As one of the 22 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
PURPOSE:
Under the general direction of the Director of Athletics, the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach will be responsible for all aspects of the strength and conditioning program at Cal State University, Monterey Bay. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: leading, teaching, mentoring, coaching, facility scheduling, budget management, and overall administration of a successful NCAA Division II strength and conditioning program. Credentials should reflect proven success in coaching and certification by one of these national accredited governing bodies (CSCS, SCCC, USAW).
Cal State Monterey Bay is a NCAA Division II institution and a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and Western Water Polo Association (WWPA). The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based intercollegiate athletics program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide leadership and oversight for all aspects of the strength and conditioning program in support of approximately 300 student-athletes across 14 varsity sports.
- Develop and implement comprehensive, sport-specific strength and conditioning programs focused on performance enhancement, injury prevention, and student-athlete development.
- Collaborate with head coaches and sports medicine staff to support student-athlete health, rehabilitation, return-to-play progression, and competitive readiness.
- Utilize evidence-based training methods, assessment protocols, and performance tracking systems to evaluate and improve student-athlete development and program effectiveness.
- Maintain accurate training documentation and program records.
- Manage daily operations of the strength and conditioning program, including facility scheduling equipment oversight, maintenance, and safety procedures.
- Supervise and mentor assistant coaches, volunteer staff, and student interns while fostering a positive and collaborative training environment.
- Coordinate and develop internship and experiential learning opportunities in partnership with academic programs, including Kinesiology.
- Support the department's commitment to academic excellence, student-athlete well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and NCAA Division II values.
- Work effectively with a diverse population and provide a supportive, motivating and safe working environment for student-athletes.
- Promote and maintain compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA rules, policies, and procedures.
- Plan and oversee camps, clinics, and community engagement initiatives that support departmental outreach and revenue generation.
- Oversee student workers/staff responsible for annual maintenance and cleaning of all sport performance equipment.
- Participate in professional development activities and remain current on trends and best practices in strength and conditioning and sport performance.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge and technical skills necessary to coach strength and conditioning. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coaches, student-athletes, students, faculty, administration and the community. Proven ability to lead and manage people.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field with progressively responsible experience in strength and conditioning coaching. Comprehensive understanding of applied sports performance science. NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or CSCCa Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC), or equivalent certification. CPR/AED and First Aid Certification. Demonstrated collegiate strength and conditioning experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of strength and conditioning coaching experience, preferably at the collegiate and professional level. Previous experience within NCAA Division I/II. Experience supervising graduate assistants and interns. NSCA Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach® (RSCC®) designation. Technical fluency with Microsoft Office Professional Suite, and Google mail and calendaring programs. Highly desirable: Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to CSUMB's Vision.
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Ability to perform physical activity, including lifting 25-50 pounds.
- Ability to demonstrate exercises and proper lifting techniques safely and effectively.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and actively coach and lead training sessions.
- Ability to coach outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment.
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Must possess and maintain a valid license to drive in the State of California, pass the Defensive Training Class, and be insurable under the University's liability coverage.
The incumbent is required to maintain confidentiality as outlined in the Department of Education's Family Educational Rights and Privacy and California's Educational Code Chapter 13 regarding sensitive student issues.
Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, on a regular basis.
Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.
COMPENSATION:
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7,830 to $10,849* mo
CSU Salary Schedule
CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.
BENEFITS:
CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding health, dental & vision plans; a fee waiver education program; and membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). For more information, visit: Employee Benefits Summary. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay also provides access to affordable housing near main campus. The allocation of housing is subject to several factors, including availability, eligibility criteria, and specific program guidelines. For more information, visit: https://csumb.edu/corporation/employee-housing
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application and submit required documents by the priority screening date found at csumb.edu/jobs. Application submissions received after the application screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials submitted become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.
CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for faculty positions.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or humanresources@csumb.edu.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the Cal State University, Monterey Bay Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at: https://csumb.edu/security-report/
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.
CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Classification: 12-Month Coach
Priority Screening Date: November 23, 2026
Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled
Appointment Date: Spring 2027
ABOUT CSUMB
California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California's Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation's largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.
With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students' lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB's sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The university's Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.
As one of the 22 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
PURPOSE:
Under the general direction of the Director of Athletics, the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach will be responsible for all aspects of the strength and conditioning program at Cal State University, Monterey Bay. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: leading, teaching, mentoring, coaching, facility scheduling, budget management, and overall administration of a successful NCAA Division II strength and conditioning program. Credentials should reflect proven success in coaching and certification by one of these national accredited governing bodies (CSCS, SCCC, USAW).
Cal State Monterey Bay is a NCAA Division II institution and a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and Western Water Polo Association (WWPA). The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based intercollegiate athletics program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide leadership and oversight for all aspects of the strength and conditioning program in support of approximately 300 student-athletes across 14 varsity sports.
- Develop and implement comprehensive, sport-specific strength and conditioning programs focused on performance enhancement, injury prevention, and student-athlete development.
- Collaborate with head coaches and sports medicine staff to support student-athlete health, rehabilitation, return-to-play progression, and competitive readiness.
- Utilize evidence-based training methods, assessment protocols, and performance tracking systems to evaluate and improve student-athlete development and program effectiveness.
- Maintain accurate training documentation and program records.
- Manage daily operations of the strength and conditioning program, including facility scheduling equipment oversight, maintenance, and safety procedures.
- Supervise and mentor assistant coaches, volunteer staff, and student interns while fostering a positive and collaborative training environment.
- Coordinate and develop internship and experiential learning opportunities in partnership with academic programs, including Kinesiology.
- Support the department's commitment to academic excellence, student-athlete well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and NCAA Division II values.
- Work effectively with a diverse population and provide a supportive, motivating and safe working environment for student-athletes.
- Promote and maintain compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA rules, policies, and procedures.
- Plan and oversee camps, clinics, and community engagement initiatives that support departmental outreach and revenue generation.
- Oversee student workers/staff responsible for annual maintenance and cleaning of all sport performance equipment.
- Participate in professional development activities and remain current on trends and best practices in strength and conditioning and sport performance.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge and technical skills necessary to coach strength and conditioning. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coaches, student-athletes, students, faculty, administration and the community. Proven ability to lead and manage people.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field with progressively responsible experience in strength and conditioning coaching. Comprehensive understanding of applied sports performance science. NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or CSCCa Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC), or equivalent certification. CPR/AED and First Aid Certification. Demonstrated collegiate strength and conditioning experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of strength and conditioning coaching experience, preferably at the collegiate and professional level. Previous experience within NCAA Division I/II. Experience supervising graduate assistants and interns. NSCA Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach® (RSCC®) designation. Technical fluency with Microsoft Office Professional Suite, and Google mail and calendaring programs. Highly desirable: Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to CSUMB's Vision.
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Ability to perform physical activity, including lifting 25-50 pounds.
- Ability to demonstrate exercises and proper lifting techniques safely and effectively.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and actively coach and lead training sessions.
- Ability to coach outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment.
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Must possess and maintain a valid license to drive in the State of California, pass the Defensive Training Class, and be insurable under the University's liability coverage.
The incumbent is required to maintain confidentiality as outlined in the Department of Education's Family Educational Rights and Privacy and California's Educational Code Chapter 13 regarding sensitive student issues.
Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, on a regular basis.
Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.
COMPENSATION:
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7,830 to $10,849* mo
CSU Salary Schedule
CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.
BENEFITS:
CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding health, dental & vision plans; a fee waiver education program; and membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). For more information, visit: Employee Benefits Summary. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay also provides access to affordable housing near main campus. The allocation of housing is subject to several factors, including availability, eligibility criteria, and specific program guidelines. For more information, visit: https://csumb.edu/corporation/employee-housing
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application and submit required documents by the priority screening date found at csumb.edu/jobs. Application submissions received after the application screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials submitted become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.
CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for faculty positions.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or humanresources@csumb.edu.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the Cal State University, Monterey Bay Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at: https://csumb.edu/security-report/
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.
CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
See all Head Athletic Trainer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Head Athletic Trainer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Head Athletic Trainer Jobs
Verify your BOC certification transfers
The Board of Certification credential is the standard U.S. employers require for licensed athletic trainers. Confirm your home-country credentials map to BOC eligibility before applying, since USCIS will scrutinize whether your degree directly relates to the specialty occupation.
Pull prevailing wage data before negotiating
Use the OFLC Wage Search to find the Level I through Level IV wage for athletic trainers in your target city. Your offer must meet or exceed the prevailing wage the employer certifies on the LCA, so know the floor before you negotiate.
Target employers with PERM-filing history
NCAA Division I programs, NFL and NBA teams, and large hospital-based sports medicine departments regularly sponsor athletic trainers for green cards through PERM. These employers already understand multi-step sponsorship and are less likely to withdraw an offer when timelines extend.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter Head Athletic Trainer roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers with confirmed LCA filing history for this occupation. That filing history signals the employer has already cleared the administrative steps most first-time sponsors stumble on.
Prepare a degree equivalency letter early
If your athletic training degree is from outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation from a NACES-member service before the employer files the LCA. USCIS expects the evaluation on file and processing stalls without it, sometimes past the H-1B cap deadline.
Clarify who covers H-1B filing fees upfront
Federal law prohibits employers from deducting certain H-1B filing fees from your wages, but the split between mandatory and optional fees is often misunderstood. Confirm in writing which fees the employer covers before you accept, so there are no surprises at the I-129 stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Head Athletic Trainer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. USCIS treats Head Athletic Trainer as a specialty occupation because the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in athletic training, kinesiology, or a directly related field. Employers must document this degree requirement in the LCA and petition. Roles that accept any degree, regardless of field, can face an RFE, so the job description needs to be specific about the required discipline.
Which visa types realistically cover Head Athletic Trainer sponsorship?
The H-1B is the primary path for most candidates. Australian nationals can use the E-3 visa, which has a separate cap and no lottery, making it a faster route if you qualify. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under TN visa if the role fits the USMCA profession list, though athletic trainer is not explicitly listed, so H-1B or E-3 remain the safer options. Long-term candidates often pursue an EB-2 or EB-3 green card through PERM labor certification.
How do I find Head Athletic Trainer employers who already sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for athletic training and sports medicine roles, so you can focus your search on organizations that have already navigated the sponsorship process. NCAA Division I programs, professional sports franchises, and large hospital-based sports medicine departments account for most active sponsorships in this occupation.
Does the H-1B lottery affect Head Athletic Trainer applicants differently than other roles?
No, the standard cap and selection rules apply the same way. The 65,000 regular cap and 20,000 advanced-degree exemption both apply to Head Athletic Trainers. The selection rules have changed in recent years, so check USCIS for current registration mechanics. One practical note: some athletic trainer positions at nonprofit or government hospitals may qualify as cap-exempt, which bypasses the lottery entirely.
Can a Head Athletic Trainer self-petition for a green card, or does the employer have to file?
Most Head Athletic Trainer green card cases go through employer-sponsored EB-3 or EB-2 categories, which require the employer to complete PERM labor certification with DOL first. Self-petitioning under EB-1A or EB-2 NIW is theoretically possible but demands evidence of extraordinary ability or national importance, a very high bar for most athletic training roles. Employer sponsorship through PERM is the realistic path for the majority of candidates.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Head Athletic Trainer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.