Sports Dietitian - Football

Performance Nutrition & Individual Counseling (20%)

• Assist in the completion of annual performance nutrition assessments, EAT-26, and follow-up assessments for all football student-athletes
• Evaluate and assess the dietary practices of student-athlete to be able to provide individual nutritional plans for goal completion, injury, and/or recovery
• Assist in providing medical nutrition therapy to those who may have special health care needs (i.e., food allergy, gastrointestinal disturbances, disordered eating/eating disorders, vitamin/mineral depletion, dietary requirements, and those recovering from injury and/or illness by evaluation of nutrition related laboratory values and supplement in accordance with Performance Nutrition Protocols
• Coordinate the completion of body composition assessments, interpret data, and translate findings alongside the use of current research into practical insights for energy balance that encourages optimal athletic performance and wellness
• Assist in maintaining documentation of nutrition services through Smartabase and evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition strategies towards meeting desired outcomes (i.e., organizational, and individual goals)
• Assist the completion of sweat testing annually, with periodic hydration testing, and provide hydration recommendations as needed and in accordance with Performance Nutrition Sweat & Hydration Protocol
• Lead the collection of daily and/or weekly hydration weigh in/outs and assist with reporting process
• Assist in the creation and delivery of nutrition team education 4-6 times per year to football student-athletes
• Educate, evaluate, and advise on dietary supplements in accordance with the NCAA rules and regulations and the ICA drug testing policy
• Attend team activities such as practices, conditioning/training, competitions, meetings, and other program events where nutrition support is needed or as directed by Director of Football Performance Nutrition
• Support initiatives of the Performance Nutrition Department and assist with all aspects of nutrition including physical, mental, and health related nutrition services to student-athletes
• Provide referrals and necessary updates to all relevant Sports Performance Staff members through performance team meetings and utilization of Microsoft teams, Teamworks, and Smartabase

Food Service and Menu Development (50%)

• Lead all inventory, ordering, and distribution of fueling station management i.e. food and non-food supplies needed to maintain fueling station fueling
• Maintain competency of SportSoft, FoodPro, and other vendor needs to maintain adequate par levels, organize logistics, transportation, communication and execution
• Upkeep on food safety regulations and laws
• Lead all vendor collaboration, ordering, and management of food distribution (i.e. meals/snacks) pertaining to fueling station
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date vendor information regarding purchases, vendor procurement, and accounts (future and current)
• Assist with meal management including, but not limited to, athlete attendance, food quality surveys, dining space maintenance, smoothie creation, etc
• Assist with menu development, writing, and communication with dining and culinary services
• Assist the coordination of nutrition fueling for home and away competitions
• Home: pre/during/post game fueling set-up (fuel and hydration)
• Away: assist with packing of the truck with competition fuel and hydration for travel site(s)
• Assist daily nutrition fueling and hydration for practice, competition, and lift or training sessions
• Assist with educating on food selections and preparation through grocery store tours and cooking demonstrations

Leadership (20%)

• Assist the development and monitoring of departmental initiatives and protocols relating to nutrition operations for Penn State Football
• Lead the recruitment, interview, management, supervision hours, and mentorship of potential paid interns and PSU nutrition students and serves as a preceptor for dietetic interns as provided by PSU Dietetic Internship/World Campus
• Collaborate care with sports performance team members to enhance outcomes of student-athletes sport performance and overall health and well-being
• Communicate regularly with food service, campus health, development and enrichment, and vendors in efforts to strengthen relationships and provide greater resources for the students
• Remain current with the latest performance nutrition scientific research and translating this to policy and practice through nutrition intervention creation
• Maintain dietetic registration (RD and LD) with the completion of continuing education requirements
• Strive to complete the CSSD

Recruiting (5%)

• Assist with recruiting events by providing prospective student-athletes and family members with a comprehensive overview of performance nutrition services

Miscellaneous (5%)

• Other duties assigned by Assistant Athletic Director of Performance Nutrition Services, Director of Football Performance Nutrition and/or Football administrative and coaching staff

Required Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service, and Kinesiology or related field
• Must hold registration through Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Please provide credentialing including CDR number
• Able and willingness to work non-traditional workdays (i.e., early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays)
• At least 1 year experience working within athletics

Skills include:

• Strong interpersonal, time and priority management
• Excellent Communication and organization skills
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, intensive work environment
• Ability to work as a team
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to operate a vehicle
• Ability to lift greater than 20 pounds with or without accommodations and perform other physical labor tasks (pushing, pulling, stocking, loading etc.)
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve problems alone and in group settings
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and proficiency in all aspects of the position

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to applicable background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.