LA Kings - Head Athletic Trainer

AEG WORLDWIDE; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) Plan with employer match

Parental leave

Job summary

The Los Angeles Kings are looking for a highly experienced Head Athletic Trainer to manage player health and wellness. This vital role involves leading the delivery of athletic training services and ensuring the wellbeing of players during the NHL season.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree and extensive training experience, with a salary range of $200,000 - $230,000 plus benefits. Must be available for travel and team activities, including practices and games.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years of professional or elite collegiate athletic training experience.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate care across medical and performance staff.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of athletic training services for NHL team.
• Serve as primary emergency medical responder during games and practices.
• Supervise and mentor assistant athletic trainers and support staff.

Skills

Injury Assessment

Rehabilitation Program Development

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Medical Decision Making

Professionalism

Education

Master’s degree in Athletic Training or related field

BOC certification (ATC)

Current California state licensure or eligibility

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems

Job description

Job Description

The Los Angeles Kings are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Head Athletic Trainer who will be integral to the daily management of player health and wellness. This individual will serve as a key member within a team of professionals that is committed to inspiring leadership, and consistent, long-term excellence in both on- and off-ice operations. They will be asked to lead the day-to-day delivery of athletic training services for our NHL roster. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for player health and wellness, injury evaluation, treatment, and prevention. This position reports directly to the Director of Player Health and Performance, while collaborating closely with team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, performance staff, and coaching personnel to optimize the health and availability of all players throughout the season and offseason.

Essential Functions

Injury Prevention & Readiness

• Assist with the implementation of comprehensive injury prevention protocols in collaboration with the rehabilitation and strength and conditioning staff
• Conduct individualized assessments to identify and mitigate injury risk factors
• Manage all pre-game and practice preparation
• Serve as the primary emergency medical responder for training and competition
• Ensure all game day medical operations align with NHL and LA Kings protocols

Evaluation, Treatment & Rehabilitation

• Provide immediate on-ice and bench-side evaluation and first aid for all acute injuries during games and practices
• Provide exceptional manual and restorative therapy to all players.
• Assist with player monitoring and recovery programs.
• Assist in the development of individualized rehabilitation programs for injured players in coordination with team physicians and the athletic medicine staff
• Participate in the return-to-play process, ensuring players are cleared according to established medical and performance benchmarks

Medical Coordination & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between players, team physicians, and the Director of Player Health and Performance regarding all medical matters
• Coordinate specialist referrals, imaging, and surgical consultations as directed by team physicians
• Maintain timely and accurate communication with coaching staff regarding player availability and health status
• Work in collaboration with the equipment department to ensure efficient and optimized team travel

Records, Compliance & Administration

• Maintain confidential and thorough medical records for all players in accordance with HIPAA, NHL, and organizational policies
• Manage the athletic training room operations including equipment, supplies inventory, and budget oversight
• Ensure full compliance with all NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions related to player health and medical services
• Manage the anti-doping program in accordance with NHL/NHLPA Drug Testing Agreement requirements

Staff Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor assistant athletic trainers and support staff within the player health department
• Collaborate with AHL affiliate athletic training staff to ensure continuity of care and organizational standards across all levels
• Identify and define areas of improvement in existing operations and practices, with a focus on injury management and prevention.
• Effectively and purposefully communicate with all Hockey Operations colleagues, with a focus on transparency, professionalism, and excellence.
• Build and support effective cross-departmental relationships
• Contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of the Kings’ integrated health and performance model

Qualification Standards

Required

• Master’s degree in Athletic Training or related field
• BOC certification (ATC)
• Current California state licensure or eligibility
• Minimum 8+ years of professional or elite collegiate athletic training experience
• Demonstrated experience working within a high-performance, multidisciplinary sports environment
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate care across medical, performance, and coaching staff
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification
• Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems
• Ability to make independent, high-stakes medical decisions in fast-paced, live competition environments
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with elite athletes and collaborate across all levels of the organization
• Ability to translate complex medical information into actionable insights for coaches and hockey operations
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and developing staff
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential medical information
• Strong organizational and operational management skills, including budgeting, logistics, and travel coordination
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation in sports medicine and performance

Preferred

• Previous NHL or professional hockey experience
• Prior experience in a Head Athletic Trainer or senior leadership role
• Advanced certifications (e.g., CSCS, PES, manual therapy, ART, dry needling where applicable)
• Strong understanding of hockey-specific injury patterns and return-to-play protocols
• Experience integrating sports science and load monitoring data into player management
• Experience managing concussion protocols and post-surgical rehabilitation at the elite level
• Familiarity with NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), IR/LTIR processes, and league medical protocols
• Experience coordinating specialist care, imaging, and surgical pathways for professional athletes
• Exposure to international competition or high-performance global sport environments
• Experience with GPS/wearable technologies and athlete monitoring systems

Work Environment & Demands

This position requires extensive travel throughout the NHL season, including all home games at Crypto.com Arena and all away games. The Head Athletic Trainer must be available for all team activities including practices, games, team travel, training camp, and playoff competition. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are standard.

Payscale

$200,000 - $230,000

Bonus

This position is eligible for a bonus under the current bonus plan requirements.

Benefits

Benefits: Full‑time. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, company‑paid basic life insurance, voluntary life insurance, parental leave, 401(k) Plan (with a current employer match of 3%), flexible spending and health savings account options, and wellness offerings.

AEG reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. AEG may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description.

AEG's policy is to hire the most qualified applicants, and we comply with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws in making hiring and employee decisions.