It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
The New Mexico Goatheads are the newest professional hockey franchise in the ECHL, set to begin play in the 2026–27 season at the Rio Rancho Events Center. The Goatheads represent communities across New Mexico and are committed to building a high-performance organization that reflects the grit, pride, and resilience of the region.
Our organization is focused on creating a culture of professionalism, accountability, and excellence on and off the ice, while building meaningful connections within the community and delivering an unforgettable hockey experience for our fans.
This position is for the 2026–27 ECHL season.
The Head Athletic Trainer serves as the lead medical professional for the New Mexico Goatheads, responsible for the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of player injuries and illnesses. This role oversees all athletic training and sports medicine operations for the team, ensuring player health, safety, and performance throughout the season.
The Head Athletic Trainer works closely with the coaching staff, hockey operations, strength and conditioning staff, and external medical providers to deliver comprehensive, professional-level care while maintaining compliance with ECHL, AHL/NHL affiliate, and league medical standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
Serve as the primary medical authority for the New Mexico Goatheads, overseeing the evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play decisions for all players.
Respond immediately to acute injuries during practices, games, and training sessions.
Develop and implement individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans for injured players.
Lead injury prevention initiatives, including taping, bracing, mobility programs, and workload management.
Communicate injury status, player availability, and return-to-play timelines with the Head Coach and Hockey Operations staff.
Coordinate and oversee all medical services for the team, including team physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, strength and conditioning staff, sports medicine specialists, paramedics, dentists, nutritionists, and mental performance professionals.
Liaise with medical providers to arrange diagnostics, referrals, and ongoing treatment plans.
Ensure compliance with all ECHL, AHL/NHL affiliate, and league medical policies and protocols.
Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date medical records for all players in accordance with league requirements and medical best practices.
Prepare and submit injury reports, medical clearances, return-to-play documentation, and workers’ compensation claims as required.
Ensure all medical documentation is properly completed and shared with team management and league offices when necessary.
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional athletic training facility, including daily upkeep of treatment and rehabilitation areas.
Manage the inventory, care, ordering, and maintenance of all medical supplies, rehabilitation equipment, and treatment modalities.
Ensure all facilities and equipment meet professional hockey safety standards.
Work closely with the Strength & Conditioning staff to modify training programs for injured or recovering players.
Collaborate with coaching and hockey operations staff to support player readiness, recovery, and long-term health.
Participate in daily staff meetings and communication to align medical decisions with team performance objectives.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assistant athletic trainers, interns, and medical support staff.
Foster a positive, professional working environment within the locker room, training room, and practice facilities.
Travel with the team for all road games, managing medical care, supplies, and emergency response logistics.
Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and integrity at all times.
Promote the interests, reputation, and goodwill of the New Mexico Goatheads organization.
All other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in professional, collegiate, or high-level sports medicine, preferably in a hockey environment.
Current licensure by the appropriate state or provincial authority in the jurisdiction of the club.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure team environment with frequent unscheduled interruptions.
Proven experience coordinating and leading a multidisciplinary medical and performance team.
Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills with a calm, professional demeanor.
Commitment to player safety, confidentiality, and compliance with league regulations.
Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extensive travel.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; frequent bending, reaching, and lifting; must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
Certification through one or more of the following:
Board of Certification (BOC)
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA)
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the job.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
