Become a Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer) at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking a motivated, high-performing individual to serve as a Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer). Based at the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York, this position offers a unique blend of clinical athletic training, academic instruction, and student mentorship. If you are an athletic trainer looking to pivot into a federal career that directly impacts the development of future leaders, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will do more than just provide athletic training. Your responsibilities include:
- Clinical Support: Serving as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for various contact sports, such as football, wrestling, lacrosse, and rugby.
- Instruction: Developing and teaching physical education courses, including First Aid, CPR, and Ship's Medicine.
- Counseling: Providing academic counseling to Midshipmen to ensure their success both on and off the field.
- Team Collaboration: Working within the Department of Physical Education and Athletics to support the overall mission of the academy.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the duties.
- Certification: Active certification from the Board of Certification (BOC) and current CPR certification from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
- Experience: At least one academic year of experience at the collegiate level or equivalent instructional experience.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $70,947 - $85,746 |
| Location | Kings Point, New York |
| Appointment Type | Excepted Service (13-month term) |
| Hiring Path | Open to the Public |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $70,947 to $85,746, commensurate with experience and qualifications as determined by federal hiring standards.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Transportation benefit from a collaborative work environment, federal job stability, and access to a range of employee programs, including training and development opportunities.
Application Tips
- Focus Your Resume: The rules are strict—your resume must be no longer than two pages.
- Be Specific: Include your exact job titles, dates of employment (MM/YYYY), and hours worked per week.
- Verify Documentation: Ensure your transcripts and certifications are fully uploaded to the system.
- Review: Double-check that all your files are successfully transferred after uploading to the portal.
This role is perfect for an athletic trainer who enjoys the classroom as much as the training room. If you are ready to serve your country by supporting the next generation of merchant mariners, submit your application before December 2, 2026.
Why This Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer) Job Matters
Launch your career in athletic training at the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Combine your passion for sports medicine with education in a high-impact, federal environment.
Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer) Job Overview
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking a dedicated Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer) to join the Department of Physical Education and Athletics at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. This unique role blends clinical athletic training with academic instruction, allowing you to mentor Midshipmen while providing expert care for collegiate athletes in contact sports.
Requirements for Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current Board of Certification (BOC) for the Athletic Trainer in good standing
- Current CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field
- Minimum of one academic year of experience as a collegiate-level Athletic Trainer
- Registration for Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer)
- Master's Degree in an appropriate discipline
- Three or more years of athletic training experience specifically with contact sports (e.g., Football, Wrestling, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ice Hockey)
- Experience as a CPR instructor certified by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association
- Prior college-level teaching experience
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal career opportunities
- âś“Excepted service benefits package
- âś“Access to government travel programs
- âś“Supportive professional environment
- âś“Opportunities for professional development
đź’ˇ How to Apply Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Sports Specialist (Athletic Trainer) Job
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume detailing your experience, dates, and hours worked.
- Gather your transcripts and professional certifications (BOC and CPR).
- Create or update your USAJobs account.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, ensuring all files are successfully attached.
- Submit your application before the closing date of December 2, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
- Use clear, paragraph-style formatting to describe your duties, tools used, and measurable outcomes.
- Explicitly state your employment status (full-time/part-time) and average weekly hours for every role listed.
- Verify that your uploaded files appear in the 'My Documents' section of your application before clicking submit.
- Double-check that your certifications are active and in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appointment type for this role?
This is an Excepted Service position with an initial term not to exceed 13 months, which may be extended annually based on satisfactory performance.
Can I submit more than two pages for my resume?
No. Per the OPM merit hiring plan, your application will be evaluated based on the first two pages of your resume only.
Is a Bachelor's degree strictly required?
Generally yes, though candidates without a closely related degree may substitute significant specialized experience and professional training.
Is this a permanent position?
*A: It is an excepted service appointment for an initial term of 13 months, which may be extended annually based on performance.*
Do I need a specific degree?
*A: A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, though significant professional training and experience may be substituted in specific cases.*
Job from Maritime Administration
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), under which MARAD operates, is dedicated to modernizing infrastructure and prioritizing safety across the nation's transportation systems. The USMMA specifically works to educate and graduate licensed merchant mariners and leaders of character. As an employee at the academy, you will contribute to a results-oriented, high-performing environment that values innovation and excellence.