Job Details

Athletic Trainer, Substitute

Position Number: 9876980
Location: Palm Desert, United States
Position Type: Health and Medical Services

Athletic Trainer, Substitute

Salary: $40.38 - $56.82 Hourly
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: TEMPORARY/SUBSTITUTE
Job Number: 2600312
Division: School of Health Sciences & Education
Department: Kinesiology & Athletics
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: CSEA-California School Employees Association

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Athletic Director or designee, and under the supervision of the team physician for medical aspects of the athletic program, assist in the development and implementation of a program for the prevention of injuries to student athletes; administer first aid and emergency medical care; treat injuries and provide rehabilitation according to authorized medical directions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The athletic trainer position under limited supervision is distinguished from other classes of the student support series in that incumbent is required to evaluate the physical condition of student athletes and administer first aid, emergency medical care, and provide rehabilitation and reconditioning techniques to injured student athletes. The athletic trainer is also responsible for administrative duties required by law. The athletic trainers support student learning outcomes by ensuring student athletes have fulfilled all of the health requirements to participate in intercollegiate sports and to ensure that injured student athletes are able to return safely to participate in sports activities and serves as a liaison to faculty and staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Prepare written policies and procedures in collaboration with the college policy regarding emergency management, treatment, and reconditioning of injuries for athletes including an annual review and update of established programs as necessary.
Coordinate and schedule the day-to-day activities of the athletic training staff; including the recruitment, guidance, training, and evaluation of pre-professional students and student workers, in coordination with the Sports Medicine Degree advisor, in the performance of their duties.
Administer first aid and emergency medical care including lifesaving procedures to student athletes; in the absence of the team physician, makes decisions concerning the ability of the injured athlete to participate.
Develop and implement rehabilitative treatment as prescribed by a physician to student athletes.
Oversee care and prevention of student athlete injuries for all intercollegiate athletic practices, home athletic contests for both the home team and visiting team, and travels to all away football contests.
Drive and transport student athletes and pre-professional students to contests, doctor appointments, and other related activities.
Prepare budget for athletic first aid, medical supplies and equipment for approval by the Athletic Director.
Oversee, plan, coordinate, and issue equipment to various athletic teams; coordinate laundry for towels, athletic uniforms, and practice gear; receive deliveries of athletic equipment and supplies, verify quantity and condition, mark and store equipment.
Organize pre-participation examinations with physician and medical personnel in coordination with the requirements of the CCCAA.
Refers injured student athletes to the team physician, college health center, or appropriate medical facility as necessary.
Maintain accurate and detailed records and reports including emergency and daily treatment reports, detailed records concerning injuries, treatment, and referrals.
Submit, in accordance with CCCAA guidelines, appropriate medical documentation required for injury illness waiver requests which impacts student athlete eligibility.
Communicate with student athletes, sports medicine staff, and coaches concerning the health and physical status of student athletes.
Maintain and operate the campus sports medicine clinic; maintain responsibility for sanitation of the facility; maintain inventory; orders equipment and supplies.
Work in collaboration with the students' insurance agent, reviews athletic insurance coverage, and assists student athletes and staff in the correct submission of insurance claims. Submit student athlete insurance claims.
Organizes and implements concussion management system in accordance with governing bodies; provides annual concussion education sessions for student athletes and coaching staff.
Report student athletes exhibiting concerning physical or emotional behavior to the College of the Desert Assessment & Care Team.
Monitor safety and environmental factors on playing areas, make recommendations, and ensure the safety of athletes according to established guidelines.
Maintain current knowledge of position, including related software, regulations, procedures, processes, and practices. Participate in training related to responsibilities.
Perform other related functions as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree in health, kinesiology, or physical education, sports science or related field and three years' experience as an athletic trainer.

LICENSES and OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid California driver's license, must have an acceptable driving record and current vehicle insurance meeting State of California requirements. Possession of National Athletic Trainers Association (N.A.T.A.) B.O.C Certification; Emergency Cardiac Care certification from American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other NATA approved programs.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Athletic Training. Athletic Training experience in an intercollegiate athletics program. Athletic Training experience working with the following sports: Football, Soccer, Indoor & Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Golf, and/or Tennis.

KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

Methods, practices, terminology, and techniques used in athletic training activities, including the prevention and treatment of injuries.
Policies, procedures, and objectives of athletic programs.
Advanced principles of anatomy and physiology, symptoms of athletic injuries, applicable treatment, and first aid methods.
Symptoms of various athletic injuries and applicable treatment and first aid methods.
Various types of therapeutic treatments, equipment, and conditioning programs.
Laws, rules, regulations involved in assigned activities.
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Detail oriented record-keeping techniques.
Oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Communication, presentation, and public speaking skills. Both one-on-one and group.
Principles of athletic training and providing direction in a professional manner.
CCCAA and NATA guidelines.
An understanding and sensitivity to diversity.

Ability to:

Assist in the development and implementation of a program for the prevention of injuries to athletes. treatment and rehabilitation programs for safety and injury prevention of athletes.
Administer first aid and emergency medical care.
Treat injuries and provide rehabilitation according to authorized medical directions.
Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Understand and work within scope of practice. Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Utilize word processing and database software applications;
Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance guidelines.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Stand for extended periods of time.
Lift, carry and/or move objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Classified Bargaining Unit Position
Classified Staff Salary Range 17
Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.

This position is for an as-needed substitute.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment: Indoor and outdoor environment. Adverse weather conditions. Moderately noisy. Travel to work. Requires a flexible work schedule, including weekend and evening responsibilities. Must be able to lift 75 lbs. Stand for extended periods of time. Unpredictable weather and team rescheduling needs; work under pressure of constant deadlines and frequent interruptions; must be able to work effectively in a demanding environment, alone and with training team; work in situations which may require the response or de-escalation of persons who may become physically violent or combative; work collaboratively in a team environment, work with sensitive, and confidential information.

Hazards: Exposure to biohazardous materials. Exposure to excessive body odor. Exposure to excessive heat.

Physical Demands: Must frequently stand, walk, and sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch; speak clearly and distinctly to provide information to students; and hear and understand voices over telephone and in person. Must frequently lift, carry and/or move objects weighing up to 75 pounds. Must see clearly to assess an athlete's physical condition and to view activities on a playing field; and must be able to identify and distinguish colors while assessing an athlete's condition.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

This position is for an as-needed substitute hours vary based on District need.
The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
Employment is contingent on residence in California.

Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.

Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.

Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.

FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.

TIMELINES:

For consideration, please apply by October 23, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on December 7, 2026.
Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ffrausto@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5501306/athletic-trainer-substitute