Head Athletic Trainer
Portland Fire
On-site
Portland, Oregon, United States
$100,000 - $125,000 USD yearly
ABOUT PORTLAND FIRE:
Professional women’s basketball is returning to Rip City. On September 18, 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) awarded Portland its 15th franchise, bringing the league back to the city for the first time in over two decades. Owned and operated by the Bhathal family through RAJ Sports, the team will make its official debut in 2026 at the Moda Center. Portland is cementing itself as the epicenter of women’s sports, powered by a passionate fan base and a rich basketball culture. At Portland Fire, we’re building more than a team, we’re creating a modern, inclusive, and community-driven organization from the ground up. With innovation, integrity, and excellence at our core, our mission is to set a new standard in women’s professional basketball - delivering excellence on the court, inspiring fans, and serving the city we call home. As we prepare for our inaugural season, we’re looking for passionate, driven professionals to help shape the future of this franchise and the future of the game.
Professional women’s basketball is returning to Rip City. On September 18, 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) awarded Portland its 15th franchise, bringing the league back to the city for the first time in over two decades. Owned and operated by the Bhathal family through RAJ Sports, the team will make its official debut in 2026 at the Moda Center. Portland is cementing itself as the epicenter of women’s sports, powered by a passionate fan base and a rich basketball culture. At Portland Fire, we’re building more than a team, we’re creating a modern, inclusive, and community-driven organization from the ground up. With innovation, integrity, and excellence at our core, our mission is to set a new standard in women’s professional basketball - delivering excellence on the court, inspiring fans, and serving the city we call home. As we prepare for our inaugural season, we’re looking for passionate, driven professionals to help shape the future of this franchise and the future of the game.
THE ROLE:
The Head Athletic Trainer is responsible for clinical leadership within the Portland Fire WNBA program through a modern, athlete-centered and ecologically informed performance team model. This role integrates medical compliance with clinical excellence in injury evaluation and acute care.
The Head Athletic Trainer is responsible for clinical leadership within the Portland Fire WNBA program through a modern, athlete-centered and ecologically informed performance team model. This role integrates medical compliance with clinical excellence in injury evaluation and acute care.
The ideal candidate has brings leadership to the Athletic Trainer team and has strong communication skills with staff of varying backgrounds and nationalities. The successful candidate will have a good understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to athlete preparation and care, and a strong background of delivering clinical excellence in female high performance sport environments.
WHAT YOU’LL BE UP TO:
Player Preparation, Injury Care & Medical Compliance
- Player training and match preparation, including strapping and injury prevention.
- Match coverage, including injury first response and in-arena medication compliance.
- Timely injury evaluation and acute care.
- Coordinate diagnostics, referrals, physician communication.
- Full EMR compliance and maintenance of daily injury status and Calendar entries.
- Under the guidance of RTP Specialist and Primary Care Sports Physician, execute RTP directives in team training environments. Manage full compliance with WNBA rules, policies, and CBA requirements related to player health, including DFSI drug testing logistics and compliance.
- Enforce infection-control, vaccination and respiratory illness management.
- Ensure adherence to league screening protocols, including concussion baseline screenings and cardiac screening.
- Manage athletic training operations, budget, equipment, and scheduling
- Lead and manage the Assistant Athletic Trainer
WHAT IT TAKES:
Required Qualifications
- BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)in good standing, with at least three years of professional experience post BOC/NATA
- Eligible for state licensure in Oregon
- Minimum 5 years of experience in elite or professional sport
- Demonstrated experience managing complex injuries and high pressure environments
- Strong communication skills and ability to work within interdisciplinary teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in professional basketball (WNBA, NBA, G League, NCAA Division I)
- Understanding of female-specific health demands in professional sport
- Familiarity with ecological dynamics, constraints-led coaching, or representative learning design
- Experience collaborating within an integrated performance or high-performance department
- Master’s degree or higher in Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, or related field
Key Competencies
- Athlete-first, ethically grounded decision-making
- Systems thinker comfortable operating in complex, non-linear environments
- Strong leadership presence and calm under pressure
- Open-minded, reflective, and committed to continuous learning
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Long and variable hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Frequent domestic travel during the WNBA season
- Physically demanding role requiring on-court coverage and hands-on care
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, salary range $100,000 - $125,000
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
Ready to Be a Game Changer in Portland? Apply Now!
If you’re ready to shape the future of Portland Fire, we want to hear from you. Join us as we make history—on and off the court.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this role.
Portland Fire is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
About Portland Fire Ownership, RAJ Sports:
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports