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Sports Performance Specialist Lead
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Durango, CO, 81301-8296
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 21.54-31.25 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
You have a purpose, unique talents and now is the time to embrace it, live it and put it to work. We value incredible people with incredible skills – but your commitment to a greater cause is something we value even more. This is the heartbeat of our organization and your time will be spent in a supportive, team environment with resources to help you flourish and leaders who care about your success.
Apply foundational knowledge in sports performance to assess, motivate, educate, and train clients for the primary goal of improving sport performance consistent with the NSCA professional standards and guidelines. Conduct general physical and sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective sports performance programs, and consult with and refer to appropriate sports medicine and performance professionals when appropriate.
Job Requirements
In addition to bringing humankindness to the workplace each day, qualified candidates will need the following:
- Bachelor's Exercise Science or related field (Required)
- Master's- Preferred Master's degree in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, health sciences, strength training, or related field
- 3 Years of sports performance experience.
- Must be willing and able to travel and work irregular hours
- Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including but not limited to, athletes, coaches, administrative staff, physicians, volunteers and other medical personnel.
- Preferred: 5+ years of experience in retail sports performance; certified through the United States Weightlifting Association (USAW) as a Level 1 Sport Performance Coach; experience in the managementand utilization of internal and external load, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- BLS
- Valid Driver's License
Mercy Hospital is an 82 bed, acute care hospital located in the scenic southwestern Colorado town of Durango. It is the only hospital in Colorado to be rated by Medicare with five stars for overall hospital quality. It is recognized for excellence in orthopedic and spine surgery and for outstanding patient experience and patient safety. Mercy has also received ten consecutive 'A' grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. Our providers use state-of-the-art technology in an environment designed to promote wellbeing and healing of body, mind, and spirit. Among the many specialty services available at Mercy are emergency care (Level III trauma designation), surgical care, cardiac care (including interventional), Orthopedic and Spine Centers of Excellence, a Family Birthing Center, home care, hospice care and more. Durango offers an exceptional quality of life with small town charm, excellent schools, and year-round, world-class outdoor recreation opportunities including snow sports, river sports, hiking, biking, camping and more.
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Frequently asked questions
In Durango, certifications like Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and USA Weightlifting Level 1 are highly regarded. These credentials demonstrate expertise in athlete training and recovery, aligning well with local sports performance demands and enhancing job prospects especially within healthcare-affiliated organizations.
Taking charge as a lead involves strategic oversight, mentoring interns and assistants, and coordinating with multidisciplinary staff. Unlike solo coaching, it demands strong communication, program management skills, and the ability to integrate holistic athlete development within a performance center environment.
Typical activities include designing sport-specific training programs, conducting physical assessments, collaborating with athletic trainers on injury rehabilitation, and managing cutting-edge equipment. Emphasis is placed on optimizing athlete performance while ensuring safety and progression aligned with professional standards.
Absolutely. Specialists must navigate cultural differences, varied athletic backgrounds, and community expectations. Effective interpersonal skills are crucial for building trust among athletes, coaches, and medical staff in a region that values both competitive and recreational sports.
Durango's blend of small-town charm and active lifestyle creates steady demand for sports performance experts, especially in healthcare-linked roles. However, competition is moderate due to a limited number of specialized facilities, making advanced certifications and leadership experience valuable differentiators.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, this lead role bridges sports science and medical care, collaborating closely with physicians and athletic trainers. The position supports holistic recovery and performance enhancement, reflecting the organization's commitment to comprehensive patient and athlete well-being.
The company fosters growth through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art resources. Specialists are encouraged to pursue advanced certifications and take on managerial responsibilities, aligning personal development with the hospital's high standards for patient and athlete care.
Salaries typically range from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications like CSCS, and leadership roles. Given Durango’s specialized healthcare and athletic market, compensation reflects both the technical skillset and the responsibility of overseeing performance programs.
Candidates excelling in program design, sports-specific testing, recovery modalities, and strong communication with multidisciplinary teams gain an edge. Leadership qualities and experience managing performance centers or interns further enhance suitability for advanced roles.
Durango’s high altitude and outdoor activity culture require tailored conditioning programs focusing on endurance and recovery. Specialists often incorporate altitude adaptation strategies and recovery technologies to optimize athlete readiness for both local and competitive events.