Performance Dietician NF4

Requires a master¿s degree or higher in nutrition, dietetics, sports nutrition, food and nutrition sciences, or a closely related field; at least one year of experience in an athletic or military performance environment; and a current Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Candidates must meet Commission on Dietetic Registration requirements, including completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-accredited didactic program in dietetics or coordinated program.

Required competencies include sports and performance dietetics; social, psychological, physiological, and cultural influences on food choices; assessment of dietary practices, energy balance, and body composition in active-duty populations; and development of military- or sports-specific nutrition education with measurable performance outcomes.

Must be able to use anthropometric screening tools, including bioelectrical impedance, calipers, dual X-ray absorptiometry, or air displacement plethysmography, and educate populations on weight management, performance, reconditioning, recovery, and maternal health. Requires knowledge of hydration assessment and sustainment protocols; recognition of disordered eating and eating disorders and appropriate referral; and evaluation of supplement safety, efficacy, and quality in compliance with DoDI 6130.06.

Must be able to create health-literate promotional content; provide virtual and in-person instruction in food selection, preparation, field nutrition, and home or barracks cooking; select evidence-based assessment tools for unit and environmental needs; and follow military referral processes for suspected or known food allergies, bone mineral or gastrointestinal disturbances, iron depletion or iron-deficiency anemia, eating disorders, and other medical or mental health concerns.

Introduction: This position serves as a Performance Dietitian for the Semper Fit WARR portfolio, improving total-force readiness, lethality, and resilience across the physical, mental, spiritual, and social domains of Marine Corps Total Fitness (MCTF). The incumbent provides sports and performance dietetic services to active-duty personnel, families, and other authorized installation users.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Applies sports and non-clinical performance dietetics to improve health, wellness, and performance in support of Marine Corps holistic primary prevention. Implements Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Navy (DON), and Marine Corps policy using evidence-based nutrition practices for operational readiness, exercise, and sports.

Assesses, educates, and counsels Marines; manages safe nutrition strategies that support lifelong health and performance; and supports installation and All-Marine sports programs. May travel to sports training camps and events. Assesses dietary practices, body composition, and energy balance of Marine athletes in relation to operational performance and health. Counsels Marines on nutrition for unit-specific training and on maintaining body mass consistent with Marine Corps requirements, health, and performance.

Addresses nutrition and hydration challenges in garrison and field environments and advises units and staff on optimal practices. Delivers standardized education on nutrition and recovery from illness or injury in accordance with Semper Fit protocols. Collaborates across MCTF to provide practical education through cooking classes, community gardens, shopping tours, and kitchen assessments.

Communicates in person and electronically with dispersed units to develop deployment- and field-based nutrition and hydration plans. When referred by a medical provider, may conduct individual sessions for populations such as pregnant, postpartum, post-injury, or body composition program participants. Develops and delivers supplementation education consistent with the DoD dietary supplement program and DoD Instruction 6130.06.

• Delivers performance nutrition presentations, demonstrations, and events in performance centers, field settings, sports camps, barracks, teaching kitchens, and health fairs.
• Develops and teaches non-clinical nutrition and cooking classes for families, staff, and other authorized users.
• Creates evidence-based articles, social media content, webinars, and, with marketing teams, infographics for installation-wide distribution.

Serves as WARR staff¿s primary nutrition resource, ensuring appropriate education across all fitness domains. Manages educational aids, supplies, and resources for operational and performance nutrition education and cooking classes.

Maintains liaison with organizations including the Navy Medical Center, dining facilities, Marine Corps Exchanges (MCX), Uniformed Services University¿Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association. Coordinates with interdisciplinary providers in physical, mental, spiritual, and social fitness, sleep, and nutrition to align programs and methods with the mission and vision.

Safeguards proprietary, privileged, confidential, and legally protected information, including treatment records, follow-up care, reconditioning programs, referrals, and assessment notes. Prevents unauthorized access, printing, retention, copying, or dissemination in accordance with the Privacy Act, 5 USC 552(a); Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Public Law 104-191; and DoD Directive 6025.18. Immediately reports releases of protected information and advises on recovery and protection.

May participate in advisory boards, working groups, and collaborations supporting MCTF, WARR, and Marine Corps primary prevention efforts. Requires a valid Driver¿s License. Performs other duties as assigned.