PERFORMANCE DIETICIAN NF4

Requires a valid Driver's License. Master's degree or higher in Nutrition, Dietetics, Sports Nutrition, and Food and Nutrition Sciences or closely related field is required AND one year's experience in an athletic or military performance environment. Must possess and maintain a current Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), candidates must meet several educational and professional requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Registration (CDR) ACEND-Accredited Coursework education must include; completion of a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) or a coordinated program (CP) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Knowledge of sports and performance dietetic and the implementation of performance-based nutrition practices that encompass social, psychological, physiological, and cultural influences of food choices in athletic, military, or first responder environments. Ability to assess and analyze dietary practices and energy balance of active-duty service members in the context of athletic and military performance and health.

Skilled in developing short- and long-term sports or military specific performance nutrition educational services resulting in attributable performance-based outcomes. Ability to assess body composition using anthropometry screening tools such as bioelectrical impedance, calipers, dual x- ray absorptiometry, or Air Displacement Plethysmograph (ADP) and educate patrons and target populations on strategies related to weight management, sports and job performance, reconditioning, recovery, and maternal health.

Knowledge of hydration status assessments and protocols for operational performance, training, and hydration sustainment. Awareness in recognizing disordered eating, and individuals with eating disorders to include understanding medical consequences and the need to refer patrons to the appropriate medical providers. Assess the safety, efficacy, and quality of nutritional supplements and monitor use of appropriate supplementation and comply with DoDI 6130.06, Use of Dietary Supplements in the DoD.

Knowledge to create and edit promotional performance nutrition social media or other written content aligned with health literacy levels of the population. Experience in delivering hands-on training to active-duty, families, and authorized users in food selection and food preparation, field nutrition, and home and barracks cooking classes in virtual and in-person environments.

Understanding of various evidence-based nutrition assessment tools and the ability to tailor and implement appropriate assessment tools based on the operational and environmental needs of the unit. Familiar with the military referral process and when to refer participant to a medical or mental health professional when nutritional challenges such as food allergies, bone mineral disturbances, gastrointestinal disturbances, iron depletion, and iron-deficiency anemia, or eating disorders are suspected or known.

Introduction: This position serves as a Performance Dietitian for the Semper Fit, Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience (WARR) portfolio to improve readiness, lethality, and resilience of total force in all domains of fitness-physical, mental, spiritual, and social and foundational building blocks of Marine Corps Total Fitness (MCTF).

The incumbent ensures that sport and performance based dietetic modalities are provided to active duty, families, and all authorized users aboard the base in support of military readiness. Utilizes skills in the theory and practice of sport and non-clinical performance dietetics to enhance health, wellness, performance in support of Marine Corps integrated holistic primary prevention.

Implements and follows Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Navy (DON), and Marine Corps policy, applying evidence-based nutrition knowledge in operational readiness, exercise, and sports. The incumbent assesses, educates, and counsels Marines and implements and manages safe and effective nutrition strategies that enhance lifelong health, fitness, and optimize performance. Supports Marine Corps sports programs such as installation sports and all-Marine sports teams.

May travel to Marine Corps sports related training camps and events as needed. The incumbent assesses and analyzes dietary practices, body composition, and energy intake and expenditures of Marine athletes in the context of operational performance and health. Counsels Marines on optimal nutrition for unit specific training and achieving and maintaining body mass that is consistent with Marine Corps body composition requirements and optimal health and performance.

Incumbent addresses nutrition and hydration challenges to performance in garrison and field environments and consults with units and staff on optimal nutrition practices. Implements standardized nutrition education with a focus on optimal nutrition recovery from illness or injury and ensures Semper Fit protocols are followed.

Collaborates with other providers within MCTF to achieve a wide variety of objectives and project to deliver practical nutritional education opportunities such as cooking classes, community gardens, shopping tours, and kitchen assessments.