Strength and Conditioning Intern / Placement Coach Job Description Template | IUSCA IQF Level 2 - Level 4

May 4

3 min read

IQF Level 2 to Level 4 | Developmental Strength and Conditioning Role

This example Strength and Conditioning Intern / Placement Coach job description provides employers with a practical template for recruiting into supervised and developmental strength and conditioning roles.

The position is typically aligned with IUSCA IQF Level 2 to Level 4 developmental practice, where the practitioner develops professional competence through structured delivery, observation, supervised practice and feedback.

Employers can adapt the template to their organisation, sport, athlete population and employment context, while ensuring that responsibilities, qualification requirements, supervision and professional expectations remain proportionate to the actual scope of the role.

Typical IQF Classification

IQF Level 2 to Level 4 developmental

This role is suitable where the practitioner is developing professional competence through structured delivery, observation, supervised practice and feedback.

Associated IUSCA IQF Certification

IUSCA IQF Level 2 Instructor, or working towards IUSCA IQF Level 4 Practitioner, depending on the level of responsibility.

Recommended Advert Wording

Desirable: IUSCA IQF Level 2 Instructor, or equivalent.

Desirable: Working towards IUSCA IQF Level 4 Practitioner, or equivalent recognised professional certification.

Suggested Role Titles

Strength and Conditioning Intern
Strength and Conditioning Placement Coach
Athletic Development Placement Coach
Performance Support Intern

Role Purpose

The Strength and Conditioning Intern will support the delivery of strength and conditioning services under the supervision of qualified practitioners. The role is intended to provide structured professional development, practical coaching exposure, and experience within an applied performance environment.

The role should support the intern in developing safe coaching practice, basic session delivery, professional behaviours, communication skills, and an understanding of how training activities contribute to athlete development.

Reporting Line

The Strength and Conditioning Intern / Placement Coach may report to:

Head of Strength and Conditioning
Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach
Senior Strength and Conditioning Practitioner
Placement Supervisor

Key Responsibilities

The post holder may be expected to:

Assist with the set-up, delivery, and review of strength and conditioning sessions.
Support warm-ups, movement preparation, gym-based training, field-based physical development, and recovery sessions under supervision.
Deliver selected components of sessions where appropriately trained and approved.
Assist with athlete monitoring, data collection, equipment preparation, and session organisation.
Observe coaching practice and contribute to reflective review.
Support the maintenance of a safe, professional, and organised training environment.
Follow agreed protocols, risk assessments, and safeguarding procedures.
Communicate professionally with athletes, coaches, staff, and supervisors.
Attend development meetings, mentoring sessions, and internal education activities.
Maintain a record of learning, feedback, and professional development.

Essential Criteria

Applicants should normally demonstrate:

Current enrolment on a relevant undergraduate degree, vocational qualification, or professional development pathway.
Developing knowledge of strength and conditioning principles.
Commitment to safe and ethical practice.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and reflect on practice.
Reliability, professionalism, and appropriate conduct in a performance environment.
Understanding of safeguarding, welfare, and duty of care responsibilities.

Desirable Criteria

IUSCA IQF Level 2 Instructor, or equivalent.
Working towards IUSCA IQF Level 4 Practitioner, or equivalent.
Experience assisting in sport, school, academy, club, or private-sector settings.
First aid qualification.
Experience using basic monitoring or testing procedures.
Evidence of reflective practice or professional development.

Supervision and Development Expectations

This role should include:

Named supervisor.
Clear scope of permitted activity.
Regular feedback.
Observation opportunities.
Gradual increase in delivery responsibility where appropriate.
Clear escalation route for athlete welfare, injury, safeguarding, or professional concerns.

Clear supervision is particularly important in developmental S&C positions. The responsibilities assigned to an intern or placement coach should remain consistent with their current competence and level of professional recognition.

Criteria Employers Should Normally Avoid

For this role type, employers should normally avoid requiring:

A full degree.
Advanced professional certification.
Several years of independent coaching experience.
Responsibility for autonomous programme design.
Responsibility for athlete outcomes without supervision.
Unpaid or very low-paid work involving substantial professional responsibility.

Using This Strength and Conditioning Intern Job Description Template

Employers can adapt this example to reflect their own setting, but the developmental nature of the position should remain clear.

Where a role primarily involves structured delivery, observation, supervised coaching and progressive professional development, the responsibilities and entry requirements should reflect that level of practice. If the post holder is expected to operate with greater independence, design programmes or carry significant responsibility for athlete outcomes, a higher IQF classification may be more appropriate.

The wider IUSCA Example Job Descriptions & Criteria Templates handbook follows the principle that final classification should be based on the actual scope of the role rather than job title alone.

View the IUSCA Job Board and employer resources: iusca.org/jobs