Independent Contractor Exercise Physiologist Jobs in Kentucky

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: HW Plant - Kevil, KY 42053

We are seeking a highly skilled Exercise Physiologist (EP) to join our Occupational Health and Wellness team at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility. This role focuses heavily on individual performance, occupational safety, injury prevention, and physical readiness of Protective Force personnel, Firefighters, and emergency response teams. The Exercise Physiologist will design, implement, and monitor physical fitness and training programs for site Protective Force personnel. Operating under the clinical oversight and direction of the Medical Director, this role ensures all security personnel meet and maintain the rigorous physical readiness standards mandated by CFR Part 1046.

This position provides an opportunity to apply exercise science, performance testing, and conditioning principles in a unique occupation setting supporting Protective Force Personnel, Firefighters, and emergency response team.

• Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrated knowledge of, or ability to learn, federal physical readiness standards under DOE directives and 10 CFR 1046.16
• Reporting Structure: Ability to communicate complex physiological data and assessment results clearly to the PPMD, management, and individual security officers.
• Tactical Conditioning: Designing, supervising, and implementing advanced strength, endurance, and agility programs tailored for tactical athletes and first responders.
• Develop individualized exercise prescriptions and progressive conditioning programs based on fitness assessments, job demands, and individual performance
• Physical Readiness Testing: Administer, score, interpret, and document standardized Physical Ability/ Readiness Tests in accordance with applicable DOE code of federal regulations (CFR) and facility requirements.
• Biometric Performance Assessments: Conduct metabolic testing, cardiorespiratory (VO2 Max) evaluations, stress testing, and body composition analyses. Track client vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels during testing.
• Clinical Collaboration: Coordinate directly with the PPMD and Designated Physicians to review medical clearances, restriction parameters and individualized fitness-for-duty plans.
• Injury Prevention: Deliver training on injury prevention, proper biomechanics and operational conditioning to optimize force readiness and reduce workplace injuries.
• Teach proper lifting form to prevent injuries
• Remedial Training: Design and supervise structured remedial physical conditioning programs for personnel who fail to meet readiness standards or require physical rehabilitation power changes.

Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a closely related field.

Minimum of 2 years of experience individual or group fitness training, first responders, military, or other physically demanding occupations

Experience conducting VO2max, metabolic body composition, or physical readiness testing

Experience developing strength and conditioning programs, able to provide professional guidance and ongoing counseling on nutrition, healthy eating habits, and lifestyle modifications

• Certified Personal Trainer certification from an NCCA –accredited organization
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid BLS certification

• Ability to interpret and apply DOE/NNSA physical readiness standards
• Knowledge of medical certification and disqualification procedures
• Capacity to work under the Medical Director’s oversight and in compliance with DOE/NNSA policies
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent verbal coaching abilities
• Highly organized with strong time-management and prioritization capabilities
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Must be able to demonstrate exercises and lift 50 pounds.

Work environment includes indoor training facilities and occasional outdoor training