Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kinesiology Consultant
💰 $65,000 - $95,000
🎯 Role Definition
As a Kinesiology Consultant, you are a specialized expert in the science of human movement. You will be the go-to resource for analyzing, evaluating, and enhancing how people interact with their environment to boost performance, prevent injury, and improve overall quality of life. This role involves a blend of hands-on assessment, strategic program design, and educational coaching. You will work directly with individuals and organizations to implement evidence-based solutions, making a tangible impact on workplace safety, employee health, and functional rehabilitation outcomes. We're looking for a critical thinker and excellent communicator who can translate complex biomechanical concepts into practical, actionable advice.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Registered Kinesiologist
- Athletic Trainer
- Ergonomics Coordinator
- Physical Therapy Assistant
Advancement To:
- Senior Kinesiology Consultant / Ergonomics Lead
- Director of Corporate Wellness
- Health & Safety Manager
- Rehabilitation Program Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Clinical Research Coordinator (Biomechanics/Ergonomics)
- Occupational Health Specialist
- University/College Instructor (Kinesiology)
- Wellness Program Developer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct comprehensive ergonomic assessments of workstations, industrial processes, and office environments to identify and mitigate risks for musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).
- Develop, implement, and manage customized injury prevention programs and ergonomic solutions rooted in biomechanical principles and evidence-based practices.
- Design and deliver engaging educational workshops and training seminars for employees and management on topics such as safe lifting techniques, office ergonomics, body mechanics, and MSI prevention.
- Perform objective Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and detailed Physical Demands Analyses (PDAs) to accurately match an individual's physical abilities with specific job requirements.
- Create and oversee structured, goal-oriented return-to-work plans for injured employees, liaising with healthcare providers, insurance adjusters, and HR to ensure a safe and efficient transition.
- Provide one-on-one coaching, biofeedback, and corrective exercise prescription to individuals to improve movement patterns, correct posture, and enhance physical conditioning.
- Analyze workplace injury data, absenteeism rates, and incident reports to identify trends, pinpoint root causes, and recommend proactive, data-driven intervention strategies.
- Serve as a subject matter expert, advising on the ergonomic design of new facilities, workspaces, tools, and equipment to proactively engineer out physical hazards.
- Prepare detailed, professional reports that clearly document assessment findings, risk factor analysis, and specific, actionable recommendations for client management.
- Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, including occupational health nurses, physiotherapists, safety managers, and engineers, to deliver holistic health and safety solutions.
- Evaluate the long-term effectiveness of implemented ergonomic programs and interventions through follow-up assessments, data tracking, and ROI analysis, making continuous improvements.
- Stay abreast of the latest scientific research, technological advancements, and legislative changes in kinesiology, ergonomics, and occupational health to ensure best-in-class service delivery.
- Conduct on-site job coaching to reinforce safe work practices, providing real-time feedback and ergonomic adjustments to employees as they perform physically demanding tasks.
- Assist in the development and roll-out of large-scale corporate wellness initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity, reducing sedentary behavior, and improving overall employee health.
- Perform advanced biomechanical analysis of specific work tasks or athletic movements using specialized software and tools to identify inefficiencies and high-risk motions.
Secondary Functions
- Maintain meticulous, accurate, and confidential client records, assessment data, and progress notes in compliance with professional and privacy standards.
- Assist clients with the selection and procurement of ergonomic equipment, furniture, and tools, providing clear justification and cost-benefit analysis.
- Participate actively in Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) meetings, offering expert insight on issues related to human factors, biomechanics, and ergonomics.
- Contribute to business development by assisting in the creation of service proposals, marketing materials, and case studies that showcase the value of kinesiology services.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior kinesiologists, co-op students, or new team members, fostering their professional development and ensuring quality of service.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Ergonomic Assessment Methodologies: Proficient in applying standardized tools like RULA, REBA, the NIOSH Lifting Equation, and Moore-Garg Strain Index.
- Functional & Physical Assessment: Expertise in conducting Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and Physical Demands Analyses (PDAs).
- Biomechanical Analysis: Strong ability to analyze human movement, gait, and specific work tasks to identify inefficiencies and injury risks.
- Exercise Prescription & Rehabilitation: In-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and exercise science to design effective corrective and conditioning programs.
- Program Design & Management: Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive return-to-work and injury prevention programs.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with national and local occupational health and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, CCOHS standards).
- Technical Reporting: Skill in writing clear, concise, and professional reports for a variety of audiences, from employees to executive leadership.
Soft Skills
- Consultative Communication: Exceptional ability to listen, ask insightful questions, and communicate complex concepts clearly to clients and stakeholders.
- Instruction & Coaching: A natural teacher and coach, capable of motivating individuals and groups to adopt safer and healthier behaviors.
- Analytical Problem-Solving: A data-driven, systematic approach to identifying problems, analyzing root causes, and developing effective solutions.
- Client Relationship Management: Adept at building rapport, trust, and long-term partnerships with clients.
- Empathy & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and show genuine concern for their well-being.
- Autonomy & Initiative: A self-starter who can manage their own schedule, prioritize tasks, and work independently in the field with minimal supervision.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- A Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, or Exercise Science.
Preferred Education:
- A Master's Degree in Kinesiology, Ergonomics, Biomechanics, or a related discipline.
- Professional certification such as Certified Kinesiologist (CK), Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin), or Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) is highly desirable.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Kinesiology
- Ergonomics
- Biomechanics
- Occupational Health & Safety
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of professional experience in an applied kinesiology, ergonomics, or clinical rehabilitation setting.
Preferred: Direct experience working as a consultant in corporate or industrial environments is a significant asset. A proven track record of successfully implementing ergonomic programs and reducing injury rates is highly preferred.