Registered Dietitian - Joint Base Lewis McChord

Location: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday Salary: Competitive, often with a health and welfare stipend

A Registered Dietitian at Joint Base Lewis-McChord provides comprehensive nutritional services to active-duty service members, their families, and other beneficiaries. This role focuses on medical nutrition therapy for disease management as well as performance nutrition to enhance military readiness and mission success. The dietitian works as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team to create and implement nutrition programs.

• Clinical and Performance Nutrition: Provide individual and group counseling on nutrition, healthy eating habits, and the relationship between diet and physical performance. This includes developing customized meal plans for various health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, weight management) and for specific military needs.

• Assessment and Counseling: Conduct nutritional assessments to identify concerns for individuals and units. Counsel clients on behavior modifications and intervention plans.

• Program Development: Design, implement, and evaluate performance nutrition programs to improve foundational health and optimize environmental and task-specific performance.

• Education and Training: Develop and deliver nutrition education materials, classes, and presentations for soldiers, often in a classroom or barracks setting. This may include topics like hydration, fueling for endurance, and managing stress through diet.

• Collaboration: Work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, athletic trainers, and mental health providers, to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate patient records in the electronic health record (EHR) system. Participate in quality assurance functions, staff meetings, and professional development.

• Education: A bachelor's or graduate degree in dietetics, food, nutrition, or a related science.

• Certification: Must be a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). A specialty certification in sports dietetics (CSSD) is often highly preferred, particularly for roles focused on performance nutrition.

• Licensure: A current, valid, and unrestricted state dietitian license.

• Experience: At least one year of specialized experience is typically required, with experience in a military or sports performance setting being a significant advantage.

• Additional Requirements:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (e.g., Secret clearance).

  • May require physical exertion, including lifting up to 50 pounds.

  • Proficiency with electronic medical records.