Water Exercise Instructor

Position Summary:

The Group Water Fitness Instructor is responsible for leading safe, effective, and engaging water‑based fitness classes for participants of various ages and fitness levels. This role supports the YMCA's mission by promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a welcoming environment, and encouraging community engagement through aquatic fitness programming.

Qualifications:

Current Group Water Fitness certification from a nationally recognized organization (e.g., ACE, AFAA, YMCA) or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire date Ability to teach classes in waist‑to‑chest‑deep water Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to engage and motivate participants of diverse abilities and ages Preferred Qualifications Previous experience teaching group water fitness classes Lifeguard certification, personal training certification (ACE, NASM, ACSM) Knowledge of YMCA values, mission, and community focus

Essential Functions:

Lead group water fitness classes (e.g., aqua aerobics, arthritis-friendly classes, deep/shallow water workouts) following YMCA and industry standards Create positive, motivating, and inclusive class environments for all participants Provide clear instruction, proper exercise demonstrations, and safe modifications as needed Monitor participant safety at all times and respond appropriately to emergencies Enforce YMCA aquatic policies and safety procedures Maintain cleanliness and organization of aquatic equipment before and after classes Build meaningful relationships with members and encourage continued participation Report any equipment, facility, or participant concerns to the healthy living director Attend required staff meetings, training, and certifications YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Engaging Community:

Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit. Ensures a level of service and engagement that fosters loyalty among those we serve. Intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

Collaboration:

Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community. Identifies and builds relationships with internal and/or external partners or key stakeholders to support programs or projects. Builds effective teams and committees by fostering common vision and plans.

Program/Project Management:

Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs. Translates organizational goals into executable plans with accountable staff and volunteers by defining tasks, milestones, and priorities for programs or projects. Delegates responsibilities and monitors progress towards goals. Follows fidelity, quality, and evidence-based standards of programs, projects, or the organization. Challenges inefficient or ineffective work processes and offers constructive alternatives. Follows through on commitments with an appropriate sense of urgency. Demonstrates flexibility when plans or situations change unexpectedly, effectively adjusting plans to achieve intended outcomes.

Developing Self & Others:

Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential. Coaches others for continuous development, including analyzing performance gaps, building development plans, delivering appreciative and developmental feedback, and aligning passions and career goals. Addresses sensitive issues, inappropriate behavior, or performance concerns to help the other person grow. Shares and employs new learning to improve staff and personal performance. Strives to understand and resolve conflicting feedback or ideas from multiple sources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, speak and hear. Sitting 50%, Walking and/or standing 50%. Lifting and/or moving occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Pay:

$12.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Free fitness classes Gym membership

Work Location:

In person