Aquatics Fitness Instructor
About The Position
As an Aquatics Fitness Instructor with the Aquatics Department at the Barber National Institute, you will lead inclusive, safe, and engaging water-based fitness classes for individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and physical abilities. Classes may range from gentle, therapeutic movements to high-intensity workouts in shallow and deep water. You will create a welcoming, motivational environment that promotes wellness, mobility, and enjoyment for participants, including seniors, adults in rehabilitation, and general fitness enthusiasts. You will collaborate with the Aquatics Director and wellness teams to deliver adaptive, high-quality programming tailored to participant needs and community health goals. The role may involve teaching classes such as arthritis fitness, Ai Chi, yoga (including paddleboard yoga), Pilates, stretching, dance, Zumba, barre, step, HIIT, bodyweight bootcamp, strength training, circuit training, and cycling. The instructor plans and leads classes, adapts instruction to participant needs, uses music and aquatic equipment, monitors safety and technique, maintains a clean and safe class environment, and communicates with the Aquatics Director and team. Participation in team meetings and training sessions is also part of the role. The Barber National Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to providing services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, or behavioral health challenges and their families. Founded in 1952, it serves more than 6,200 individuals annually through educational, vocational, residential, and behavioral health programs.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Strong communication and motivational skills to lead engaging group exercise classes.
- Expertise in exercise safety and aquatic instruction techniques.
- Ability to modify workouts for varying ages, fitness levels, and physical needs.
- Comfort instructing in both shallow and deep water.
- Enthusiasm for fostering an inclusive, respectful, and positive fitness environment.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience teaching aquatic group fitness classes is strongly preferred.
- Experience working with special populations, such as seniors or individuals in physical rehabilitation, is a plus.
- Knowledge of aquatic equipment such as noodles, dumbbells, and flotation belts.
- Current Water Fitness Instructor Certification is preferred but not required.
- Current Lifeguard, CPR, and AED certifications, or willingness to obtain them.
Responsibilities
- Plan and lead aquatic fitness classes tailored to participants’ needs.
- Adapt instruction for beginners, advanced exercisers, and special populations.
- Use music and aquatic equipment to enhance engagement and safety.
- Monitor participants’ safety and technique throughout each session.
- Maintain a clean and safe class environment before and after each session.
- Communicate with the Aquatics Director and team to support programming.
- Participate in team meetings and training sessions.
Benefits
- Teladoc Virtual Health.
- On-Demand Pay.
- Employee Referral Bonus program.
- Student Loan Forgiveness.
- College Scholarship and Tuition Discounts.
- Employee Discounts, including discounts for select events and services.
- Discounted on-site weekday childcare at the Erie Campus.
- Generous Paid Time Off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
