Physical Instructor

Chicago Park District • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Physical Instructor plans, promotes, organizes, conducts and instructs all physical activities. This role involves conducting classes, teaching games, controlling recreational equipment, and recruiting volunteers. The instructor is responsible for planning and implementing course curricula for various sports, games, and competitive athletics, providing instruction and supervision to patrons, and demonstrating proper techniques and skills. They must adapt programs to different skill levels, provide instruction in advanced strategies, physical fitness, and conditioning, and inform participants about rules. The position also includes instructing rhythm and movement, enforcing safety guidelines, resolving conflicts, and managing recreation equipment and supplies. The instructor sets up apparatus, officiates sports, promotes sportsmanship, and communicates with participants, parents, volunteers, and the community. They consult with groups to determine interests, needs, and desires, establish schedules for tournaments, leagues, and competitions, and conduct related meetings. Maintaining records, preparing reports, supervising unorganized play, enforcing rules, and attending workshops and in-service training seminars are also key duties.

Requirements

• At least twenty (20) hours from an accredited college in Recreation, Leisure Studies or Physical Education required.
• Alternatively, three (3) years of work experience in Park and Recreation or related field.
• Knowledge of athletic, leisure and recreational theories and principles.
• Skill in teaching recreational, leisure and athletic activities.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to evaluate skill levels and teach recreational, leisure and athletic activities accordingly.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements course curricula for instruction of sports, games and competitive athletics.
• Provides instruction and supervision to patrons in sports, games and competitive athletics.
• Demonstrates proper techniques and skills for recreation and athletics.
• Adapts programs to reflect differing levels of participant skill development.
• Provides instruction in advanced strategies of team and individual sports, physical fitness and conditioning.
• Provides information on rules of individual and team sports.
• Explains basics of low organized activities.
• Instructs rhythm and movement.
• Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for recreation and athletic activities.
• Resolves conflicts among participants.
• Issues and maintains inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.
• Sets up recreation apparatus and equipment.
• Officiates team and individual sports.
• Promotes sportsmanship and encourages creativity in participants.
• Communicates constructively with participants, parents, volunteers and community.
• Consults with individuals and community groups to determine their interests, needs and desires.
• Determines tournament eligibility requirements.
• Verifies dates and standards.
• Establishes schedules for tournaments, leagues and competitions.
• Conducts meetings on competitions and other special events.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.
• Supervises unorganized play and enforces rules and regulations.
• Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.

Benefits

• $1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2026.
• $1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2027.
• 1 day of personal leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• 2 days of sick leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• After one year of employment, employees who work 1,040 hours or more in the previous year are typically eligible for between 7-10 workdays of paid vacation time annually, and additional time after first 5 years of employment.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility requirements).
• Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
• Free Admission to most Chicago Museums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees