Instructor Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Current nationally recognized aquatics fitness professional qualification.
• AEA Water Exercise Instructor certification.
• General knowledge of exercise training and leadership, including basic anatomy, physiology, and exercise principles.
• Previous experience leading others in a water exercise class environment.
• Knowledge of participants’ abilities and physical limitations, with the ability to modify exercises accordingly.
• Understanding of the properties of the water environment and exercising in it.
• Must pass a swim test and skills assessment.
• Patience and ability to communicate with participants and YMCA members.
• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications.
• Must demonstrate leadership qualities and be able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
• Ability to conduct fitness classes and activities and perform the physical aspects of the position, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer yearly; maintain First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Administration every two years; maintain Bloodborne Pathogens and Child Abuse Prevention training yearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead water exercise classes and prepare exercise plans for various water depths.
• Provide music that meets YMCA standards.
• Enforce aquatic rules and policies.
• Record and maintain attendance records.
• Set up facilities and equipment and store equipment after class.
• Secure a qualified substitute instructor when needed.
• Demonstrate the ability to swim 100 yards, tread water, and surface dive.
• Act as a secondary responder for injuries, accidents, or illnesses in the pool area; provide backup to lifeguards during emergencies and crowd control.
• Report injuries and complete required forms.
• Support and follow YMCA policies and decisions, and answer members’ questions about the YMCA, its programs, and fitness.
• Attend water exercise in-services and meetings, including at least three of four water exercise in-services per year, one of which must be the aquatics safety in-service unless YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguard certification is maintained.
• Attend all department and center staff meetings.
• Maintain all required certifications.
• Model YMCA values, provide a high level of service, and cultivate relationships with members.
• Champion inclusion, build relationships, listen empathetically, and communicate effectively with appropriate audiences.
• Support program and activity planning and development, share insights, adapt to change, and use current functional and technical knowledge.
• Address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance using non-threatening methods.