Aqua Fitness Instructor

Job Title: Aqua Fitness Instructor 

Department: Aquatics 

Classification: Non-exempt, Part Time 

Reports to: Aquatics Director 

Our Culture 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. 

 
Position Summary 
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Instructs group aqua fitness classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes people of all skill and fitness levels. Effectively builds community within the class. Modifies class as needed to meet varied health, ability, and cultural needs. 

 
Essential Functions 

• Builds effective, authentic relationships with members; helps members and program participants connect with each other and the YMCA 

• Leads fun, safe, energizing, and educational group aquatics classes, as directed by the Aquatics Director, to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals 

• Celebrates achievement of members or program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering of specific skills or overall health and well-being 

• Observes and adjusts approach to support all participants’ capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture 

• Communicate directions/instructions both verbally and by demonstration; observe and correct improper techniques; modify exercises for individual needs; select movement and/or music that is appropriate, safe and interesting to participants; counsel and motivate participants during class 

• Answers questions from members to support them in achieving their goals related to healthy living. Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members 

• Stays informed and up-to-date with Y scheduling and events; imparts changes with upcoming events to members and can answer general scheduling questions 

• Keeps accurate class attendance records 

• Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations 

• Attends all staff orientations, trainings and meetings 

• Responds professionally to questions, suggestions and concerns from participants and staff regarding programs, activities, policies and practices. Remains personally accountable in seeking resolutions to misunderstandings, conflicts, or performance of self or others.

• Responds positively to correction and accepts direction. 

• Obtain YMCA-required trainings, including CPR/First Aid/AED and Bloodborne Pathogen Certification, Youth Protection, and Workplace Discrimination & Harassment Prevention, (within 90 days of hire date). 

• Performs other duties as assigned 

 
Minimum Qualifications 

• Previous aqua exercise or related group exercise experience 

• Ability to maintain physical and mental fitness to instruct classes 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Nationally recognized certification in aquatics or group fitness instruction (i.e. AEA or equivalent aqua exercise certification, AFFA, ACSM, Zumba®, Yoga teacher training, etc.) or the YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise at the Y (Offered by ACE) certification 

• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred 

• Previous experience working at a YMCA 

• Bilingual Spanish skills (verbal) 

Professional Competencies 

• Ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members and staff 

• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

• Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Ys work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit 

• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence 

• Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role 

• Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential 

 
Part-time Employee Benefits & Discounts 

• Careers | Eugene Family YMCA (eugeneymca.org) 

Work Environment & 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to verbally and physically lead classes and fitness activities 

• Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position safely and correctly, including leading class, swimming, walking, standing, bending, reaching, sitting (including on the floor), and lifting up to 20 lbs. 

• Exposure to heat, damp, wet, loud noise, pool chemicals, odors,

• Follow all sanitation protocols 

The Eugene Family YMCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

The Eugene Family YMCA is committed to creating an environment of mutual recognition where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Y believes that diversity, inclusion, and a sense of purpose and belonging in the workplace are critical to the achievement of our mission. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may complete the ADA Accommodation Request Form; or contact us at hr@eugeneymca.org or 541-686-9622, ext. 246. 

The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

Qualifications