Instruct group aqua fitness classes in a safe and enjoyable environment while building community among participants. Modify classes to accommodate various health, ability, and cultural needs.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have certifications in CPR, First Aid, AED, and a national certification in group fitness instruction. At least one year of experience teaching group wellness classes is preferred, along with aqua-specific format certification.
CommunicationAdaptabilityRelationship BuildingCPREmergency ResponseCommunity BuildingFirst AidCultural AwarenessAEDGroup ClassesFitness InstructionWellness KnowledgeClass Attendance TrackingCelebration of AchievementsHealth and Well-being SupportAqua Fitness
Job description
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 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
Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes, as directed by the supervisor, to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
Asks and answers questions from program participants and members to support them in achieving their goals related to health and well-being.
Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members.
Builds effective, authentic relationships with members; helps members and program participants connect with each other and the YMCA.
Observes and adjusts approach to support all participants' capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture.
Celebrates achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering of specific skills or overall health and well-being.
Keeps accurate class attendance records.
Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations.
Attends all staff meetings
Performs other duties as assigned.
Salary Range
$25.00 - $27.00/hour
Physical demands
Visual and auditory ability to observe and to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
Ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Ability to climb, push, and pull.
Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.
Qualifications
Required certifications: CPR, First Aid, AED, national certification (ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification.
Certification in areas of expertise.
YMCA Healthy Lifestyles certification within 60 days of hire.
Orientation to Healthy Living at the Y, Foundations of Listen First, Principles of Member Health & Wellness
Group Exercise at the Y and Foundations of Group Exercise at the Y (or equivalent certification with another organization) (within 6 months of hire)
At least one year of experience teaching group wellness classes preferred.
This requires aqua-specific format certification such as the AEA (Aquatic Exercise Assn) OR WaterInMotion OR Aqua Zumba.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader)
Change Leadership
Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.
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.
Philanthropy
Secures resources and support to advance the Y's work.
Volunteerism
Engages volunteers and promotes social responsibility at all levels of the organization.
Collaboration
Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.
Communication & Influence
Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause.
Market context
California classroom teachers remain in steady demand
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.
