Aqua Exercise Instructor | Walnut Creek Family YMCA

Entertimeonline; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 14,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Walnut Creek Family YMCA is seeking a Part-Time Group Exercise Instructor to design, plan, and lead Aqua Fit, Aqua Shallow, and Deep Water classes. You will foster an inclusive class environment, promote member engagement, and support staff training.

Responsibilities include setting up equipment, maintaining records, and ensuring safety through proper technique and modification guidance. Qualifications include reading/writing, basic math, and a current Water Exercise Instructor Certificate or 10

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and perform simple math.
• Current Water Exercise Instructor Certificate or willingness to complete 10 hours of staff training.
• Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certifications or equivalent - prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, prepare, and instruct assigned group exercise classes.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive class environment.
• Promote member engagement by encouraging involvement in related Y programs.
• Assume a leadership role for members and demonstrate group exercise expertise.
• Set up equipment before class and store it after.
• Maintain records as directed by supervisor.
• Educate participants on safety, form, and modification of moves.

Job description

• Location 948 73rd St,West Des Moines, IA, 50265,United States
• Base Pay $10.50 - $13.00 / Hour
• Job Category Fitness/Wellness Programs
• Employee Type Part-Time

Description

A Job That Changes Lives, Starting with Yours!

For generations, the Y has been a place where people build skills, confidence, connections, and a sense of purpose that strengthens our community.

EVERY position positively impacts others at the Y!

POSITION OVERVIEW:
This position is responsible for the preparation, planning and instruction of assigned group exercise classes, facilitating member involvement and relationship building, assisting in the development of member small group communities, and providing excellent customer service. Group Exercise Instructors are responsible for exemplifying professionalism and leadership in the areas of fitness and exercise and serving as a resource for staff and members.

JOB LOCATION: Walnut Creek Family YMCA
CLASS FORMATS: Aqua Fit, Aqua Shallow, Deep Water
SHIFTS / CLASS AVAILABLE: Aqua Fit - Mon 8am; Shallow - Tues, Thurs, Fri 9:00a, Deep Water - Thurs 5:30pm
HOURLY RATE RANGE: $10.50-$13.00/hour based on qualifications and experience.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: October 16, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Design, plan, prepare, and instruct assigned group exercise classes.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive class environment.
• Promote member engagement by encouraging involvement in related Y programs and small communities.
• Assume a leadership role for members, demonstrating professionalism and group exercise expertise.
• Encourage and support members as they strive to attain their personal fitness and wellness goals.
• Assist, as required, with training and orientation of new Y staff.
• Set up equipment or facility before class.
• Store or secure equipment upon completion of class.
• Maintain records as directed by supervisor or designated staff person.
• Ensure safety is a priority in instructional methods used and educate participants on proper form, anatomy, contraindications, and modification of moves.
• Know all emergency procedures and be able to demonstrate them.
• Complete accident/incident reports and submits to supervisor or designated staff person.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or designated staff person.
• Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Association as embodied in the mission statement and values.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical functions
• Previous experience work experience, preferable in leading or instructing others.
• Perform basic computer skills such as using the computerized time clock and online training requirements.
• Must have current approved Water Exercise Instructor Certificate or must undergo a minimum of 10 hours of staff training which includes:
  • Instructor Shadowing
  • Skill development
  • Creating a workout plan
  • Team teaching
  • Individual teaching
  • Demonstration of skill competencies
• Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certifications or equivalent - Prior to hire
• Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired, and maintained annually
• Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by anemployee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform theessential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, run; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
• Regularly required to demonstrate and perform various exercise movements; move body and perform exercise movements to the beat of music;
• Regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate.
• Occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
  Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,and the ability to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those anemployee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentialfunctions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Summary

Help positively impact children and families in our community and SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPACT YOUR OWN LIFE - experience, knowledge, satisfaction and joy are just some of the ways you'll grown, learn and thrive.