Aqua Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of Greater Brandywine; Coatesville (Chester County); On-site; USD 31,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free family YMCA membership

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays and plentiful PTO

Babysitting while you work

12% retirement contribution

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Brandywine in Coatesville, PA, is seeking a part-time Group Exercise instructor for aquatic fitness. You will lead community classes, ensure safety, and connect with participants to foster healthy living.

The role requires 18+ and at least one year of group exercise participation, plus Group Exercise and Water Fitness certifications. Training, PTO, and YMCA benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• At least 1 year of participation in group exercise class(es) required.
• Group Exercise certification from a nationally accredited organization.
• Water Fitness certification required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct group exercise classes according to YMCA guidelines with enthusiasm and safety.
• Be a positive YMCA role model with an enthusiastic attitude.
• Ensure all scheduled classes are held and sub coverage is secured.
• Greet participants, take class attendance, and use the Upace group exercise tech as needed.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle and participate in workshops and events as scheduled.

Skills

Group Exercise

Education

Group Exercise certification

Water Fitness certification

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Coatesville YMCA – Coatesville, PA 19320

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: None

Salary Range: $22.64 – $29.43 hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Aquatics

Embark on a Journey of Impactful Adventure

Instruct water group exercise classes according to the guidelines set forth by the YMCA of the USA and the Senior Aquatics Director.

Who Are We?

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for a second consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non‑profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life‑changing programs for all.

Perks & Benefits

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full‑time employees
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and more!
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
• Career development and paid training
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00

What You’ll Do

• Conduct group exercise classes and provide assistance in a safe, enthusiastic, thorough, courteous and professional manner.
• Be a positive YMCA role model with an enthusiastic attitude.
• All scheduled classes will be held, and sub coverage secured.
• Classes will start and end on time.
• Greet participants and learn their names.
• Take class attendance.
• Familiarize yourself with our Upace Group Ex technology which includes but is not limited to sub tracking system, class contact feature, class cancellation.
• Check and respond in a timely fashion to your YMCA email.
• Identify your participants’ limitations and adapt your classes and/or provide modifications accordingly.
• Properly and safely utilize all equipment associated with your class.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Attend advanced training workshops that are offered throughout the year by the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (or another co‑op member YMCA).
• Participate in special events and open houses throughout the year.
• Ensures compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• At least 1 year of participation in group exercise class(es) required.
• Possess and maintain at least one Group Exercise certification from a nationally accredited organization.
• Water Fitness certification required.
• Obtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire.

Work Conditions and 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 plan, lead, and participate in classes and activities. Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including leading class, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting, often in water. Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility. Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness. See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.

Why You Need To Apply

Not meeting every single requirement? That’s perfectly okay! Research shows that women and marginalized groups are often hesitant to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. If you’re excited about this role, don’t let a few mismatches in your experience hold you back. We want to see your application! You could be exactly what we’re looking for!