Aquatic Exercise/Water Exercise Instructor {Part-Time} (Job ID: 13-2026-01)

City of Independence, Ohio; Independence Township (OH); On-site; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Independence is seeking a Part-Time Aquatic Exercise/Water Exercise Instructor to plan, lead, and supervise engaging water-based fitness classes for participants of varying ages and abilities within the Parks & Recreation Department.

Classes run in the mornings, evenings and weekends. Candidates must hold CPR/AED/First Aid certification and maintain safety standards. This role includes flexible scheduling and opportunities to promote wellness through aquatic fitness.

Qualifications

• Active certification or prior experience in exercise instruction is required.
• Certified in CPR, AED & First Aid is required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate exercises with correct form.
• Provide clear verbal cues to participants.
• Offer modifications for beginners or participants with special needs.
• Maintain an inclusive, welcoming class environment.
• Monitor participants for safety and enforce pool rules.
• Communicate effectively with participants and peer staff.
• Familiar with electronic systems to facilitate audio for classes.
• Teach morning, evening and weekend classes (about 3–5 per week).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Accountability

Communication

Customer Service Focus

Leadership

Adaptability

Planning and Execution

Problem Solving

Prioritizing

Multi-tasking

Teamwork

Job description

The City of Independence is seeking a Part-Time Aquatic Exercise/Water Exercise Instructor to work under the city's Parks & Recreation Department. The Aquatic Exercise Instructor is responsible for planning, leading, and supervising safe, effective, and engaging water-based fitness classes for participants of varying ages, abilities, and fitness levels. The instructor designs workouts that improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, and overall wellness while utilizing proper aquatic exercise techniques.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrating exercises with correct and proper form.
• Providing clear verbal cues.
• Offering modifications for beginners or participants with special needs.
• Ensuring an inclusive, welcoming and motivating class environment.
• Continuously monitoring participants for safety, enforcing pool rules and responding appropriately to emergencies in accordance with facility policies, procedures and certification mandates.
• Ensuring equipment is used and stored appropriately.
• Effective communication with participants and peer staff.
• Familiarity with electronic systems to facilitate audio technology for classes.
• Flexibility to teach morning, evening and weekend classes (Approx. 3-5 classes per week).
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Necessary Competencies:

• Accountability
• Coaches and Resolves Conflict
• Communication
• Customer Service Focus
• Leadership
• Ability to Manage Change / Adaptability
• Planning and Execution
• Problem Solving
• Prioritizing
• Multi-tasking
• Strategic Planning
• Teamwork

Requirements:

• Active Certification or prior experience in Exercise Instruction, is required.
• Certified in CPR, AED & First Aid, is required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move in and around a pool deck for extended periods of time.
• Ability to enter, exit, and work safely in a swimming pool, including teaching while standing in shallow water or demonstrating movements from the pool deck.
• Ability to demonstrate aquatic exercises using full-body movements, including but not limited to walking, jogging, jumping, reaching, bending, twisting, and arm and leg resistance movements.
• Sufficient strength and endurance to lead continuous classes lasting 30-60 minutes, potentially multiple sessions per day.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull aquatic fitness equipment (such as water weights, noodles, kickboards, or resistance devices), typically up to 25 pounds.
• Adequate balance, coordination, and agility to perform movements safely in a wet, slippery environment.
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly with participants in a noisy pool environment, including providing verbal instructions and safety cues.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, including assisting participants and performing water rescues if required by the facility. This position will also be on duty during classes.
• Tolerance for exposure to warm, humid, and chlorinated pool environments for extended periods.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors under typical Ohio Weather conditions.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

• The City of Independence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary Information:

• The pay for this role is $30.00 per class.

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This position is a "at will" position and the successful candidate serves at the pleasure of the City of Independence, Ohio leadership.