Fitness Instructor

DeKalb Park District; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Job summary

DeKalb Park District seeks a part-time Fitness Instructor to plan and lead group fitness classes in our recreation facilities. You will monitor technique, ensure safety, and provide warm-ups and cool-downs.

Must be CPR/First Aid certified and a certified instructor (NETA, ACE, AFFA or equivalent). You will engage participants, adapt to abilities, and maintain accurate attendance and equipment.

Qualifications

• Must be CPR and First Aid certified by an accredited organization or obtain certification within 4 weeks of employment.
• Certified instructor with credentials such as NETA, ACE, AFFA or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Instruct scheduled group fitness classes, ensuring on-time starts and appropriate warm-up, conditioning, and cool-down.
• Demonstrate proper techniques, explain muscle groups, and promote safe workout methods.
• Assist with program planning, organization, and implementation of fitness activities.
• Prepare equipment, music, and instructional materials for each class.
• Assist patrons and maintain a positive exercise experience while following safety standards.

Skills

CPR & First Aid

Group fitness instruction

Customer engagement

Job description

Position Summary

Title: Fitness Instructor, Department: Recreation, Part‑Time, Non‑Exempt. Responsible for the planning and instruction of group fitness classes, monitoring and educating patrons for proper technique and safety, and ensuring classes are conducted in accordance with established standards and guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Instruct scheduled group fitness classes, ensuring they begin and end on time, and provide appropriate warm‑up, conditioning, and cool‑down activities.
• Demonstrate and explain proper exercise techniques, identify targeted muscle groups, and instruct participants on effective and safe workout methods.
• Support the fitness program through planning, organization, and implementation of programs.
• Prepare appropriate equipment, music, and instructional materials for each class.
• Assist patrons, answer questions, and maintain a positive exercise experience for members and class participants.
• Ensure all safety standards are met and comply with departmental and facility policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate class attendance records and rosters and report discrepancies as required.
• Leave instructional areas clean, organized, and properly secured after each class; open and close the facility as assigned.
• Assist with program promotions, public communications, and program evaluations as needed.
• Maintain professional and effective written and verbal communication with participants and the public.
• Assist with risk management efforts and report customer concerns, incidents, or facility issues to management.

Peripheral Duties

• Make recommendations for improvement on equipment, supplies, and program needs.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be certified in CPR and First Aid from an accredited organization or obtain certification within 4 weeks of employment.
• Certified instructor (NETA, ACE, AFFA or equivalent).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough understanding and skill set of the program assigned.
• Ability to effectively engage and instruct participants in a group fitness activity.
• Ability to adapt to multiple patron needs and abilities simultaneously.
• Understanding and willingness to operate simple office equipment such as copiers, telephone, and general computer skills.
• Ability to portray a professional image of the District.

Special Requirements

• Required to provide music and a Bluetooth‑capable device to support class instruction.

Physical Demands

Frequent standing, walking, moving around the instructional area, demonstrating fitness movements, bending, reaching, kneeling, and using hands to instruct and cue participants. May require lifting, carrying or moving fitness equipment weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance. Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively with participants in a group setting.

Work Environment

Primarily performed in an indoor fitness or recreational facility, with occasional outdoor instruction. Environment may include varying temperatures, moderate to high noise levels during classes, exposure to music, amplified sound, and group activity. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required based on program schedules.