Group Exercise Instructor

Willamalane-Park-and-Recreation-Distric; Springfield (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Cost of living increase

Merit increase

Childcare discounts

Free pool access

Free fitness center access

Payroll direct deposit

Job summary

Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Oregon seeks a part-time, non-exempt Group Exercise Instructor to demonstrate and lead classes, ensuring safety and high-quality instruction.

You will plan curricula with the Fitness Coordinator, tailor workouts for varying fitness levels, maintain records, greet participants, and provide excellent customer service while upholding district policies.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or vocational training in exercise physiology or related field.
• Two years of professional level experience with teaching/group fitness.
• Current fitness format certification and CPR/AED/First Aid certificates.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and instruct group exercise classes with appropriate sequences and music.
• Provide class instruction and demonstrate knowledge and ability in assigned areas.
• Design curricula based on current research, including warm-up, workout and cool-down.
• Collaborate with Fitness Coordinator on class development and scheduling.
• Monitor safety and assist with emergencies; maintain records and sign-ins.

Skills

Instruct safely

Group fitness instruction

Customer service

Record keeping

Professional communication

Education

Two years college/vocational training in exercise field

Certification in branded fitness format / CPR/First Aid

Job description

GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR

Part-time, Non-exempt, Non-benefitted

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE

All applications due by 5pm on January 4, 2027

anticipated start date 11/15/2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

General Statement of Duties: Demonstrates and instructs group exercise classes; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of The Class: An employee in this classification is responsible for preparing and instructing group exercise classes. Work is performed under the supervision of a Supervisor who reviews work primarily on the basis of direct observation and feedback from participants. Instructors work closely with Fitness Coordinator on planning, development, class evaluation and implementation. Supervision is not a responsibility of position in this classification.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Pay level between a group exercise instructor and group exercise specialist are distinguished by level of education, curriculum development experience, classroom experience, professional & specialized certification obtained and proprietary rights to a trademarked format or franchise including formats created and registered under their legal or business name.

Examples Of Essential Duties Performed

(Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)

• Plan, organize and instruct group exercise classes and/or provide coaching/training in assigned specialization with appropriate exercises, sequences, and/or routines; provides and prepares appropriate music for format.
• Provides class instruction and demonstrates knowledge, skill and ability in specific area(s).
• Design and implement exercise class curriculum based on current research and includes warm-up, workout and cool-down periods
• Collaborates with Coordinator/Supervisor staff to develop, plan and schedule classes.
• Include and instruct multiple levels of modifications for each workout to allow participation by multiple fitness levels or those with past injury.
• Practice safe work habits and maintain a safe environment. Monitors participant safety during class and if necessary provides first aid. Follow standard procedure for emergencies for the facility where class is held. Complete and submit patron incident reports.
• Address program specific risk management/safety issues.
• Greet students as they enter the class area. Respond to questions from participants regarding purpose of specific exercises/routines and other fitness-related topics.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service. Offer a positive experience for patrons and co-workers.
• Distribute program evaluations to participants. Maintain confidentiality and respect patron privacy during evaluation process. Submit evaluations to supervisors and remains open to student feedback. Review feedback and utilize information to enhance the program.
• Ensure all participants are signed in and maintain appropriate records regarding class participation. Set up and maintain computer and scanning station prior to class as required.
• Prepare facility for class including equipment, lights, fans, water station and sound equipment. Clean up area and return all equipment to appropriate storage area at end of work shift.
• Communicate with staff regarding facility, equipment and supply needs. Request purchase of supplies, coordinating expenditures with District policies.
• Monitor participant behavior to ensure an environment where everyone feels welcomed, included, safe and respected while participating.
• Respond professionally to questions, suggestions, and concerns from participants and staff regarding programs, activities, policies and practices.
• Remain personally accountable in seeking resolution to misunderstandings, conflicts, or performance of self or others. Respond positively to correction and accept direction.
• Attend staff orientations and trainings, as required.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge

Essential knowledge of fitness/exercise program components; principles of cardiovascular fitness, kinesiology, neuromotor, balance, flexibility, muscular endurance and strength training; safety practices and precautions in performing exercises. Knowledge and skill to suggest modifications of exercise to participants with injuries or limitations. Principles of group dynamics and group interaction and emergency procedures and accident site management.

Skills

Instruct and demonstrate fitness exercises safely and effectively to groups of varied ages and abilities; ability to perform and instruct all exercises of assigned specialization. Maintain neat and clean appearance. Follow and give instructions in a courteous and professional manner. Interpret, explain, follow and apply District policies, keep accurate records and establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other staff members, program participants and the general public.

Abilities

Communicate directions/instructions both verbally and by demonstration; observe and correct improper techniques; modify exercises for individual needs; select movements and/or music that is appropriate, safe and interesting to participants; counsel and motivate participants during class. Ability to provide good customer service in challenging situations. Ability to administer First Aid and CPR and follow emergency procedures. Identify and prevent hazards and maintain safe environment.

Physical Demands of the Position

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, twist, and stoop both indoors and outdoors. The position requires mobility including the ability to move materials weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted on a regular basis such as storing, setting up and cleaning up equipment and supplies. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 75% of the work period. Exposure to loud noise is low and never necessitates hearing protection. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Personal Protective Equipment

Access to nitrile gloves for the administration of First Aid.

Experience And Training

1) Two years of college or vocational training emphasis in exercise physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, or related field; AND 2) Two year of professional level experience in specialty area with some teaching experience in instructing/leading group fitness and exercise classes, supplemented with a nationally recognized certification and training as a 200 hr yoga instructor, group exercise instructor, certified personal trainer, certification specific to branded class format; OR any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.

Necessary Special Requirements

Required to provide a current fitness format certification for all branded fitness formats. Possession of or ability to obtain current First Aid and CPR/ AED certificates and other certifications as required prior to start date. Current certification for all branded formats.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hours/Shift

Hours vary according to facility hours and applicant availability.

Drug Free Workplace

Because this job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test will be required prior to employment.

Oregon Pay Equity

Willamalane Park and Recreation District determines starting pay based on the applicant's relevant education, experience and training within the wage and salary range for the position. This process is consistent with Oregon pay equity laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BENEFITS

• Paid sick leave beginning with date of hire, 1 hour accrual for every 30 hours worked. Part-time staff may use sick leave beginning on their 91st day of employment.
• Annual cost of living increase (up to 4% as approved by the Board).
• Merit increase (3%) upon successful completion of the initial probationary period, and up a three percent (3%) increase annually thereafter as approved by the Board.
• Additional $1/hour increase upon successful completion of a Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) competency test.
• Discount on selected childcare programs (see Policy Manual for restrictions).
• 50-percent discount on selected childcare program (see Policy Manual for restrictions).
• 25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.
• Free use of pools for lap and play swim for employee only. Discount for household members.
• Free use of fitness center for employee only. Discount for household members.
• Free Wellness programs for employee.
• Payroll direct deposit is available.