Instructor - Youth Dance and Gymnastics

City of Ames; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department is seeking Youth Dance and Gymnastics Instructors to lead safe, engaging programs for youth at City facilities.

Instructors will teach basic fundamentals, follow all procedures, and communicate with parents. The role offers up to 20 hours per week during June and July 2026, with schedules Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, depending on class offerings.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of youth activity fundamentals.
• Ability to organize schedule and manage groups.
• Ability to communicate with parents and youth.
• Commitment to safety and appropriate attire.

Responsibilities

• Instruct youth on basic fundamentals of the activity.
• Enforce procedures and rules for all youth at facilities.
• Inspect environment to ensure safety of participants.
• Teach good sportsmanship at all times.

Skills

Teaching

Organization

Communication

Safety

Job description

The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department has an exciting opportunity for Youth Dance and Gymnastics Instructors!

Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect to work Monday - Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM depending on classes, flexible 8-20 hours per week, June - July 2026.

Youth Instructors are directly accountable to the Recreation Manager and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation.

This posting is open until filled. Instruct youth on the basic fundamentals of the activity; enforce all procedures and rules in place for all youth at all facilities/locations; inspect environment to ensure the safety of the children; and teach good sportsmanship at all times.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Previous experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Necessary to Perform Essential Functions:

• Knowledge of the activity.
• Skill in being organized, dependable, and reliable.
• Ability to teach basic fundamentals to youth of various ages; ability to communicate with parents and youth; ability to understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values; ability to maintain an exceptional level of safety; ability to maintain a professional appearance (staff shirt w/ appropriate athletic shorts or pants) at all times while on site; ability to maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.

Physical & Environmental Characteristics:

Frequently exposed to various weather conditions for outdoor activities, including cold, heat, rain and wind. Need to remain alert and attentive for extended periods of time. May be exposed to outdoor allergens, insects, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards. Must be able to walk quickly or jog in case of emergency and lift objects up to 50 lbs. When working indoor and outdoor activities, sound may be moderately noisy. Position requires physical participation and interaction related to specific activity. In cases of outdoor weather, may make decisions relating to safety for participants and other recreation staff.

Selection Process:

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.