Part-Time Fitness Instructor

Tiffin, City of (IA); Tiffin (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Tiffin is seeking energetic and dependable Fitness Instructors to lead engaging group classes at the Tiffin Recreation Center. Instructors plan, demonstrate, and adapt workouts for diverse ages and abilities, ensuring safety and inclusivity.

Responsibilities include delivering multiple formats (cardio, strength, yoga, cycling), preparing warm-ups, monitoring safety, and maintaining equipment and records while upholding city policies.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in fitness formats being instructed.
• CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within city requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead safe, organized, engaging, and age-appropriate group fitness classes.
• Provide clear verbal instruction, demonstrations, and exercise cues.
• Demonstrate proper techniques and promote safe equipment use.
• Provide modifications and progressions for varying fitness levels.
• Monitor participants for safety and adjust as needed.
• Create a positive, inclusive class environment; start/end on time.
• Maintain professional interactions with participants.
• Assist with class planning and program recommendations.

Skills

Group fitness instruction

Safety awareness

Effective communication

Motivation & encouragement

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CPR/AED certification

Job description

The City of Tiffin is seeking energetic, dependable, and knowledgeable individuals to serve as Fitness Instructors at the Tiffin Recreation Center. Fitness Instructors are responsible for planning and leading safe, engaging, and effective group fitness classes for participants of varying ages, abilities, and fitness levels.

Fitness Instructors may teach a variety of class formats based on their experience, training, and qualifications. Classes may include strength and conditioning, cardio, indoor cycling, yoga, pilates, mobility and flexibility, senior fitness, dance fitness, circuit training, and other group exercise programs offered by the Tiffin Recreation Center. The Fitness Instructor is responsible for creating a positive and welcoming class environment, demonstrating proper exercise techniques, providing appropriate modifications, monitoring participant safety, and helping participants achieve their fitness and wellness goals.

Fitness Class Instruction

• Plan and lead safe, organized, engaging, and age-appropriate group fitness classes.
• Provide clear verbal instruction, demonstrations, and exercise cues throughout each class.
• Demonstrate proper exercise techniques and promote safe use of fitness equipment.
• Provide appropriate exercise modifications and progressions for participants with varying fitness levels and abilities.
• Monitor participants throughout class and make adjustments when necessary to promote participant safety.
• Create a positive, encouraging, inclusive, and welcoming class environment.
• Begin and end classes on time and follow established class schedules.
• Maintain professional and appropriate interactions with participants.

Class Planning and Preparation

• Prepare appropriate class plans, exercises, activities, music, and equipment prior to each scheduled class.
• Develop classes that are consistent with the advertised class description and intended participant fitness level.
• Incorporate appropriate warm-up, exercise, recovery, and cool-down components.
• Remain knowledgeable regarding current practices and techniques related to the fitness format being instructed.
• Modify class plans when necessary based on participant abilities, attendance, available equipment, or other circumstances.
• Assist Parks & Recreation staff with recommendations for new fitness classes, programs, or class formats when appropriate.

Participant Safety and Emergency Response

• Promote safe exercise practices and appropriate use of recreation center fitness equipment.
• Recognize signs that a participant may need to reduce or discontinue physical activity.
• Respond appropriately to participant injuries, illnesses, or other emergency situations.
• Follow established Tiffin Recreation Center emergency procedures.
• Contact Recreation Center staff or emergency personnel when necessary.
• Promptly report accidents, injuries, safety concerns, or unusual incidents to Recreation Center staff.
• Complete accident or incident documentation as required.
• Maintain current CPR/AED certification as required by the City.

Equipment and Facility Care

• Set up necessary equipment prior to class and return equipment to the appropriate storage location following class.
• Inspect equipment prior to use and report damaged, missing, or unsafe equipment to Recreation Center staff.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe fitness class environment.
• Clean or sanitize equipment following classes in accordance with Recreation Center procedures.
• Use City equipment appropriately and help prevent unnecessary damage or misuse.
• Assist with routine setup and cleanup associated with fitness programming.

Program and Administrative Support

• Accurately track class attendance when required.
• Communicate participant feedback, concerns, equipment needs, and program recommendations to the Recreation Director.
• Notify Parks & Recreation staff promptly when unable to teach an assigned class and follow established substitute instructor procedures.
• Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, or instructor meetings as assigned.
• Follow all City of Tiffin and Tiffin Recreation Center policies and procedures.
• Promote Recreation Center fitness programs and encourage continued participant involvement when appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge, experience, education, training, or demonstrated proficiency in the fitness format being instructed.
• Previous experience participating in, assisting with, or leading group fitness activities preferred.
• Previous group fitness instruction experience preferred but not required for all class formats.
• Must possess current CPR/AED certification or obtain certification within the timeframe established by the City and prior to independently instructing classes.
• Ability to successfully complete required City training related to Recreation Center operations, safety procedures, emergency response, and customer service.
• Ability to successfully complete required background screening.
• A nationally recognized group fitness certification or an approved specialty certification or license related to the class format being instructed is preferred but not required for all Fitness Instructor positions.
• Examples may include nationally recognized group fitness certifications or specialty credentials related to yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling, senior fitness, dance fitness, strength and conditioning, or other approved fitness formats.
• The City may require specific certifications, licenses, training, or experience for certain specialized class formats.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of safe and effective exercise techniques.
• Ability to confidently lead and instruct groups of participants.
• Ability to communicate instructions clearly and effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate exercises and movements appropriate to the class being instructed.
• Ability to provide appropriate exercise modifications for varying fitness levels and abilities.
• Ability to motivate and encourage participants in a positive and professional manner.
• Ability to recognize potential safety concerns and respond appropriately.