Personal Fitness Trainer

University of California, Santa Cruz; California; On-site; USD 43,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

UC Santa Cruz is seeking a Personal Fitness Trainer to work with individuals and small groups, designing personalized fitness programs and delivering on-site or virtual instruction to help participants reach their goals.

You will evaluate progress, manage facilities and equipment, and contribute to program administration while providing exceptional customer service in a university setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience regularly training college-age clients is preferred.
• Ability to design and prescribe safe, effective exercise programs.

Responsibilities

• Design individualized exercise programs for a diverse population of students, faculty, staff and community members.
• Provide in-person and virtual teaching, demonstration, and promotion of safe exercise techniques and facility etiquette.
• Arrive on-site before sessions to prepare the facility and equipment and start on time.
• Maintain a welcoming, inclusive workout atmosphere and modify exercises as needed.

Skills

Fitness instruction

Client communication

Safety-focused coaching

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 04-20-2026

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Department Overview

The Athletics & Recreation Department's mission at UC Santa Cruz is to provide a wide variety of professional programs and physical activities that promote and enhance community, academic success, leadership, lifelong wellness, and experiential learning. Our goal is to enrich the educational courses. experience by encouraging comprehensive health & wellness through physical activity, building community, and cultivating leadership. The programs provided by Athletics & Recreation are designed to serve UC Santa Cruz Banana Slug students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and local community members.

More information can be found at: https://goslugs.com

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Recreation for Fitness & Wellness, the Personal Fitness Trainer works with individuals and small groups to achieve their personal fitness goals by providing fitness evaluations, designing personalized fitness training programs, and providing in-person and/or virtual exercise instruction and supervision. The Personal Fitness Trainer assists in program administration, manages training-related facilities and equipment, provides excellent customer service, and participates in program marketing. The Personal Fitness Trainer assists in the instruction of non-credited recreational or sports activities to participants of all ages. The incumbent develops knowledge, skills and experience in recreational sports activities.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: By Agreement, $31.50-$50.00 per training session. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is not eligible for benefits

Schedule Information

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: By Agreement, 5 - 10 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, Variable
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, and Weekends, as necessary

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 06-30-2027, with the possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004133 (RECR PRG LEADER 2 BYA)

Travel: Never or Rarely

Job Duties

70% - Fitness Instruction

• Design individualized exercise programs for a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Provide in-person and virtual teaching, demonstration, and promotion of safe and effective exercise techniques, equipment use, and facility etiquette.
• Arrive on-site at the training location, in time to complete the full set-up and preparation of the facility and equipment prior to the session’s scheduled start‑time.
• Begin and end training sessions punctually (i.e. at their scheduled start and end times).
• Maintain a positive, encouraging, inclusive, and non‑intimidating workout atmosphere.
• Provide safe, appropriate, and effective exercise modifications when needed.
• Update and modify workout designs as needed and when appropriate.
• Limit training prescription and advice to the scope of practice of professional certifications.

15% - Program Administration

• Assist in administration of client consultation, intake, and tracking procedures, including oversight of health history screening, liability waiver signatures, verification of payment, and reporting of session usage.
• Document training activities and prescribed exercises for each client.
• Ensure clients have signed all required waivers prior to the beginning of training sessions.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings, including annual all-staff training in mid‑September, quarterly one‑on‑one check‑in meetings with supervisor, and annual one‑on‑one performance‑review in July.
• Complete and submit quarterly self‑evaluations.
• Read and respond to all communications from supervisor in a timely manner.
• Promote and enforce program and facility policies (i.e. cancellation timelines, clothing/footwear requirements, facility access requirements, membership requirements, etc.).

5% - Facility & Equipment Management

• Report any unsafe facility and/or equipment conditions or repair needs immediately.
• Return facilities and equipment to clean, organized, and secure condition after each session.
• Learn and consistently exercise proper use of facilities and equipment.
• Assist in the promotion and enforcement of facility policies.

5% - Customer Service

• Greet customers warmly, enthusiastically, and by name (smiling, eye contact, etc.).
• Communicate client issues, concerns, and feedback to supervisor immediately.
• Be able to accurately answer questions regarding program fees, sales procedures, facility locations/layouts, program and facility policies, and program information sources.

5% - Marketing

• Provide pre‑ and/or post‑session notifications or reminders regarding program information (i.e. new policies, schedule changes, upcoming promotions, etc.).
• Participate in promotional programs and events, including annual CORNUCOPIA event in late‑September.
• Regularly update biographical information on website as needed.
• Participate in the production of promotional materials as needed (i.e. photo shoots, videos, etc.).

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certification and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Prior experience regularly (i.e. 1 or more times per week) training or directly assisting in the training of college‑age personal fitness clients.
• Ability to design and prescribe safe, effective, and appropriate exercise programs based on client’s current health conditions & limitations, fitness levels, and personal goals.
• Ability to effectively instruct clients on proper exercise techniques, use of fitness equipment, and fitness concepts (i.e. attaining suggested exercise heart rate).
• Ability to effectively relate to and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse population of potential customers in regards to age, ethnicity, sexual‑orientation, physical ability, and exercise experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously with a diverse population of potential customers.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.