Recreation Specialist II - Fitness Instructor

City of Mountlake Terrace; Mountlake Terrace (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Non-benefited

Job summary

The City of Mountlake Terrace is seeking a fitness instructor to teach one or more classes at the Recreation Pavilion, including yoga, martial arts, dance fitness, kickboxing, and barre or circuit formats. Work hours and schedules vary with program needs, and this position is non-represented with no City-provided benefits.

Ideal candidates have a background in exercise science or related field and at least one year of experience leading fitness sessions.

Qualifications

• College degree or coursework in exercise science, kinesiology, recreation, physical education, dance, health and wellness, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum one year experience leading fitness classes or related discipline.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Criminal background check required.
• Proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States as required by federal law.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver instruction appropriate to the assigned fitness discipline, including stretching, drills, and movements with music.
• Assess participants’ skills and modify instruction for safety and engagement.
• Motivate and encourage participants using positive, respectful communication.
• Inspect and store fitness equipment; report damaged equipment.
• Provide courteous customer service to Pavilion patrons.
• Support program logistics, reporting, and required documentation.
• Respond to emergencies and follow safety procedures.
• May oversee Recreation Specialists as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Anatomy basics

Instruction delivery

Safety leadership

Communication

Adapt instruction

Education

Exercise science or related field

Job description

Position Summary

This position is responsible for teaching one or more fitness classes offered at the Recreation Pavilion, based on the selected candidate’s area of expertise. Fitness styles include yoga, martial arts, dance fitness, kickboxing, and conditioning formats such as barre, mat, ball or circuit training. Additional fitness styles may be offered based on the instructor's specialized skills and experience. This position is non-represented and is not eligible for City-provided employee benefits. Work hours and class schedules are subject to change based on program needs.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan and deliver instruction appropriate to the assigned fitness discipline, including stretching, improvisation, drills, strength exercises, movement combinations, and use of appropriate music.
• Assess participants’ skills and developmental levels and modify instruction as needed to ensure a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
• Motivate and encourage participants through positive, respectful, and engaging communication skills.
• Inspect, clean, sanitize, and properly store fitness equipment used during instruction; report damaged or missing equipment to the supervisor.
• Provide courteous and professional customer service to Pavilion patrons.
• Support site operations by assisting the Dance & Fitness Programmer with program logistics, reporting, and required documentation.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established safety and rescue procedures.
• May provide oversight, instruction, and coaching to Recreation Specialists I or Recreation Specialist II, as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It’s not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

Minimum Requirements

• Age 18 or older.
• College degree or coursework in exercise science, kinesiology, recreation, physical education, dance, health and wellness, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent education, training, certification, or professional experience may be considered.
• A minimum one (1) year experience or leading classes in a fitness, wellness, dance, martial arts, recreation, or related discipline appropriate to the assigned program.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States as required by federal law.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of basic anatomy, body mechanics, movement principles. and healthy alignment practices relevant to the assigned fitness discipline.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques for modifying exercises and activities to accommodate varying skill levels, abilities, and fitness needs while maintaining participant safety.
• Knowledge of safe and appropriate use of equipment and facilities relevant to the assigned fitness discipline.
• Skill in adapting instruction and activities to meet varying participant needs and abilities.
• Skill in demonstrating and clearly explaining exercises, movements, and techniques appropriate to the assigned fitness discipline.
• Skill in motivating participants and creating a positive learning environment.
• Ability to attend occasional staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities outside of instructional hours.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, participants, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly, promptly and professionally in person, by telephone and in writing.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and reliably complete tasks on time.
• Ability to provide leadership at bi-annual productions in support to the dance and fitness program.
• Ability to respond to supervisor and co-workers in a timely manner primarily via e-mail.
• Ability to uphold policies, protocols and expectations as outlined in Cities Employee Handbook, and Dance & Fitness Policies.

Supervision Received

Supervision is provided by the Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Programmer or their designee.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lift, carry, move, or handle equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, walk, demonstrate exercises and movements, and remain physically active for extended periods during instruction.
• Perform work requiring close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color differentiation, and adjustment of focus.
• Hear and speak effectively enough to communicate instructions, safety information, and feedback in a group fitness environment.

Compensation

Hourly wage range: $29.16–$35.84.

The full pay range is posted for transparency purposes. New hire’s compensation is placed between the start and midpoint of the range, based on qualifications, skills and experience. This approach ensures internal equity, as well as room for growth and progression within the pay band over time.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statements

The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.

Position is non-benefited.