Water Fitness Instructor I (Prospect Park YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Retirement benefits

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

YMCA of Greater New York is looking for a Part-Time Water Fitness Instructor to teach in-water and deck-based classes at our New York branches. You will ensure proper form, modify routines for varying fitness levels, and stay current with health and wellness trends.

Candidate will maintain CPR and First Aid certifications and provide exceptional member service while engaging with a diverse community. Training and safety standards are a priority in this role.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Two (2) to ten (10) hours of internship or practice teaching recommended.
• Knowledge of YMCA Aquatics Fitness or Aquatics Arthritis programs.
• Aqua Zumba instructors must hold the specific Aqua Zumba certification.

Responsibilities

• Be prepared to teach in the water and on the deck.
• Know and practice all exercise movements in the water prior to teaching classes.
• Maintain all required personal certifications, including CPR and First Aid.
• Provide a high level of member service by building professional relationships with members.

Skills

Strong communication

Education

High School Diploma

CPR and First Aid certifications

Job description

Part-Time / Regular

$25.00 - $35.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people‑first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be prepared to teach in the water and on the deck.
• Know and practice all exercise movements in the water prior to teaching classes.
• Understand the physics of water resistance and its effects on participant movement.
• Demonstrate the ability to relate to and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Work cooperatively with professional staff and other YMCA departments.
• Maintain proper stance and movement to ensure your body is positioned “in the water” for maximum aquatic benefit.
• Modify classes and routines to accommodate the varying fitness levels of class participants.
• Incorporate different types of equipment and creative choreography into classes.
• Demonstrate choreography and exercises clearly to members.
• Stay informed of current Health & Wellness and Aquatics programs and trends.
• Attend quarterly Aquatics in‑service meetings.
• Maintain all required personal certifications, including CPR and First Aid.
• Maintain attendance records for all classes.
• Arrive on time for all scheduled classes.
• Notify the supervisor and find the appropriate class coverage in the event of illness or emergency.
• Report any damaged equipment used in classes to the supervisor.
• Dress appropriately for work (bathing suit, YMCA staff shirt, ID, etc.).
• Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate action during Aquatics emergencies.
• Provide a high level of member service by building professional relationships with members regarding their needs, concerns, and questions about the YMCA, its programs, and its mission.
• Understand and support the YMCA’s mission, code of conduct, and values.
• Attend the YMCA customer service training and any additional training required for the position.
• Adhere to the YMCA of Greater New York’s Aquatics and Health & Wellness Safety Standards & Guidelines.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must attend the YMCA Aquatics orientation.
• Two (2) to ten (10) hours of internship or practice teaching recommended.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications required.
• Water Fitness Instructor certification or equivalent required.
• YMCA Group Exercise Instructor certification or equivalent required.
• Y Aquatics Safety Assistant certification required within 90 days of hire, or must have a current lifeguard certification.
• Knowledge of YMCA Aquatics Fitness or Aquatics Arthritis programs.
• Aqua Zumba instructors must hold the specific Aqua Zumba certification.
• Knowledge of YMCA Principles of Member Health & Wellness.
• Strong communication skills.

Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits , medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part‑time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities