Workstrong Trainer (On-site)

University of California, Merced; California (MO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California, Merced is seeking a part-time fitness trainer to deliver non-credited recreational programming for the campus community. The role involves creating and leading exercise sessions, ensuring safe instruction, and adapting plans for different fitness levels and settings.

Trainers must hold CPR with AED and first aid certifications, and maintain ongoing professional development. The on-site position is 25% FTE with a three-year contract and a pay rate of $50 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.
• One year of experience working with students; current certifications NASM-CPT, ACSM-CPT, NSCA-CPT, or ACE-CPT.

Responsibilities

• Provides advanced or specialized activity instruction to program participants, individually or in groups.
• Trainers provide sessions at recreation facilities or virtually; program a variety of training types.
• Maintains a welcoming, safe environment and motivates participants.
• Ensures equipment usage safety and proper storage; adheres to guidelines.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Health coaching experience

Knowledge of campus policies

Personal training program development

Work in busy environment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $50/hr.

Job Closing Date

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around September 8, 2026.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

Please note: This is a part-time (25% FTE), 3-year contract position.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

About The Job

Provides instruction in non-credited recreational programs for the campus community. Applies full knowledge and experience in recreational sports activities to create and adjust program methods and processes to provide safe instruction to participants. Trainers are responsible for developing and leading exercise programming ranging in a variety of levels. This includes developing and organizing exercise programs and progression, cueing, participant set up, safety, and execution. Trainers model and ensure adherence to Rec Sports Community Agreements and activity guidelines. Trainers serve as a resource to educate members on various aspects of fitness and wellness. Training may take place in-person on campus or virtually through live streamed and on-demand content.

Provides instruction in non-credited health and fitness activities that require specialized or advanced training to participants of all ages. Requires independent action, initiative and independence to resolve issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides advanced or specialized activity instruction to program participants, individually or in groups. Trainers provide sessions at the recreations facilities, other campus locations, or virtually through live-streamed and on-demand content. Trainers are expected to appropriately program/periodize the following types of training: strength, cardiovascular, flexibility, balance, speed/agility/quickness, plyometrics and core training. Trainers will work with students, faculty/staff and community members and will need to program the correct modifications for their clients and appropriate progressions and regressions of exercises. Trainers must be able to work in a busy environment and adapt workout routines from available equipment and resources.
• Maintains a welcoming and supportive environment for program participants and facilitates participation. Trainers conduct energizing, fun, safe sessions for all fitness levels and encourage and motivate their clients. Answers questions from participants to support them in achieving their healthy living and wellness goals. Builds effective, authentic relationships with members, facilitates others to connect with one another.
• Interacts with recreational program participants in a positive and professional manner. Responsible for ensuring that fitness spaces provide a safe environment including the condition and proper storage of all equipment used during training sessions. Instruct clients on correct equipment usage and body mechanics.
• Maintains required professionals certifications including CRR/AED. Keeps current on teaching methods, techniques and skills through continuing education. Participates in required professional development activities.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution. (preferred)
• One year of experience working with students. Current certification with one of the following organizations: NASM-CPT, ACSMCPT,
• NSCA-CPT, or ACE-CPT.
• Red Cross CPR with AED.
• Standard First Aid Training Certification. (Preferred)
• FRC (Functional Range Conditioning) (Preferred)

Critical Knowledge And Skills

• Must have highly effective verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer knowledge
• Knowledge of campus policies and procedures
• Previous experience developing personal training programs for individuals
• Working knowledge of program activity practices and required procedures
• Health coaching experience

Background Check

Background check required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke And Tobacco Free Policy

The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify

All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/