Workstrong Trainer (On-site)

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

Job summary

University of California, Merced is hiring a part-time Recreation/Health & Fitness Trainer to deliver non-credited fitness instruction for the campus community. The role will involve creating and leading exercise programs, adjusting methods for safety and progression, and guiding participants toward wellness goals.

Training may be on-site or via live content. Responsibilities include program design, equipment safety, and maintaining professional certifications, with a 3-year contract and on-site

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced or specialized activity instruction to program participants, individually or in groups. Sessions may be on campus facilities, other locations, or via live-streamed content.
• Program and periodize training across strength, cardio, flexibility, balance, speed, plyometrics and core.
• Maintain a welcoming, safe environment and motivate clients; answer questions and support wellness goals.
• Ensure safe spaces, proper equipment storage, and correct use of equipment.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Basic computer skills

Campus policies knowledge

Personal training programs

Program activities knowledge

Health coaching experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

One year experience with students

NASM/ACSM/NSCA/ACE CPT certifications

Red Cross CPR with AED

First Aid Certification (Preferred)

FRC Certification (Preferred)

Tools

NASM-CPT

ACSM-CPT

NSCA-CPT

ACE-CPT

CPR AED

First Aid Certification

Job description

Job ID: 88410

Location: Merced

Full/Part Time: Part Time

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.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

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.

Policy Statement

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/