Aquatic Fitness Instructor

Under the direction of the Aquatic Director, the Aquatics Fitness Instructor is responsible to teach dynamic and beneficial exercise classes in the water while maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Provide excellent customer service, leadership and guidance to all members in classes. Effectively builds community within the class. Create a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts energizing, fun, safe, and educational exercise classes in the water using effective cueing techniques; while maintaining constant surveillance of all program participants emphasizing the importance of pool safety.
• Modifies classes and routines according to the fitness level of class participants and evaluates progress.
• Celebrates achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering of specific skills or overall health and well-being.
• Music selection must be appropriate and in line with the YMCA’s position as both a community and family-based organization
• Must be able to see all students at all times during lesson, never turns back on class. 
• Must be skilled in observing the behavior of swimmers in the water and be ready at all times to stop dangerous behavior.
• Keeps accurate attendance and all other class records current and organized.
• Be up to date on current Health and Wellness/Aquatics programs and trends.
• Shows leadership and enthusiasm for fitness and for teaching.
• Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
• Cleans area after every exercise lesson class, and contact supervisor with any equipment issues
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations.
• Attends all staff meetings and training as required.
• Must be 5-10 minutes early to every class and record time worked correctly with limited mistakes.
• Must find coverage if unable to attend a shift. Contact must be made ahead of time if a scheduled shift cannot be worked.
• Flexibility may be asked to substitute for other employee’s shift or work beyond assigned shift in an effort to ensure safety and proper coverage
• Exhibits personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association
• Perform such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the Supervisor
• Take all online YMCA mandatory safety courses
• Support the Annual Community Support Campaign
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum one (1) year experience in related field
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid certifications
• Current Fitness Certification from a nationally recognized organization (example- YMCA, AFAP, AEA)
• Certifications in Water Art, Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program preferred
• Strong vocal ability to project instruction clearly during lessons
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Certifications subject to annual audit 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be willing and able to teach in the water for each class. Must be able to enter and exit pool without assistance.
• Must be able to remain alert.
• Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs.
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations. 

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: 

Current active employees of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.