Water Group Exercise Instructor | Walnut Creek Family YMCA

YMCA of Greater Des Moines

Salary: $21k - $27k
Location: West Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Job type: Part-time

Required skills

customer service
relationship building

About the role

Description

JOIN US, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause – it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference – every day.

EVERY position positively impacts others at the Y!

POSITION OVERVIEW:
This position is responsible for the preparation, planning and instruction of assigned group exercise classes, facilitating member involvement and relationship building, assisting in the development of member small group communities, and providing excellent customer service. Group Exercise Instructors are responsible for exemplifying professionalism and leadership in the areas of fitness and exercise and serving as a resource for staff and members.

JOB LOCATION: Walnut Creek Family YMCA
CLASS FORMATS: Aqua Fit, Aqua Shallow
SHIFTS / CLASS AVAILABLE: Monday at 8am; Potential new classes and subbing opportunities available.
HOURLY RATE RANGE: $10.50-$13.00/hour based on qualifications and experience.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: May 13, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Design, plan, prepare, and instruct assigned group exercise classes.
Create a welcoming and inclusive class environment.
Promote member engagement by encouraging involvement in related Y programs and small communities.
Assume a leadership role for members, demonstrating professionalism and group exercise expertise.
Encourage and support members as they strive to attain their personal fitness and wellness goals.
Assist, as required, with training and orientation of new Y staff.
Set up equipment or facility before class.
Store or secure equipment upon completion of class.
Maintain records as directed by supervisor or designated staff person.
Ensure safety is a priority in instructional methods used and educate participants on proper form, anatomy, contraindications, and modification of moves.
Know all emergency procedures and be able to demonstrate them.
Complete accident/incident reports and submits to supervisor or designated staff person.
Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or designated staff person.
Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Association as embodied in the mission statement and values.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical functions
Previous experience work experience, preferable in leading or instructing others.
Must have current approved Water Exercise Instructor Certificate or must undergo a minimum of 10 hours of staff training which includes:
- Instructor Shadowing
- Skill development
- Creating a workout plan
- Team teaching
- Individual teaching
- Demonstration of skill competencies
Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certifications or equivalent - Prior to hire
Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired, and maintained annually
Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

Regularly required to stand, walk, run; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
Regularly required to demonstrate and perform various exercise movements; move body and perform exercise movements to the beat of music;
Regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate.
Occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Summary

Help positively impact children and families in our community and SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPACT YOUR OWN LIFE - experience, knowledge, satisfaction and joy are just some of the ways you'll grown, learn and thrive.

Apply and begin your life changing Y journey TODAY!

About YMCA of Greater Des Moines

Provides community-based health, wellness, and youth development programs.

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