Group Fitness Instructor


Group Fitness Instructor Job Description

Under the supervision of the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator and the Fitness, Wellness and Instructional Class Program Assistant, the Group Fitness Instructor is responsible for teaching one or more formats of group fitness classes offered through Aztec Recreation.  The emphasis will be to promote active, healthy living by teaching weekly group fitness classes. This individual helps to ensure the diverse instructional needs of the San Diego State University students and Aztec Recreation members are met while emphasizing a safe, positive, and educational environment.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

  • Instructs participants in safe and effective exercise classes
  • Explains and demonstrates basic skills in physical fitness and health education, including warm up/cool down
  • Provides a welcoming atmosphere that creates positive student experiences
  • Completes administrative tasks such as communication with supervisors, class participation counts, incident reports, and time card submission
  • Required to teach all of the classes agreed upon (for a given semester) on a regular basis
  • Responsible for arranging classes to be covered when unable to teach
  • Supports and assists with enforcing department policies and procedures
  • Works with Aztec Recreation to advertise class (e.g. tabling, flyers, demos, etc.)
  • Ensures all class cancellations are communicated promptly by contacting all participants/professional staff along with posting notifications in the appropriate areas
  • Attends semester meeting, maintains all certifications, and stays up to date with CEC/CEU requirements
  • Abides by the Group Fitness instructor dress code
  • Utilizes Email and Calendar
  • Records accurate class participation counts for group fitness class
  • Submits time card by 4:00pm on the last day of the pay period
  • Completes peer evaluations of fellow instructors each semester
  • Completes tasks as assigned/required

Customer Service and Collaboration

  • Establishes and maintains working relationships with various A.S. and University departments
  • Ensures customer service standards are met; responds to physical, virtual, and verbal inquiries in a timely manner
  • Ensures all class cancellations are communicated promptly by contacting all participants/professional staff along with posting notifications in the appropriate areas
  • Greets all customers in a timely manner
  • Assists all customers with questions and/or comments
  • If unable to assist, refers customer to someone who can
  • Maintains positive and effective working relationships with all customers
  • Informs supervisor of any customer issues

Safety

  • Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
  • Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
  • Reports accidents to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence
  • Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
  • Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately
  • Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety
  • Responds to emergencies according to established department procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree preferred in Physical Education, Recreation, Kinesiology/Exercise Science Health or a related field 

Experience:

  • Knowledge of group fitness practices and principles required
  • Previous participation in and teaching/coaching experience required
  • Ability to instruct multiple group fitness formats preferred
  • Must be able to physically lead and demonstrate the skill and/or activity
  • Strong oral and written communication skills required
  • Must possess excellent customer service skills
  • Must be available to during the class times offered
  • Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
  • Proficient computer skills required
  • Experience within a campus recreation setting desired

License & Certification:

  • Certification from a professional health and/or fitness organization (ACSM, NSCA, NASM, ACHA, etc.) required
  • First Aid and CPR/AED certifications are required

Trainings:

  • Must complete Gender Awareness training within 30 days of hire

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

  • Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for the workday
  • Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily
  • Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure in stressful situations
  • Must work effectively with other employees/departments
  • Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow project through to completion
  • Must be professional and courteous at all times
  • Must be able to work well with different work styles
  • Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative
  • Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks, projects, and assignments within appropriate timelines

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Ability to handle difficult situations involving participants with patience, good judgment, and with diplomacy is expected
  • Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically; must be able to work one on one and with groups with as many as 30 or more people
  • Ability to prioritize workload
  • Ability to manage information flow (including internal, external and customer communication and filing/documentation)
  • Ability to develop positive working relationships
  • Demonstrate thoroughness, completeness, follow through on presentation and appearance of work

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time position, approximately 1 hour per week for each class with a maximum 20 hours per week.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 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. 

While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by dust, etc. When work is generally performed within a recreation environment with standard office equipment available and in recreation environment with standard gym and sports equipment. Possible exposure to distracting/uncomfortable noise levels may require hearing protection to be worn when performing duties. Most work is performed in recreation facility spaces including studios, gymnasiums, fitness areas and fields.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  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.

Physical requirements include but are not limited to:  walking, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, climbing, and working in confined space, lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying loads up to 50 pounds (unassisted) and 75 pounds (with assistance). Work may require standing and moving for extended periods.

RELATIONSHIPS

  • Reports to the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
  • Reports to Fitness and Wellness Program Assistant in absence of Coordinator
  • Further interactions may include full-time staff within Aztec Recreation, including, but not limited to Recreation Director, Associate Director of Programs, Facilities Supervisor, Member Services Supervisor and Coordinator, Building Services and Engineers, Associate Director of Member Services and Facilities, Marketing Coordinator, photographer, and videographer.