Fitness Intern

Aztec Recreation, through its affiliation with the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences offers upper division ENS internship opportunities for credit in the following courses: ENS 440 OR ENS 499. The internship allows students to gain practical experience in a recreation setting working with the fitness and wellness departments at Aztec Recreation. The internship program is offered during fall, spring, and in some instances, summer semesters.

Under the supervision of the Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, and the Fitness and Wellness Program Assistant, the Fitness Intern is responsible for assisting in various projects and events within fitness and wellness in Aztec Recreation. The emphasis will be to assist in and promote active, healthy living by conducting fitness orientations, and promoting activities at events. Internship will occur at the Aztec Recreation Center. This individual helps to ensure the diverse fitness and wellness needs of the San Diego State University students and Aztec Recreation members are met while emphasizing a safe, positive, and educational environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

Knows and represents the Aztec Recreation mission, vision and values
Knows and implements the Aztec Recreation policies and membership handbook
Demonstrates knowledge of processes, policies and procedures of the fitness, wellness and instructional classes
Demonstrates knowledge of the various departments and facilities of Aztec recreation
Understands the area and layout of the ARC and other Aztec Recreation facilities
Conducts safe and effective fitness orientations for new members
Explains and demonstrates basic skills in physical fitness and health education
Completes informational interviews of full-time Aztec Recreation employees about job responsibilities and career paths
Completes marketing and promotional projects, including member survey data collection
Assists with Group Fitness class evaluation and program design
Learns about personal training and group fitness shadowing, in addition to other recreation positions
Assists with exercise testing, screening, and programming
Learns about equipment maintenance and budgeting
Researches personal training/group fitness certifications and certification processes
Researches major fitness organizations and influential individuals in the industry as well as trends in the industry
Learns about basic nutrition
Required to complete agreed upon hours of internship work for course requirements
Required to complete AR education modules
Works with Aztec Recreation to advertise classes (e.g. tabling, flyers, demos, etc.)
Attends and participates in weekly meetings as scheduled
Completes assignments for ENS 440 or other internship class
Assists with class entry and special events
Utilizes Email and Calendar
Records accurate class participation counts for group fitness class
Completes tasks as assigned/required
Other duties assigned by supervisors

Customer Service and Collaboration

Provides a welcoming atmosphere that creates positive student experiences
Greets all customers in a timely manner
Assists all customers with questions and/or comments
Answers the phone politely and courteously
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:

Currently enrolled Kinesiology student within 3 semesters of graduation that qualifies to enroll in ENS 499 or 440
Fitness Specialist emphasis or desire to build a career as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, or other role in the fitness industry

Experience:

Knowledge of group fitness & personal training practices and principles preferred
Strong oral and written communication skills required
Must possess excellent customer service skills
Possess a friendly outgoing personality
Experience within a campus recreation setting desired

License & Certification:

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

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 accurate and pay attention to detail
Strong organizational skills required
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 25 or more people
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
Ability to prioritize workload
Ability to manage information flow (including internal, external and customer communication and filing/documentation)
Ability to develop positive working relationships

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time volunteer position. Interns must be able to commit to 2-3 credits (90 or 135 hours) of internship hours during the semester, as required by the ENS Department.

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. Work is generally performed within an office environment with standard office equipment available and in a recreation environment with standard gym and audio equipment. Possible exposure to distracting/uncomfortable noise levels may require hearing protection to be worn when performing duties.

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.