Water Group Exercise Instructor

Water Group Exercise Instructor

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Aquatics, the Water Group Exercise Instructor leads safe, engaging, and effective aquatic fitness classes for YMCA members and program participants. This role promotes healthy living through water-based exercise while creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive class environment. Instructors provide clear instruction, ensure participant safety, and support the YMCA's mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner to collaborate with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.

Essential Functions

• Instruct safe and effective water fitness classes that meet the needs of all participants, modifying routines as necessary according to participants' fitness levels
• Be prepared to teach in the water and on deck
• Incorporate different types of equipment and creative choreography into class
• Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology and their relationship to water fitness instruction
• Understand the physics of water resistance and its effects on participant movement
• Maintain all required certifications
• Stay up to date on current Health & Wellness/Aquatics programs and trends
• Notify supervisor and arrange appropriate coverage for classes due to illness or emergency
• Arrive on time and in proper uniform (swimsuit, ID, etc.) for all scheduled classes
• Maintain attendance records for classes
• Attend required training opportunities for the position
• Actively participate in training sessions and designated meetings

Risk & Compliance Responsibilities

• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures
• Respond promptly and confidentially to concerns or policy violations and follow required reporting protocols
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, best practices, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures, and support the association's philanthropy efforts
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants

Leadership Competencies

• Emotional Maturity
• Communication
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage positively with participants and staff
• Must have CPR/AED and First Aid certification or obtain within 90 days of employment
• Must exhibit professionalism, reliability, and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• YMCA Group Exercise Instructor certification or equivalent
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Knowledge of YMCA Principles of Health & Fitness, Working with Older Adults, Older Adult Water Fitness Instructor, Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program Instructor certifications are a plus

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to remain in and around the pool for extended periods of time
• Ability to perform rescues and assist participants in distress
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical movements required in aquatic instruction
• Visual and auditory ability to respond quickly to safety situations

Company Benefits

• YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our YMCA facilities at no cost.
• 25% Discount on various YMCA Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn rewards for referring to qualified candidates.
• Employee Discounts: Access exclusive discounts on various products and services.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligibility after 90 days of employment.

Hourly Pay Rate: $26.00-$29.00

Work Schedule: Evenings: 4:00 PM 8:15 PM