Personal Fitness Trainer

JOB POSTING

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .

The IRD for this job is: 04-20-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.


DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Athletics & Recreation Department's mission at UC Santa Cruz is to provide a wide variety of professional programs and physical activities that promote and enhance community, academic success, leadership, lifelong wellness, and experiential learning. Our goal is to enrich the educational courses. experience by encouraging comprehensive health & wellness through physical activity, building community, and cultivating leadership. The programs provided by Athletics & Recreation are designed to serve UC Santa Cruz Banana Slug students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and local community members.

More information can be found at:


JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Recreation for Fitness & Wellness, the Personal Fitness Trainer works with individuals and small groups to achieve their personal fitness goals by providing fitness evaluations, designing personalized fitness training programs, and providing in-person and/or virtual exercise instruction and supervision. The Personal Fitness Trainer assists in program administration, manages training-related facilities and equipment, provides excellent customer service, and participates in program marketing.

The Personal Fitness Trainer assists in the instruction of non-credited recreational or sports activities to participants of all ages. The incumbent develops knowledge, skills and experience in recreational sports activities.


APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: By Agreement, $31.50-$50.00 per training session. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is not eligible for benefits

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: By Agreement, 5 - 10 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, Variable
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, and Weekends, as necessary

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 06-30-2027, with the possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004133 (RECR PRG LEADER 2 BYA)

Travel: Never or Rarely


JOB DUTIES

70% - Fitness Instruction

• Design individualized exercise programs for a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Provide in-person and virtual teaching, demonstration, and promotion of safe and effective exercise techniques, equipment use, and facility etiquette.
• Arrive on-site at the training location, in time to complete the full set-up and preparation of the facility and equipment prior to the session's scheduled start-time.
• Begin and end training sessions punctually (i.e. at their scheduled start and end times).
• Maintain a positive, encouraging, inclusive, and non-intimidating workout atmosphere.
• Provide safe, appropriate, and effective exercise modifications when needed.
• Update and modify workout designs as needed and when appropriate.
• Limit training prescription and advice to the scope of practice of professional certifications.

15% - Program Administration

• Assist in administration of client consultation, intake, and tracking procedures, including oversight of health history screening, liability waiver signatures, verification of payment, and reporting of session usage.
• Document training activities and prescribed exercises for each client.
• Ensure clients have signed all required waivers prior to the beginning of training sessions.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings, including annual all-staff training in mid-September, quarterly one-on-one check-in meetings with supervisor, and annual one-on-one performance-review in July.
• Complete and submit quarterly self-evaluations.
• Read and respond to all communications from supervisor in a timely manner.
• Promote and enforce program and facility policies (i.e. cancellation timelines, clothing/footwear requirements, facility access requirements, membership requirements, etc.).

5% - Facility & Equipment Management

• Report any unsafe facility and/or equipment conditions or repair needs immediately.
• Return facilities and equipment to clean, organized, and secure condition after each session.
• Learn and consistently exercise proper use of facilities and equipment.
• Assist in the promotion and enforcement of facility policies.

5% - Customer Service

• Greet customers warmly, enthusiastically, and by name (smiling, eye contact, etc.).
• Communicate client issues, concerns, and feedback to supervisor immediately.
• Be able to accurately answer questions regarding program fees, sales procedures, facility locations/layouts, program and facility policies, and program information sources.

5% - Marketing

• Provide pre- and/or post-session notifications or reminders regarding program information (i.e. new policies, schedule changes, upcoming promotions, etc.).
• Participate in promotional programs and events, including annual CORNUCOPIA event in late-September.
• Regularly update biographical information on website as needed.
• Participate in the production of promotional materials as needed (i.e. photo shoots, videos, etc.).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent certification and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Prior experience regularly (i.e. 1 or more times per week) training or directly assisting in the training of college-age personal fitness clients.
• Ability to design and prescribe safe, effective, and appropriate exercise programs based on client's current health conditions & limitations, fitness levels, and personal goals.
• Ability to effectively instruct clients on proper exercise techniques, use of fitness equipment, and fitness concepts (i.e. attaining suggested exercise heart rate).
• Ability to effectively relate to and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse population of potential customers in regards to age, ethnicity, sexual-orientation, physical ability, and exercise experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously with a diverse population of potential customers.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Active listening skills.
• Client service minded with the ability to adapt to the needs of clients.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree in a related field (Kinesiology, Physical Education, or comparable).
• Significant experience regularly (i.e. 1 or more times per week) training personal fitness clients from a wide diversity of backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively use computer-based communication, scheduling, and productivity services such as Gmail, Google Calendars, Google Drive, Acuity Scheduling, and Zoom.
• Ability to speak Spanish fluently.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a current Personal Trainer certification from an NCCA-accredited provider (example: ACE, ACSM, NAFTA, NASM, NATA, NSCA, or comparable) OR a college degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Physical Education, or similar.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Clery Act: This position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA); required to report crimes, incidents, and disciplinary referral statistics as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)).
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Will be required to wear a University provided uniform.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.


NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: .

This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.


EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy .

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.