Recreation Specialist I - Arthritis Aquatics Instructor

Position Summary: The Recreation Specialist – Arthritis Aquatics Instructor plans and leads a warm-water, low-impact aquatic exercise program designed for adults with arthritis, joint pain, muscle stiffness, or similar mobility concerns. The instructor creates a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment while providing clear instruction, demonstrating appropriate exercises, monitoring participants, and ensuring that class equipment and the program area are prepared and maintained. This position is non-represented and is not eligible for City-provided employee benefits. The regular class schedule is typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Work hours and class schedules are subject to change based on program needs. Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plan and lead warm-water, low-impact Arthritis Aquatics classes for groups of approximately 10–30 participants. Provide clear, positive, and effective verbal and nonverbal instruction appropriate for participants with varying levels of fitness, mobility, and aquatic-exercise experience. Demonstrate and appropriately cue aquatic exercises and movements in a manner that participants can safely follow. Monitor participants throughout class and adjust instruction or activities as appropriate to participant needs and conditions. Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive class environment. Prepare, inspect, set up, and properly store class equipment before and after each class. Observe and respond appropriately to participant safety concerns and changing conditions in the aquatic environment. Perform other related duties as assigned. Other Duties and Responsibilities: The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Qualifications: Experience teaching aquatic exercise, group fitness, arthritis exercise, senior fitness, or a related program, preferably with adults with varying levels of physical ability, mobility, or fitness. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain required certifications within six months of hire. Current certification in an aquatic fitness or related specialty area is desirable. Examples may include the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, AEA Aqua Fitness Professional certification, or another nationally recognized aquatic fitness certification. Successful completion of the City's required background investigation. Verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States as required by federal law. Continuing Education: Maintain First Aid and CPR/AED certifications. Maintain any required aquatic fitness or specialty certification. Participate in required quarterly fitness, aquatics, and/or all-staff in-service training. Complete additional aquatics or professional-development training as required or appropriate for the position. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of basic principles and techniques of low-impact aquatic exercise and group fitness instruction. Knowledge of appropriate exercise modifications for adults with varying levels of mobility, fitness, and physical ability. Knowledge of basic aquatic facility safety practices and emergency procedures. Skill in communicating clear, positive, and effective verbal and nonverbal instructions in a noisy aquatic environment. Ability to adapt instruction and communication to individual participant and group needs. Ability to recognize changing conditions or potential safety concerns and respond appropriately. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, coworkers, supervisors, and the public. Ability to organize work, manage time, exercise initiative, and use sound judgment within established guidelines. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, policies, procedures, and emergency protocols. Supervision Received: Supervision is provided by Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Programmer, Recreation Coordinator, or designee. Supervision Exercised: None. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Exposure to swimming pool chemicals, including chlorinated pool water. Exposure to varying temperatures associated with an aquatic facility, as well as wet and potentially slippery or uneven surfaces. Potential exposure to bodily fluids that may be encountered in a public aquatic facility. Potential exposure to cleaning products and other chemicals used in the operation and maintenance of the aquatic facility. Moderate to loud noise levels. Ability to work in and around a swimming pool for the duration of scheduled classes. Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform other movements necessary to demonstrate and lead aquatic exercise activities. Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, move, and demonstrate the use of exercise equipment. Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move equipment weighing up to 20 pounds, if required by the actual duties of the position. Ability to maintain visual awareness of participants and the surrounding environment for safety and supervision purposes. Compensation: Hourly wage range: $22.22–$27.32 The full pay range is posted for transparency purposes. New hire’s compensation is placed between the start and midpoint of the range, based on qualifications, skills and experience. This approach ensures internal equity, as well as room for growth and progression within the pay band over time. The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Mountlake Terrace