Instructor for Group Exercise

University of Maine – Campus Recreation
Student Job Description

University Job Classification: Student Athletic/Recreation Assistant VI
Date Modified: 6/22/2022
Informal Title: Instructor for Group Exercise
Supervisor (Submit Application To): Joshua Bridges, Assistant Director for Fitness

Purpose

Responsibilities include providing safe, appropriate group exercise class instruction for participants of all ages and fitness levels, including students, faculty, staff, and community members.  Group Exercise Instructors are expected to adhere to teaching methods and modalities accepted as safe and appropriate by Campus Recreation and industry professionals/ governing bodies that Campus Recreation promotes.  We expect our instructors to teach and model appropriate forms for exercise, and to conduct classes in a professional manner.  They are responsible for facilitating a fun, safe and welcoming environment for participants and staff members at all times.  Before employment begins they are required to achieve certifications in Professional Rescuer CPR, Standard First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator.  Other required trainings include Online Basic Safety Training and Information Security Awareness Training.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Safely lead group exercise classes including warm up, stretching, strength, cardio, and cool down.
  • Welcome participants to class, learn participants’ names, collect passes, conduct participant counts, and other administrative tasks related to the program.
  • Ensure the safety of class participants through performing heart rate assessments, demonstrating safe and correct form for exercises, modifying exercise intensity levels, and appropriately warming up / cooling down.
  • Perform setup / takedown for classes.
  • Model, promote, and consistently enforce policies for Campus Recreation.
  • Provide positive public relations, program promotion, and policy education to participants pertaining to Campus Recreation.
  • Maintain appropriate level of fitness for class being taught.
  • Maintain all certifications.
  • Maintain written and oral communications with other fitness staff, supervisors, and administrative staff.
  • Provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for staff and participants.
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

As an Instructor for Group Exercise, you are expected to be friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming to everyone in your classes.  You are expected to teach within the class description given, in an environment that is safe and appropriate for all attendees.  We expect instructors to maintain an appropriate level of fitness for the class being taught.  We expect all employees to have a positive attitude, to show up for work on time, dress professionally, and perform all assigned duties in a professional manner. In addition, we expect all employees to treat everyone with respect.

Job Requirements

  • Dependability, responsibility, and punctuality
  • Professional attire and behavior (Fitness staff shirt, athletic bottoms, closed toe shoes)
  • Knowledge of, and interest in, recreation and fitness activities
  • Enthusiasm, desire to learn, and desire to work as part of a team
  • Ability to operate independently within departmental standards of conduct and professional expectations
  • Awareness of and appreciation for individual uniqueness and diversity
  • Ability to obtain certifications in Professional Rescuer CPR, Standard First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator
  • Commitment to student development and leadership
  • Ability to work during academic year
  • Ability to work during school breaks and holidays (preferred)
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent decision making ability
  • Demonstrated knowledge of safe and appropriate operation of standard fitness equipment
  • Demonstrated knowledge of proper exercise form and human anatomy
  • Reasonable level of fitness

Risk Management Requirements

  • Respond to injuries and assist in immediate first aid and proper emergency procedures.
  • Assist Rec Center Manager with emergency action procedures
  • With proper training, awareness of risk management and safety concerns

Required Certification(s)

  • First Aid/CPR/AED

Priority May be given to individuals with the following certification(s):

  • Fitness Class(es) Any
  • AFAA, ACSM, ACE or other group exercise instruction certifications

APPLICATION PROCESS:

All applicants must submit these 3 items to Joshua Bridges in order to be considered:

If you need help with any of these, contact the Career Center.

HIRING PROCESS:

Attend a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor Development Course

Duration: One week training for two hours a night (M-F)*

When: Typically takes place in November/December for students to be hired and start working Spring Semester or in April to be hired for Summer or Fall Semester.

FALL 2018:  November 26-30; 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Campus Recreation

Instructor: Assistant Director for Fitness

How to sign up: email Assistant Director for Fitness at caitlin.caserta@maine.edu with your resume, cover letter, application, and class schedule

This course is mandatory for students interested in being a personal trainer or group exercise instructor for Campus Rec.

This class is a FREE opportunity for students (undergrad or grad) to learn more about employment in the fitness industry and at Campus Recreation.  No experience is necessary to take part, just a passion for exercise and working with people.   Develop the confidence and skills to lead safe and effective group exercise classes, personal training sessions, and small-group training sessions. Over the course of the week we will participate in group ex classes, shadow actual clients and discuss topics in anatomy and physiology, training principles, class/session design and implementation, effectively using equipment and class formats, and above all, techniques for motivation and leadership.  The class culminates in an opportunity to interview for a position at Campus Rec and to potentially join our fitness student staff.

The course is geared toward both group exercise and personal training but you do not have to be interested in interviewing or working in both areas to find value in the technical information.

*If you are very interested but would have to miss a portion of the class due to academic conflicts, please contact Cait Caserta (caitlin.caserta@maine.edu) and accommodations may be offered.

Health & Community Level 1 badge approved course

 

 

Position Type: – Pay Level VI: $15.30-16.80
* Work Study / Work Merit: Work Study – Optional

Time Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per week.
Minimum Shift: Event Duration
Shift Days/Times: Varies; during building hours.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

The University of Maine Campus Recreation Department is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity, and actively encourages applications from women, persons of color, and individuals from other underrepresented groups.

A Member of the University of Maine System