Job Description

Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We’re looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction.

We are seeking an energetic, encouraging, and experienced Water Aerobics Fitness Instructor to lead engaging aquatic fitness classes for participants of all ages and ability levels. The ideal candidate will inspire and motivate individuals to improve their health, strength, mobility, and overall wellness through safe, effective, and fun water-based exercise. This role plays an important part in fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive pool environment. Join our team and help advance our mission that “Everyone deserves to be Healthy and Happy.”

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Fitness Instructor – Water Aerobics Fitness Instructor

Location: Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO)

Schedule: Part-Time; Year-Round

Work Environment: The work schedule varies and may include weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Consistent attendance for short shifts is required. This role requires ongoing mental focus and visual attention to ensure participant safety and class effectiveness. Physical demands include standing and moving in the pool, walking on wet surfaces, bending, lifting, pulling, and kneeling. The position is performed in an active, performance-based aquatic setting and can be physically demanding. Continuous use of the voice is required to lead and cue classes in a pool environment. Job-related stress may include managing group dynamics, addressing uncooperative participants, handling difficult interactions, and responding to periods of sustained activity and demand.

Supervision Required: Works under the direct supervision of the Facility Coordinator

Supervision Exercised: None

Salary: $25.00-$35.00/hour; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Statement of Duties: Develop and lead safe, engaging, and inclusive water aerobics classes that promote strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. Support participants in achieving their personal fitness goals through proper aquatic exercise techniques, clear instruction, and motivational coaching. Foster a positive, encouraging, and accessible pool environment that makes fitness enjoyable for participants of all ages and ability levels.

Examples of Duties:

• Plan and lead water aerobics classes that promote strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, and overall wellness.
• Provide clear verbal instruction and visual demonstration of aquatic exercises, proper form, pacing, and technique to ensure participant safety and engagement.
• Offer modifications and progressions to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels, abilities, and personal goals.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and motivating pool environment that encourages participation and confidence.
• Build positive relationships with participants and respond to questions, feedback, and individual needs professionally.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and facility staff regarding class schedules, pool usage, equipment needs, and participant feedback.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and complete any required program documentation.
• Set up, break down, clean, and properly store aquatic fitness equipment before and after classes.
• Monitor pool deck and class areas for safety, cleanliness, and equipment condition during sessions.
• Support the inclusion of participants with diverse abilities, needs, and backgrounds.
• Respond appropriately to accidents, incidents, or emergencies in accordance with established safety and reporting procedures.
• Act as a mandatory reporter and comply with all applicable reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Requirements

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of:

• Aquatic fitness principles and techniques, including proper form, pacing, cardiovascular endurance, resistance training, and injury prevention in a water-based environment.
• Body mechanics, water-specific warm-up and cool-down routines, and safe exercise practices for shallow and/or deep-water classes.
• Methods for adapting aquatic fitness instruction to accommodate varying ages, abilities, mobility levels, and health considerations.
• Current best practices in water aerobics and group fitness instruction, motivational coaching, and inclusive wellness programming

Skills and abilities:

• Proficient in utilizing a variety of aquatic fitness techniques, exercises, and class formats to meet the needs of diverse participants.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in a pool environment.
• Demonstrates strong planning, organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Maintains a positive, motivating, and encouraging demeanor while leading water-based fitness classes.
• Physically capable of performing the duties required to lead aquatic fitness sessions, including sustained movement and vocal instruction.
• Works cooperatively with staff and fosters positive, respectful, and constructive relationships with participants and colleagues.
• Demonstrates competency in fitness instruction and effectively prepares and presents classes to a variety of audiences.
• Comfortable managing group dynamics, conflicts, and participant concerns while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
• Able to respond appropriately to emergency situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and staff.

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• Minimum 18 years of age or older; AND
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent

Certifications:

• Certification in group fitness instruction, personal training, or a related exercise/fitness program (preferred)
• May require possession of or ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire.

FORWARD TOGETHER

You are welcome at Mountain Rec for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what keeps you active. Recreation is for everyone—and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our organization, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward-thinking! So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It is in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way we PLAY.

Colorado Residents: We are committed to fair hiring practices. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. This position will require the applicant to verify the meeting of a minimum age requirement of 18 years old as such requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification pertaining to public safety and required by law.