This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the Chicago Park District and the Service Employees International Union Local 73. Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, the District will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants. The District is assembling a list of qualified candidates for this position that will be considered should the position not be filled with internal eligible applicants.
Title: Physical Instructor
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, plans, promotes, organizes, conducts and instructs all physical activities. Conducts classes, teaches games, controls recreational equipment and recruits volunteers. Performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in physical education, Recreation and Leisure, Social Services, Education, Special Education, Child Development or comparable major and two (2) years of Park and Recreation experience or related field. Alternatively, 20 hours from an accredited college in Recreation, Leisure Studies or Physical Education and at least four (4) years of work experience in Park and Recreation or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of athletic, leisure and recreational theories and principles. Skill in teaching recreational, leisure and athletic activities. Effective oral and written communication skills. Organizational skills. Ability to evaluate skill levels and teach recreational, leisure and athletic activities accordingly.
BENEFITS
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Rate of Pay: $68,968.93/annually
SEIU Local 73 Career Service EEO: Para-professional FLSA: Non-Exempt

The Chicago Park District owns more than 8,700 acres of green space, making it the largest municipal park manager in the nation. The Chicago Park District’s 597 parks offer thousands of sports and physical activities as well as cultural and environmental programs for youth, adults, and seniors. The Chicago Park District is also responsible for 26 indoor pools, 51 outdoor pools, and 26 miles of lakefront including 23 swimming beaches plus one inland beach. From canoeing to batting cages to arts and crafts, there is never a shortage of activities to participate in Chicago’s parks.
The Chicago Park District oversees the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories, two tropical paradises within the city that house thousands of rare and exotic plants. Popular attractions that fall under the management of the Chicago Park District include the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain. Proudly referred to as Chicago's front yard, Grant Park is among the city's loveliest and most prominent parks. Ten world-class museums are located on Chicago Park District property.
On October 14, 2014 the Chicago Park District received the 2014 National Gold Medal Award
for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This award is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
The Chicago Park District's mission is:
- To enhance the quality of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities
- To provide safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities
- To create a customer-focused and responsive park system