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Jewish Community Center Of Staten Island

Nonprofit community center serving Staten Island

Aqua Instructor

Fitness & Sports InstructionUpdated on Nov 13
Full-timeStaten Island, NY, USA$30 - $35 /hrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic exercise or willingness to complete required training.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and group-instruction skills.
  • Ability to lead exercise classes confidently and provide clear demonstrations.
  • Commitment to participant safety and responsible exercise instruction.
  • Ability to motivate and work effectively with individuals of varying fitness levels.
  • Dependability, punctuality, organization, and professionalism.
  • Ability to follow facility policies and emergency procedures.
  • Ability to meet the essential requirements of the position, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
  • Any required minimum age, employment screening, and onboarding requirements.
  • Previous experience teaching water aerobics, aqua fitness, aquatic conditioning, or group exercise.
  • Experience working in a fitness center, aquatic facility, recreation center, wellness program, or similar environment.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, prepare, and lead structured aquatic fitness classes appropriate to participants' fitness levels and program objectives.
  • Conduct water aerobics, aqua fitness, low-impact aquatic exercise, and other approved water-based fitness classes according to qualifications and facility programming.
  • Lead warm-up activities, cardiovascular exercises, strength-conditioning movements, flexibility exercises, and cool-down routines.
  • Demonstrate exercises clearly and provide verbal instructions that participants can easily understand and follow.
  • Incorporate movements that improve endurance, balance, coordination, muscular strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Use appropriate aquatic exercise equipment, including water dumbbells, resistance gloves, pool noodles, kickboards, and other approved fitness aids.
  • Adjust exercise sequences, repetitions, speed, range of motion, and intensity to accommodate varying fitness levels.
  • Maintain a well-organized class structure with clear transitions between exercises.
  • Ensure workouts are engaging, purposeful, and consistent with established program goals.
  • Prioritize participant safety throughout every aquatic fitness session.
  • Monitor participants for signs of fatigue, dizziness, discomfort, distress, or difficulty completing exercises.
  • Provide clear safety instructions before activities and when introducing unfamiliar movements or equipment.
  • Ensure exercises are appropriate for pool depth, water conditions, participant abilities, and class format.
  • Follow facility policies, emergency procedures, and applicable aquatic safety requirements.
  • Maintain awareness of the pool environment and promptly report hazards, equipment concerns, and unsafe conditions.
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies within the scope of training and follow the facility's emergency action plan.
  • Maintain required certifications and participate in assigned safety training.
  • Work cooperatively with lifeguards and other aquatic personnel while recognizing that instructor duties do not replace required lifeguard coverage.
  • Encourage participants to work at a comfortable and appropriate intensity and to stop exercising if they experience concerning symptoms.
  • Develop class plans that reflect the needs, goals, and abilities of intended participants.
  • Prepare exercise routines that offer variety while maintaining consistency in quality and instruction.
  • Incorporate music, rhythmic movement, and motivational techniques when appropriate.
  • Plan progressive workouts that allow participants to develop fitness and confidence over time.
  • Provide alternative exercises for participants who need lower-impact movements or reduced intensity.
  • Safely introduce new exercises and equipment and explain their intended purpose.
  • Adapt classes to attendance levels, available equipment, pool conditions, and program requirements.
  • Evaluate class effectiveness and make adjustments based on participant feedback and observed performance.
  • Support the development of new aquatic fitness programs, special classes, and wellness initiatives as assigned.
  • Create a welcoming, positive, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Encourage participants to remain active and work toward their individual fitness goals.
  • Use clear verbal cues, demonstrations, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
  • Maintain appropriate energy and enthusiasm throughout each class.
  • Account for participants' differing fitness backgrounds, confidence levels, mobility needs, and exercise preferences.
  • Offer appropriate modifications without embarrassing or singling out participants.
  • Promote teamwork, enjoyment, confidence, and consistent participation.
  • Respond professionally to questions, concerns, and feedback.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with all participants.
  • Observe participant movement and provide corrections or modifications when appropriate.
  • Offer lower- and higher-intensity exercise options within the instructor's qualifications and class objectives.
  • Encourage proper posture, controlled movements, appropriate breathing, and safe exercise technique.
  • Recognize when participants may need to rest or discontinue an activity.
  • Avoid pressuring participants to exceed their abilities or ignore pain or discomfort.
  • Refer medical, rehabilitation, or individualized treatment questions to appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
  • Provide general fitness guidance within the scope of the instructor's training and certifications.
  • Support participants in working toward realistic and sustainable fitness goals.
  • Arrive before scheduled classes to prepare the pool area, music system, and required exercise equipment.
  • Check that equipment is suitable for planned activities and appears safe to use.
  • Organize equipment so it is readily accessible during instruction.
  • Explain the correct use of aquatic exercise equipment.
  • Ensure equipment is used according to facility procedures and manufacturer guidance.
  • Return equipment to its designated storage area after class.
  • Report damaged equipment, maintenance issues, and unsafe conditions to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Welcome participants and provide a friendly, professional introduction to classes.
  • Explain class formats, equipment requirements, and general participation guidelines.
  • Communicate clearly with participants about exercise options and class expectations.
  • Respond courteously to questions and direct administrative or medical concerns to appropriate personnel.
  • Communicate scheduling changes, class cancellations, or program updates according to facility procedures.
  • Build positive working relationships with participants, coworkers, management, and facility members.
  • Protect confidential participant information and respect individual privacy.
  • Arrive on time and be prepared to begin classes as scheduled.
  • Attend staff meetings, program reviews, and safety briefings as requested.
  • Work collaboratively with aquatics staff, fitness personnel, lifeguards, and facility management.
  • Follow organizational policies, dress codes, and workplace standards.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude.
  • Report absences and scheduling conflicts according to established procedures.
  • Accept feedback and pursue opportunities for professional development.
  • Represent the facility through reliability, enthusiasm, accountability, and customer service.

Desired Qualifications

  • Current recognized aquatic fitness instructor certification.
  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.
  • Knowledge of aquatic exercise programming, water resistance, buoyancy, and low-impact training.
  • Experience adapting workouts for older adults, beginners, and participants with different fitness abilities.

About the Company

Jewish Community Center Of Staten Island

Nonprofit community center serving Staten Island

The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island is a nonprofit community organization serving residents from early childhood through older adulthood. Its programs combine preschool education, camps, fitness and aquatics with arts, Jewish cultural activities and support for people with disabilities. Social services connect individuals and families with benefits, food assistance, health insurance enrollment and career preparation, including services available without membership. Members can also use recreation facilities and receive discounts on selected programs, while free early education and adult learning programs broaden access. Founded in 1929, the center is headquartered in Staten Island, New York.

Company size
201-500
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
Staten Island, NY
Founded
1929

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