Aqua Instructor

JOB SUMMARY
The JCC of Staten Island is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic, dependable, and safety-conscious Aqua Instructor to join our aquatics team! The ideal candidate will have a passion for aquatic fitness, exercise, health, wellness, and helping individuals achieve their fitness goals in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.

ABOUT YOU
You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and leading aquatic exercise classes for participants of varying ages, fitness levels, and abilities. We are looking for an individual who can motivate participants, demonstrate proper exercise techniques, provide appropriate modifications, maintain a positive class atmosphere, and ensure that safety remains a top priority at all times.

WHAT YOU’LL DO
1. Aquatic Exercise Instruction
- 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 that workouts are engaging, purposeful, and consistent with established program goals.
2. Participant Safety and Supervision
- 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 beginning activities and when introducing unfamiliar movements or equipment.
- Ensure exercises are appropriate for the pool depth, water conditions, participant abilities, and class format.
- Follow all facility policies, emergency procedures, and applicable aquatic safety requirements.
- Maintain awareness of the pool environment and report hazards, equipment concerns, and unsafe conditions promptly.
- 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.
3. Class Planning and Program Development
- Develop class plans that reflect the needs, goals, and abilities of the 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.
- Introduce new exercises and equipment safely and explain their intended purpose.
- Adapt classes to meet 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.
4. Participant Engagement and Motivation
- 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.
- Recognize that participants have different 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.
5. Fitness Monitoring and Individual Modifications
- Observe participant movement and provide corrections or modifications when appropriate.
- Offer lower- and higher-intensity exercise options within the instructor's qualifications and the 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.
6. Equipment and Facility Preparation
- Arrive before scheduled classes to prepare the pool area, music system, and required exercise equipment.
- Check that equipment is suitable for the 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.
7 . Communication and Customer Service
- 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 the 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.
8. Professional Conduct and Teamwork
- Arrive on time and be prepared to begin classes as scheduled.
- Maintain required certifications and complete assigned training.
- 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 positively through reliability, enthusiasm, accountability, and excellent customer service.
OUR REQUIREMENTS
- Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic exercise or a willingness to complete required training.
- Strong communication, presentation, and group-instruction skills.
- Ability to lead exercise classes confidently and provide clear demonstrations.
- A 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.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- 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.
SALARY
$30 - $35 per hour

BENEFITS

The JCC of Staten Island is committed to keeping you and your family healthy and happy through a comprehensive benefits program. Offerings include: subsidized options for Medical; offerings for Dental and Vision coverage, FSA and Dependent Care. We also offer free LTD, STD, Life Insurance, a Pension, 403B, generous program discounts, free membership, ample time off and much more!

ABOUT US
The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island was founded in 1929 with the goal of creating a home for the Jewish community by offering social, recreational, and educational activities. Over time, that mission expanded to help anyone who walked through the doors of any of our facilities. The JCC has become a true community center—not just for the Jewish community, but for the entirety of Staten Island.

Programs serve the needs we see in our community and are constantly expanding to meet new demand. We serve people of all walks of life, from young children to seniors and everyone in between. The JCC is proud to offer services that help improve the quality of life for people on Staten Island and beyond. We strive to help those in need as well as provide recreational and educational opportunities for our members. The JCC of Staten Island is dedicated to encouraging harmony throughout the community by providing facilities and programs that are open to all regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Everyone is welcome at the JCC.