Aqua Fitness Instructor in Mercer Island, Washington at SAMUEL AND ALTHEA STROUM JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER O

Help others improve their health, strength, and confidence through the benefits of water exercise at the Stroum Jewish Community Center.

We are seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable Aqua Fitness Instructors who are passionate about creating welcoming, engaging, and inclusive fitness experiences for adults of all ages and abilities.

As an Aqua Fitness Instructor, you will lead safe and effective aquatic fitness classes that help participants improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and overall wellness. You will create an encouraging environment where participants feel supported, motivated, and confident in their fitness journey.

We are especially interested in instructors who are available for weekday morning classes, with additional opportunities available based on program needs.

As an Aqua Fitness Instructor, you will:

• Teach safe, engaging, and effective aqua fitness classes for participants with varying fitness levels and abilities.
• Lead scheduled classes beginning and ending on time with appropriate warm-up, class progression, and cool-down.
• Demonstrate proper water exercise techniques while providing clear instruction, encouragement, and motivation.
• Provide modifications and progressions to safely accommodate participants with different fitness levels, mobility, and physical abilities.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive class environment where participants feel confident, supported, and motivated.
• Prepare and organize aquatic equipment including noodles, dumbbells, kickboards, and resistance equipment.
• Ensure participant safety by following aquatic exercise guidelines, pool safety procedures, and SJCC policies.
• Monitor participants throughout class and respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Build positive relationships with members to encourage ongoing participation and community engagement.
• Substitute for other instructors as needed.
• Follow all SJCC emergency procedures.
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will have:

• Experience teaching aqua fitness or other group fitness formats.
• Ability to lead safe, engaging, and inclusive water fitness classes.
• Knowledge of aquatic exercise principles, water safety, and exercise modifications.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and motivational skills.
• Ability to adapt exercises for participants with varying abilities, injuries, and physical considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse populations.
• Ability to coach, inspire, and empower participants.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with members and coworkers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong judgment and professionalism.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Current nationally recognized Group Fitness certification (ACE, AFAA, ACSM, NASM, or equivalent).
• Aqua Fitness certification from organizations such as AEA (Aquatic Exercise Association), ACE, AFAA, or another nationally recognized aquatic fitness organization preferred.
• Current Adult & Child CPR/AED certification.
• Lifeguard certification preferred but not required.
• Ability to safely instruct classes in both shallow and deep water.

• Washington State Pay Range: $45.00–$62.50 per class depending on experience.
• Full Family SJCC Membership, including fitness center, pool, and basketball court (employees working 20+ hours/week).
• Discounts on SJCC programs for employees and their families.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after two years.
• Washington Paid Sick Leave for eligible part-time, on-call, and seasonal employees.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, certifications, teaching expertise, and assigned class formats.+

The Stroum Jewish Community Center is committed to being the Puget Sound’s most open and welcoming community-centered Jewish organization. We believe our strength comes from creating an environment where all people feel valued, included, and supported. SJCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.