Aquatics Fitness Instructor

Overview

As an Aquatics Fitness Instructor with the Aquatics Department at the Barber National Institute, you will lead inclusive, safe, and engaging water-based fitness classes designed for individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and physical abilities. Classes may range from gentle, therapeutic movements to high-intensity aquatic workouts in both shallow and deep water.

In this role, you will create a welcoming and motivational environment that promotes wellness, mobility, and enjoyment for all participants—including seniors, adults in rehabilitation, and general fitness enthusiasts. You will also collaborate closely with the Aquatics Director and wellness teams to deliver adaptive, high-quality programming tailored to participant needs and community health goals.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys leading energetic and inspiring fitness classes, values accessibility and inclusion in wellness, and wants to make a meaningful impact through innovative, water-based fitness programs.

We are seeking experience or interest in delivering the following aquatic fitness classes:

• Arthritis
• Ai Chi
• Yoga (including paddleboard yoga)
• Pilates
• Stretch classes
• Dance
• Zumba
• Barre
• Step
• HIIT
• Bootcamp (Bodyweight)
• Strength Training
• Circuit Training
• Cycling

What You’ll Bring:
• Strong communication and motivational skills to lead engaging group exercise classes
• Expertise in exercise safety and aquatic instruction techniques
• Ability to modify workouts for varying ages, fitness levels, and physical needs
• Comfort in both shallow and deep-water instruction
• Enthusiasm for fostering an inclusive, respectful, and positive fitness environment

What You’ll Have:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Prior experience teaching aquatic group fitness classes is strongly preferred
• Experience working with special populations (e.g., seniors, individuals in physical rehab) is a plus
• Knowledge of aquatic equipment such as noodles, dumbbells, and flotation belts
• Current certifications (preferred but not required – we’ll help you get there!):
– Water Fitness Instructor Certification
– Lifeguard Certification (or willingness to obtain)– CPR/AED and First Aid (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)

A Typical Day May Include:
• Planning and leading aquatic fitness classes tailored to participants’ needs
• Adapting instruction for beginners, advanced exercisers, and special populations
• Using music and aquatic equipment to enhance engagement and safety
• Monitoring participants' safety and technique throughout each session
• Maintaining a clean and safe class environment before and after each session
• Communicating with the Aquatics Director and team to support programming goals
• Participating in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development

Perks with a Purpose
Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare

• Teladoc Virtual Health
Financial Well-being
• On-Demand Pay
• Employee Referral Bonus program
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts
• Employee Discounts
Life & Family Support
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
• Employee discounts for select events and services

Who is Barber National Institute?

The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE