Fitness and Wellness Specialist, Active Older Adults at Penobscot Bay YMCA

Description

Are you a passionate fitness professional who thrives on helping others achieve their wellness goals?

Do you have a special affinity for working with active older adults and creating inclusive, engaging fitness experiences?

If so, the Penobscot Bay YMCA wants you to join our team as a Fitness & Wellness Specialist!

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our vibrant senior community. You'll lead energizing group fitness classes tailored to individual needs and abilities, provide personalized guidance and support, and foster a welcoming environment where everyone can belong and become their best selves.

This is a flexible role designed to provide full-time coverage for a current staff member's medical leave, and it has the potential to evolve into a longer-term position. 

What You'll Do:

Program Delivery & Member Engagement

• Lead fun, energizing, and safe group fitness classes tailored to the needs and abilities of Active Older Adults.
• Conduct new member fitness orientations, providing guidance on equipment use and program offerings.
• Offer one-on-one or small group fitness sessions as needed to support members’ personal health goals.
• Adjust instruction based on participants’ physical condition, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Celebrate member progress and foster a sense of achievement and community connection.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of wellness trends and best practices, with an emphasis on aging populations.
• Serve as a positive YMCA ambassador, fostering community among members and connecting individuals to YMCA programs and services.

Facility & Equipment Support

• Help ensure the cleanliness, safety, and welcoming environment of the fitness and group exercise areas by following scheduled cleaning routines; tidying, organizing, and restocking; and operating motorized and non-motorized cleaning equipment as needed.
• Clean and sanitize fitness equipment, replace supplies, and report equipment repair needs.
• Assist with set-up or breakdown for events, programs, or group activities.

Safety & Recordkeeping

• Follow all YMCA safety policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
• Maintain accurate attendance and activity records for classes and fitness sessions.
• Remain CPR, First Aid, and AED certified; respond appropriately to incidents.
• Report hazards, injuries, or incidents to supervisors promptly.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Benefits – PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, vision insurance, life & disability coverage
• Retirement Program – 10% match from the YMCA after two years and 2,000 hours worked.
• Family Membership Perks – Enjoy a free annual YMCA membership ($972 value!)
• A Role That Makes a Difference –  The PenBay Y is a community cornerstone where all people can connect, grow, and thrive. YOU are a vital part of that vision. 

As part of the Y team, you'll work in a positive, mission-driven culture where we live our values every day. We'll support your own professional journey as you make a meaningful impact. Sounds like something that interests you? Let's talk!

Requirements

This is intended to be a full-time, benefits-eligible position; although we may consider a part-time position (not benefit-eligible) for the right candidate. The tentative schedule involves early mornings for our early rises,  and very occasional nights and weekends.

 We're looking for someone with:

• At least 1 year of experience in fitness instruction or personal training
• A high school diploma or equivalent
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (we can provide training if needed)
• Stellar communication skills and the ability to build rapport with people of all backgrounds
• A genuine passion for health, wellness, and helping others thrive

Bonus points if you have:

• Experience teaching inclusive group fitness classes
• A nationally recognized Group Fitness or Personal Training certification
• Specialized knowledge of senior health and wellness needs

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sufficient physical strength and agility to carry out essential duties.
• Ability to lead fitness classes with frequent repetitive motion, including but not limited to walking; standing; bending; lifting; semi-reaching to full-reach overhead; crouching; kneeling; twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs; lying on the stomach or back; and demonstrating exercises.
• Able to lift and carry equipment (occasionally up to 50 lbs, usually with support), and climb stairs
• Ability to work with paint, cleaning equipment, solvents, cleaners, and solutions in dry, liquid, powder, spray, and aerosol forms.
• Ability to work in conditions that will create dirt and dust.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, some evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Noise in the working environment is usually moderate, with occasional exposure to decibel levels between 85-110 dBA.