Fitness Instructor - Running Program Instructor (Part-Time; Year-Round)

Description

Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We’re looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction.

We are seeking an energetic, encouraging, and experienced Running Program Instructor to lead group sessions for runners of all levels. The ideal candidate will motivate participants to improve their endurance, speed, and running technique while fostering a positive, inclusive environment that supports individual goals. Join our team and help advance our mission that “Everyone deserves to be Healthy and Happy.”

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Fitness Instructor – Running

Location: Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO)

Schedule: Part-Time; Year-Round

Work Environment: The work schedule is varied and includes weekday hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays. It requires consistent attendance for short shifts. The flow of work and duties involve regular mental and visual attention. Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, lifting, pulling, and kneeling. The role is performed in a performance-type setting and can be physically demanding. Constant use of the voice is required. Job stress may involve managing crowds, uncooperative participants, difficult individuals, and periods of continuous demand.

Supervision Required: Works under the direct supervision of the Facility Coordinator

Supervision Exercised: None

Salary: $25.00-$35.00/hour; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.

Benefits:

Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a) retirement account.

Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.

Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.

Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.

Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.

Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.

Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.

Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Statement of Duties: Develop and lead safe, engaging, and inclusive running sessions that promote endurance, strength, and overall well-being. Support participants in achieving their personal fitness goals through proper running techniques, injury prevention strategies, and a positive, encouraging training environment.

Examples of Duties:

Plan and lead group running sessions that promote endurance, strength, and overall wellness.

Provide clear instruction and demonstrate proper running form, pacing, and techniques to ensure participant safety and understanding.

Offer modifications, training tips, and guidance to accommodate varying fitness levels and abilities.

Foster positive relationships with participants and create an inclusive, supportive training environment.

Communicate with staff regarding class schedules, facility use, and participant feedback.

Maintain attendance records and any required program documentation.

Set up, take down, and properly store equipment or training materials before and after sessions.

Monitor and address facility safety, cleanliness, and equipment condition during sessions.

Support the inclusion of participants with diverse abilities and needs.

Respond appropriately to accidents and incidents according to established procedures.

Act as a mandatory reporter and comply with all reporting requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.

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Requirements

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of:

Running principles and techniques, including proper form, pacing, endurance building, and injury prevention.

Body mechanics, warm-up and cool-down routines, and safe training practices.

Methods for adapting running instruction to various ages, abilities, and fitness levels.

Current best practices in group fitness instruction, coaching, and wellness programming.

Skills and abilities:

Proficient in utilizing a variety of running techniques, drills, and training formats to meet the needs of diverse participants.

Able to communicate effectively with participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Strong planning, organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Maintains a positive, motivating, and encouraging demeanor while coaching.

Capable of physically performing the duties associated with leading running sessions.

Works cooperatively with others and fosters positive, constructive relationships with staff and participants.

Demonstrates competency in running instruction and prepares and presents training sessions effectively to a variety of audiences.

Comfortable managing group dynamics, conflicts, and participant concerns while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

Able to respond appropriately to emergency situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and staff.

Requirements:

Education and experience:

Minimum 18 years of age or older; AND

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent

Certifications:

Certification in running coaching, group fitness instruction, or related exercise/fitness programs (preferred)

May require possession of or ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire.

FORWARD TOGETHER

You are welcome at Mountain Rec for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what keeps you active. Recreation is for everyone—and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our organization, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward-thinking! So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It is in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way we PLAY.

Colorado Residents: We are committed to fair hiring practices. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. This position will require the applicant to verify the meeting of a minimum age requirement of 18 years old as such requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification pertaining to public safety and required by law.