Temporary Recreation Leader III​/GS

Temporary Recreation Leader III – Fitness Instructor Chinquapin Recreation Center A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.

Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service

The Recreation Leader III-Fitness Instructor leads engaging and inclusive group fitness classes for a diverse community of participants. Instructors may teach a variety of formats, such as strength training, yoga, Pilates, cardio, or functional fitness, to participants of all ages and abilities. This position supports the City’s mission to promote health, wellness, and quality of life through safe and accessible fitness programming.

Fitness Instructors deliver scheduled group exercise classes at recreation centers or park locations throughout Alexandria. Classes may occur on weekday mornings, afternoons, evenings, or weekends, with opportunities for both seasonal and year-round schedules.

In this role, you will:

• Plan and deliver high-quality, motivating fitness classes for individuals or mixed-age groups
• Modify exercises and routines to accommodate varying abilities and participant needs
• Monitor and ensure participant safety during all activities
• Set up, maintain, and store equipment before and after class
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful atmosphere

As a Fitness Instructor, you help community members improve their health, build confidence, and stay connected through physical activity. You’ll play a key role in making fitness accessible and enjoyable, while developing professional experience in teaching, coaching, and program delivery.

Successful candidates bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and strong communication skills. Instructors should be flexible, reliable, and capable of adapting to different class formats and audiences.

• A current group fitness or specialty certification is required at the time of hire. Examples of accepted credentials include:
• ACE (American Council on Exercise)
• AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America)
• ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
• NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
• Yoga Alliance (for yoga instructors)
• Silver Sneakers, Zumba, or other recognized specialty training programs

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) enriches the lives of Alexandria residents through diverse programming, well-maintained public spaces, and inclusive cultural activities. RPCA is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), having met rigorous best-practice standards in the industry.

High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training. Previous experience teaching fitness classes or personal training. Experience working with diverse age groups, including youth, older adults, or adaptive populations. Strong customer service and group facilitation skills. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must hold a current group fitness or specialty instructor certification from a nationally recognized organization. This position requires pre-employment background checks which include, but are not limited to a criminal records check.