Class Instructor (Part-Time) Older Adults Fitness - Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

About the Department

Are you ready to join a team that is “Building Community Through Fun?”

Are you ready to make a difference?

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity and public life.

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, over 200 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and almost 63 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org.

Position Duties

The Class Instructor classification is covered by the Pay Floor Rate and hourly pay is at $30.48 for part-time, unbenefited employees. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation.

The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) Department is currently seeking to fill part-time unbenefited Class Instructor vacancies in the Recreation Services Division.

The ideal class instructor for older adult fitness or art classes brings a blend of specialized expertise, interpersonal finesse, and adaptive teaching strategies. Beyond core fitness instruction, they demonstrate:

Older Adult Fitness Classes and Activities:

• Understanding of age-related physical changes, chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues), and fall prevention strategies.
• Familiarity with evidence-based exercise programming for older adults, including balance, mobility, strength, and flexibility training.
• Awareness of mental health considerations and the role of physical activity in cognitive wellness and emotional resilience.
• Capacity to modify exercises for varying ability levels, including seated or low-impact options.
• Proficiency in demonstrating movements safely and effectively, with verbal cues and visual aids.
• Ability to monitor participants and adjust pacing or intensity based on real-time feedback.
• Enthusiasm for promoting lifelong health and wellness in older adults.

Older Adult Art Classes and Activities

• Design and deliver engaging art lessons tailored to the age, skill level, and interests of participants.
• Introduce and demonstrate techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and other visual arts.
• Encourage creative exploration while providing constructive feedback and individualized support.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and inspiring studio environment.
• Organize and display student artwork for exhibitions, showcases, or community events.

Minimum Qualifications

Education
Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Experience
Three (3) months experience in a specific subject matter.

Acceptable Substitutions
Six (6) months (2 sessions) experience as an instructor with the City of San Jose’s recreational programs may be substituted for either the education or the experience.

Licenses/Certificates
Possession of a Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate may be required.

Necessary Special Qualifications

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years old.
• Special Certificates/Licenses for specialized subject or skills may be required.
• Other special qualifications may apply.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.Familiarity with a variety of recreation and leisure activities. Knowledge of basic professional and office functions.Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse participant population.

Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally, and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Initiative: Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promotes job performance.

Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problems; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

Part-time positions(less than 40 hours per week) are required to participate in the City’s PTC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan per Federal regulations. Employees are required to contribute 3.75% of gross earning and the City contributes a matching amount of 3.75%. The funds contributed by the City are 100% vested upon initial deferral and will be held in in a stability of principal investment. This plan is in lieu of social security and does not include any healthcare benefits or contributions.

Part-time employees may elect to contribute additional retirement savings through the City’s Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Additional Information on both plans can be found on the City’s website.

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• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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