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

May 23, 2026

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 <a href="http://activatesj.org/" target="_blank" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" data-uw-original-href="http://activatesj.org/" aria-label="activatesj.org - open in a new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" uw-rm-external-link-id="http://activatesj.org/$activatesj.org">activatesj.org</a>. 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:<ul style="margin-bottom: 3pt;"><li>Understanding of age-related physical changes, chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues), and fall prevention strategies.</li><li>Familiarity with evidence-based exercise programming for older adults, including balance, mobility, strength, and flexibility training.</li><li>Awareness of mental health considerations and the role of physical activity in cognitive wellness and emotional resilience.</li><li>Capacity to modify exercises for varying ability levels, including seated or low-impact options.</li><li>Proficiency in demonstrating movements safely and effectively, with verbal cues and visual aids.</li><li>Ability to monitor participants and adjust pacing or intensity based on real-time feedback.</li><li>Enthusiasm for promoting lifelong health and wellness in older adults.</li></ul>Older Adult Art Classes and Activities<ul style="margin-bottom: 3pt;"><li>Design and deliver engaging art lessons tailored to the age, skill level, and interests of participants.</li><li>Introduce and demonstrate techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and other visual arts.</li><li>Encourage creative exploration while providing constructive feedback and individualized support.</li><li>Maintain a safe, inclusive, and inspiring studio environment.</li><li>Organize and display student artwork for exhibitions, showcases, or community events.</li></ul>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<ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom: 3pt;"><li>Must be at least eighteen (18) years old.</li><li>Special Certificates/Licenses for specialized subject or skills may be required.</li><li>Other special qualifications may apply.</li></ul> 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.<div style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="isPasted"><div style=" margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews. Selection Process:</div>The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered, or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process work. Additional phases of the selection process may consist of one or more interviews. </div>**This position will remain open until filled and the first application review date will be in November 2025. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.If you have questions regarding selection or hiring process, please contact Jaine Davies PRNS Employee Services Analyst at <a href="mailto:jaine.davies@sanjoseca.gov">jaine.davies@sanjoseca.gov</a>.

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