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Activity Instructor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

They organize, instruct and implement safe, fun and entertaining activities and games for children between the ages of three months to 11 years in the Kids Academy. Kids Instructors may also host ...

N/A Summary An adjunct instructor is responsible for teaching, service, and related administrative activities. This position may also include academic advising, program design, and student mentoring.

Avery Sports Instructor

Plainfield, IL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $16.25/hr

Become a Sports Instructor at the C.W Avery YMCA! Step into an exciting role as a Sports Instructor ... Ensure all activities and events are reflective of the YMCAs mission and promote character values ...

Showing results 41-60

Activity Instructor information

See Illinois salary details

$5

$16

$31

How much do activity instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity instructor in Illinois is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.44 and $16.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity instructor?

Activity Instructors are professionals who lead, organize, and supervise various recreational, educational, or sporting activities for groups of people. They often work at camps, community centers, schools, or fitness facilities, guiding participants through activities such as arts and crafts, sports, outdoor adventures, or team-building exercises. Their responsibilities include planning sessions, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and fostering a fun and inclusive environment. Activity Instructors typically need strong communication and leadership skills, as well as expertise in the specific activities they teach.

What is the difference between Activity Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectActivity InstructorCamp Counselor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, activity-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid, general camp training
Work EnvironmentRecreational centers, sports clubs, outdoor programsSummer camps, residential or day camps
Employer & IndustryRecreation facilities, sports organizationsCamp organizations, youth programs
Primary FocusLeading specific activities or sportsSupervising children, managing camp activities

While both roles involve working with children and require CPR and First Aid certifications, Activity Instructors focus on leading specific activities like sports or arts, often in recreational settings. Camp Counselors typically oversee overall camp supervision, including safety and general activities, in summer camp environments. The roles overlap but differ mainly in scope and setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activity instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activity Instructor, you need a strong understanding of activity planning, group management, and relevant safety practices, often supported by certifications in first aid and specific activities (e.g., lifeguarding, outdoor education). Familiarity with scheduling tools, safety protocols, and equipment related to the activities you lead is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and motivational skills help create a positive and engaging environment for participants. These abilities are crucial to ensuring participant safety, enjoyment, and successful program delivery.

What are some common challenges activity instructors face when working with diverse groups, and how can they be addressed?

Activity Instructors often work with participants of varying ages, skill levels, and backgrounds, which can present challenges in maintaining engagement and ensuring safety for everyone. To address this, instructors must adapt activities to suit different abilities, foster an inclusive environment, and use clear communication to set expectations. Building strong rapport with participants and being flexible in adjusting plans are essential for overcoming these challenges and creating a positive experience for all.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity Instructor jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Activity Instructor jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Activity Instructor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,297 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Clinical Instructor - Fire Science

Rock Valley College

Rockford, IL โ€ข On-site

$36 - $55/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Clinical Instructor (Fire Science)

Department: Fire Science (FRE)ย 

Division: Health Sciences (HLT)

Employee Status: ย Part Time (Fall 2026 Semester)

Group: NA

Grade: NA

Salary:ย ($36.00-$55.00 hourly)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

ICCB Classification: Teachingย 

Issued:ย 07/2026

Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

______________________________________________________________________________________ย  ย  ย 

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Dean of Health Sciences

Supervision Exercised: None

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean, the Fire Science Clinical Instructor is responsible for the safe and effective preparation, coordination, execution, ignition, and shutdown of Fire Science skills-based training, including both Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) and simulated IDLH training evolutions. The Clinical Instructor ensures all live-fire training complies with NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, and other applicable safety regulations. This position plays a critical role in the instruction of Fire Science students, and their development of necessary skills.ย  This position also provides instruction to Fire Science students while on training ground and in the classroom setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Additional related duties may be assigned.

  • Assist the lead officer/Instructor responsible for training exercises, both live-fire and non-IDLH.
  • Ensure compliance with NFPA 1403 and College SOPs for all live fire operations.
  • Ensure all necessary tools, equipment, and PPE are in a ready-state prior to conducting the training.
  • Assist in the preparation, execution, and shutdown of live-fire scenarios.
  • Supervise all fuel loading and ignition activities per manufacturer and NFPA 1403 recommendations, maintaining control of fire behavior throughout training.
  • Conduct pre-burn inspections and safety checks of structures, props, and fuel sources.
  • Coordinate with the Instructor-in-Charge, Safety Officer, and other Adjunct Faculty before, during, and after live fire evolutions.
  • Take part in safety briefings and understand roles, risks, and emergency procedures.
  • Manage and inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to ensure readiness and compliance.
  • Provide assistance, when directed, in the instruction to recruits and firefighters in fire behavior, fire dynamics, and tactical firefighting skills.
  • Maintain cleanliness and operational readiness of burn buildings, props, and training grounds.
  • Assist with classroom instruction as needed.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Flexibility in work schedule is necessary. Interest in serving a diverse student population is essential.
  • Associates Degree in Fire Science or commensurate years of fire service experience
  • 5 years or more of fire experience and
  • IL OSFM FF2 or Basic Operations Firefighter certification
  • IL OSFM Instructor I Certificate

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or related field
  • OSFM Instructor II certification
  • Current or previous IDPH EMS licensure (EMT or paramedic)
  • Prior community college and/or fire service teaching experience
  • OSFM Fire Officer I Certification

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both indoors and outdoors.ย Standard fire service activities are conducted on-campus and at satellite locations.ย  Frequently exposed to extreme heat, smoke, loud noises, and physical hazards.ย  ย Work involves physically demanding tasks including lifting, crawling, and climbing.

Physical Demands

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

  • Strength:ย Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (e.g., equipment, hoses, ladders, victims).
  • Endurance:ย Ability to perform sustained physical activity and work for extended periods.
  • Agility and Mobility:ย Ability to climb ladders and stairs, traverse uneven terrain, crawl through confined spaces, and maintain balance in challenging environments.
  • Sensory Abilities:ย Reliance on sight, hearing, smell, and touch to assess situations, maintain safety, and make critical decisions.