Exercise Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JOB POSTING
This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an on- going basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).
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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)
UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link .
This is a continuous recruitment. Applications are accepted on an on- going basis; interviews conducted and hires made as needed. This job opening will remain OPEN until filled. We're accepting applications after Initial Review Date (IRD).
The IRD for this job is: 08-10-2026
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Athletics & Recreation Department's mission at UC Santa Cruz is to provide a wide variety of professional programs and physical activities that promote and enhance community, academic success, leadership, lifelong wellness, and experiential learning. Our goal is to enrich the educational courses. experience by encouraging comprehensive health & wellness through physical activity, building community, and cultivating leadership. The programs provided by Athletics & Recreation are designed to serve UC Santa Cruz Banana Slug students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and local community members.
More information can be found at: https://goslugs.com
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Recreation for Fitness & Wellness, the Group Exercise Cycling Instructor is responsible for safely and effectively leading group exercise cycling classes for UCSC students and Slug Recreation members. The instructor may teach other group exercise classes as needed. The incumbent assists in program administration, manages class-related facilities and equipment, provides excellent customer service, participates in program marketing efforts, and completes occasional training and continuing education requirements. The Group Exercise Cycling Instructor assists in the instruction of non-credited recreational or sports activities for participants of all ages. The incumbent develops knowledge, skills and experience in recreational sports activities.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: By Agreement $36-$54 per class-session. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: This position is not eligible for benefits
Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: By Agreement 6 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, Weekends as needed
• Shift Includes: Day, Evening & Weekend

Employee Classification: Limited appointment
Job End Date: 06/30/2027, with the possibility of extension
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation: Non-Represented
Job Code Classification: RECR PRG LEADER 2 BYA (004133)
Travel: Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES
70% - Exercise Leadership

• Design, choreograph, and lead group exercise classes in class-formats for which relevant certifications are held, according to current industry standards for safety and effectiveness, including proper warm-ups, cooldowns, and exercise/movement progressions.
• Teach, demonstrate, and promote proper safe and effective class-specific exercise techniques and forms.
• Arrive on-site at the classroom, in time to complete the full set-up and preparation of the classroom and equipment by no later than 5 minutes before the class's scheduled start-time.
• Facilitate pre-class participant check-in procedures prior to the start of each class session.
• Begin and end class sessions punctually (i.e. at their scheduled and advertised start and end times).
• Provide thorough introductions and instructions to participants prior to the beginning of each class session.
• Maintain a welcoming, positive, encouraging, inclusive, and non-intimidating classroom atmosphere.
• Select and play appropriate music (no explicit lyrics or potentially offensive/device/controversial subject matter) at appropriate volume-levels (<90db>
• Provide participants with safe, appropriate, and effective exercise modifications when needed or requested.
• Frequently update and modify class design, choreography, and music.

15% - Program Administration

• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings, including annual all-staff training in mid-September, quarterly one-on-one check-in meetings with supervisor, and annual one-on-one performance-review in July.
• Complete and submit quarterly self-evaluations and/or peer-evaluations.
• Read and respond to all communications from supervisor and co-workers in a timely manner.
• Promote, enforce, and adhere to all program and facility policies (i.e. class capacity limits, late-admission restrictions, facility access requirements, membership requirements, etc.).

5% - Facility & Equipment Management

• Return equipment and supplies to their proper condition, storage-space, and organization prior to the end of each class session's room reservation.
• Return classrooms to clean, organized, and secure condition after each session.
• Report any unsafe facility and/or equipment conditions or repair-needs immediately.
• Learn and consistently exercise proper use and care of facilities and equipment.
• Instruct participants on, and ensure they exercise the proper use and care of facilities and equipment.

5% - Customer Service

• Greet participants warmly, enthusiastically, and by name (smiling, eye contact, etc.).
• Communicate participant issues, concerns, and feedback to supervisor immediately.
• Accurately answer questions regarding admission fees, sales procedures, class schedules, facility locations/layouts, and program information sources.

5% - Marketing

• Make pre- and/or post-class announcements regarding program information (i.e. new policies, schedule changes, upcoming promotions, etc.).
• Participate in annual CORNUCOPIA promotional event in late-September.
• Participate in demonstration classes when available.
• Update biographical and class-description information on website when appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent certification and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Ability to lead safe, effective, and enjoyable group exercise classes in one or more exercise formats offered by our Athletics & Recreation FitLife program (examples: Cardio Kickboxing, Core Conditioning, HIIT/Bootcamp, Indoor Cycling, Mat Pilates, TRX, Zumba, Yoga, or comparable).
• Minimum of 3 months of experience leading and/or co-leading group exercise classes with adult participants.
• Ability to effectively relate to and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse population of participants in regards to age, ethnicity, sexual-orientation, physical ability, and exercise experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and courteously with a diverse group of individuals.
• Excellent time management skills that will ensure punctuality to all work-related events.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional athletic environment.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Active listening skills.
• Creative thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and employ reasoning skills.
• Client service minded with the ability to adapt to the needs of clients.
• Ability to effectively use computer-based communication, scheduling, and productivity services such as web-browsers, Gmail, Google Calendars, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree in a related field (Kinesiology, Physical Education, or comparable).
• Possess a currently-valid professional certification or degree from 2 or more of the following categories: • A Group Exercise/Fitness Instructor certification from an NCCA-accredited provider (example: ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NAFTA, NETA, or comparable). • A 200hr Yoga Instructor certification from a Yoga Alliance-recognized school/agency. • A current format-specific group instruction certification or license from a nationally-recognized fitness organization (examples: Zumba, Pilates, Indoor Cycling, Cardio Kickboxing, TRX, Barre, or comparable).
• Knowledge of campus policies and procedures.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience consistently (at least once per week) leading group exercise classes with a wide diversity of participants.
• Ability to speak Spanish fluently.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a current professional certification from 1 or more of the following categories: • A Group Exercise/Fitness Instructor certification from an NCCA-accredited provider (example: ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NAFTA, NATA, or comparable). • A 200hr Yoga Instructor certification from a Yoga Alliance-recognized school/agency. • A current format-specific group instruction certification or license from a nationally-recognized fitness organization (examples: Zumba, Pilates, Indoor Cycling, Cardio Kickboxing, TRX, Barre, or comparable).
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Clery Act: This position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA); required to report crimes, incidents, and disciplinary referral statistics as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)).
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Will be required to wear a University provided uniform.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclo