Internship Human Performance Exercise Science Jobs in Arizona

Posting Close Date
Applicants must submit their completed application by 06-18-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MSTApplication and Special Instructions
Special Instructions:
As part of the application process, all applicants are required to submit a chronological resume and cover letter at the time of the application.
Applications that do not include both documents by the closing date of the recruitment will be considered incomplete and will not receive further consideration for this recruitment.
The highest scoring applicants will be invited to participate in an interview.
The City of Tucson does not provide VISA sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.
Relocation expenses will not be provided for this position. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with relocating to the Tucson area, if applicable.
Recruiter contact information: If you have any questions, please contact Kelly.Yslas@tucsonaz.gov.
ABOUT THIS JOB
Position Description
Under general direction, the Public Safety Wellness Coordinator designs, implements, coordinates, and evaluates a comprehensive, evidence-based wellness and return-to-work program for the Tucson Fire Department. The incumbent integrates physical fitness, behavioral health, medical surveillance, and injury-prevention strategies tailored for public safety personnel; develops policy and evaluation metrics; and provides specialized support o members transitioning between duty statuses.
This classification support the City's mission to foster a resilient, healthy workforce that is operationally ready, mentally robust, and able to return to duty safely and efficiently.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Deputy Fire Chief. This position does not supervise.
Duties and Responsibilities
Typical duties include (but are not limited to):
Program Leadership & Development-

• Lead the design, coordination, and evaluation of wellness, fitness, and behavioral health programs for fire personnel.
• Establish performance metrics, reporting mechanisms, and data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA standards, OSHA, ADA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

Return-to-Work Coordination

• Develop customized return-to-work plans in collaboration with healthcare providers, HR, supervisors, and workers' compensation administrators.
• Facilitates on-site work-hardening sessions for Tucson Fire Department personnel.
• Monitor employee progress through recovery and reintegration phases; make accommodation recommendations.

Fitness & Human Performance

• Create and implement fitness assessments, exercise plans, strength and conditioning programming, and tactical athlete readiness initiatives.
• Supervise peer fitness trainers and related support staff.

Medical & Occupational Health

• Coordinate annual medical evaluations and referrals; manage confidential health records in accordance with law.
• Provide counseling on individual health risk factors and promote preventative strategies.

Policy, Research, & Internal Consultation

• Research emerging trends and best practices in occupational wellness and fire service health
• Draft departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and informational memoranda for leadership.

Training & Education

• Coordinate and provide training for recruits and in-service personnel in wellness, fitness, and behavioral health topics.
• Advocate for health literacy and preventive practices across the department. Communication & Community Engagement
• Disseminate wellness resources and program information to employees, families, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the department at interagency wellness forums and coordination meetings.

Work Environment
Mostly office environment.
All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelors degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Occupational Health, Behavioral Health, Public Health or related field.
Work Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in wellness program management, occupational health services, return-to-work coordination, or related professional roles.
License: A valid and unrestricted driver's license with two (2) years of licensed driving is required.
Note: Experience accrued during periods of enrollment as a student or through internships does not count toward the minimum experience requirements.
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education, experience, and skills preferred to perform the job.
Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral, Public Health, or related advanced field.
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), or equivalent
Registered Dietitian (RD)
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), or equivalent.
Physical Therapist (PT)
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC, USA-W)
Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) / Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)
Certification in return-to-work coordination or disability management.
Prior experience with fire service or other public safety and military wellness initiatives.
Program development and educational messaging experience.
Program and project management experience.
Grant writing and policy development experience
Knowledge of NFPA standards and public safety labor environmentsPOSITION DETAILS
Job Profile
J6700 - Wellness Coordinator
To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.
Compensation Grade
G110Hourly Range
$35.37 - 53.05 USD
The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
ExemptPosition Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeDepartment
Fire DepartmentDepartment Link
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/FireBackground Check
This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.
ABOUT US
Benefits
The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.
Citizenship
The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.
City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer
The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).
ADA Accessibility Complaint Form
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.
Recruiter Name
Kelly Yslas (203740)Recruiter Email
TFDHR_Payroll@tucsonaz.gov
For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.