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Senior Activity Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lifespace Communities

Fitness Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.30 - $29.32/hr

Create and execute activity and fitness programs for varied levels of physical abilities and ... senior living organizations. For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to creating vibrant ...

Lifespace Communities

Fitness Instructor

Chicago, IL

$21.30 - $29.32/hr

Create and execute activity and fitness programs for varied levels of physical abilities and ... senior living organizations. For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to creating vibrant ...

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Senior Activity Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$7

$21

$61

How much do senior activity instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior activity instructor in Chicago, IL is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.06 and $19.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Senior Activity Instructors?

Senior Activity Instructors are experienced professionals who plan, lead, and supervise a variety of recreational, educational, or outdoor activities for groups such as children, teens, or adults. They often work in settings like camps, community centers, or educational organizations, ensuring activities are safe, engaging, and meet the participants' needs. In addition to leading activities, they may also mentor junior staff, develop new programs, and handle administrative responsibilities related to scheduling and safety. Their role is crucial in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where participants can learn new skills, build confidence, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

What types of leadership responsibilities can a Senior Activity Instructor expect to have on a daily basis?

As a Senior Activity Instructor, you'll often be responsible for supervising junior instructors, coordinating daily activity schedules, and ensuring the safety and engagement of all participants. You may also be tasked with leading team meetings, providing on-the-job training, and acting as the primary point of contact for both staff and participants regarding activity logistics. This role typically requires effective communication and quick problem-solving, as you'll need to adapt plans based on group needs, weather, or other unexpected changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Activity Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Activity Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of activity planning, group leadership, and risk management, typically supported by relevant certifications such as First Aid and specialist activity qualifications. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety equipment, and reporting systems is often required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you motivate participants and manage groups effectively. These abilities are vital for delivering safe, engaging, and well-organized programs that meet diverse participant needs.

What is the difference between Senior Activity Instructor vs Activity Instructor?

AspectSenior Activity InstructorActivity Instructor
QualificationsRelevant certifications, experience, and sometimes additional trainingBasic activity-specific certifications or qualifications
Work EnvironmentLeading groups, planning activities, supervising staffAssisting in activities, supporting senior staff
ResponsibilitiesDesigning and overseeing activities, mentoring staffSupporting activity delivery, assisting participants

The main difference between a Senior Activity Instructor and an Activity Instructor lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership roles. Senior Activity Instructors typically have more qualifications, lead activities, and supervise others, while Activity Instructors focus on assisting with activities under supervision.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Activity Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Activity Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Activity Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Activity Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Activity Instructor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Activity Instructor job openings:
Senior Activity Instructor jobs near you
Activities Instructor II

Activities Instructor II

The Chicago Park District

Chicago, IL • On-site

$27.15/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Chicago Park District rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

380th of 832 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


TITLE: Activities Instructor II (Boxing)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, plans, promotes, organizes, conducts and provides instruction in a specialized athletic, recreation or leisure activity including, but not limited to tennis, aerobics, yoga, boxing, sailing and skating. Conducts classes, controls specialized equipment and recruits volunteers. Performs other related duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
  • Plans and implements a course curriculum for the instruction of a specialized athletic, recreation or leisure activity.

  • Provides instruction and supervision for Chicago Park District patrons involved in a specialized athletic, recreation or leisure activity.

  • Demonstrates proper techniques and skills in specialty area. Adapts programs to reflect differing levels of participant skill development.

  • Provides instruction in advanced competitive strategies of specialty area.

  • Provides information on the rules and regulations governing competition in specialty area.

  • Promotes sportsmanship and encourages creativity in participants.

  • Communicates constructively with participants, parents, volunteers and the community.

  • Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for specialized activity.

  • Resolve conflicts among participants. Issues and maintains an inventory of specialized equipment and supplies.

  • Sets up special apparatus and equipment.

  • Supervises unorganized plan and enforces Chicago Park District rules and regulations.

  • Determines tournament eligibility requirements and verifies dates and other standards.

  • Establishes schedules for tournaments, leagues and competitions.

  • Conducts meetings on competitions and other special events.

  • May officiate at competitions in assigned specialty area.

  • Performs general administrative duties such as assisting in course registration, collecting fees, answering routine inquiries in person or by phone and routine record keeping.

  • Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.

  • May work with a special population, including but not limited to senior citizens and populations with physical, sensory and other disabilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: Associate of Arts degree or completion of two (2) full years of course work at an accredited college or university which included a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours in one (1) or more of the following areas: Recreation, Leisure Studies, Physical Education or related discipline and one (1) year of closely related instructional, practical or sanctioned competitive (i.e. IHSA, NCAA or AAU) experience in the specialty area; or a high school diploma or GED and 5 years of closely related instructional, practical or sanctioned competitive experience (examples include: IHSA, NCAA or AAU) in the specialty area.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of athletic, leisure and recreation theories and principles; technical knowledge and skill in an area of specialization; skill in teaching the full range of skills and techniques in an area of specialization; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to evaluate skill levels in the specialty area.
BENEFITS: As a part-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District's Agreement with SEIU Local 73, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2026.

  • +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2027.

  • 1 day of personal leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.

  • 2 days of sick leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.

  • After one year of employment, employees who work 1,040 hours or more in the previous year are typically eligible for between 7-10 workdays of paid vacation time annually, and additional time after first 5 years of employment.

  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility requirements).

  • Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.

  • Free Admission to most Chicago Museums.

RATE OF PAY: $27.15 per hour
HOURS: Budgeted up to 20 hours per week
SEIU Local 73 Career Service EEO: Para-professional FLSA: Non-Exempt

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