Exercise & Recreation Lead

The YMCA Community team is repurposing former schools throughout the South Okanagan into welcoming spaces where everyone can access health, wellness, and recreation programming. This role goes beyond fitness instruction—you will create inclusive, engaging experiences that bring together children, youth, families, and seniors while fostering belonging and community connection.

Quick Facts

• Compensation: $19.14-$22.97 per hour, based on level of certification
  • Paid vacation, wellness, and family responsibility days
  • Extended health and dental benefits
  • Annual Y pension of 5% (after 2 years)
• Reporting to: Community Programs Manager
• Location: Parkway YMCA, Downtown YMCA
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, Full-Time and Part-Time positions available.

Why This Role Matters

The Exercise and Recreation Lead plays an important role in improving community health and wellness through accessible and inclusive programming. By creating opportunities for physical activity, social connection, recreation, and lifelong learning, you will help people build confidence, improve well-being, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

This position supports the YMCA's commitment to preventative health, community engagement, and equitable access to services. Every program you deliver contributes to stronger, healthier, and more connected communities across the South Okanagan.

What You Will Do

You will plan, coordinate, and deliver engaging health, fitness, recreation, and community wellness programs that meet the diverse needs of participants.

• Plan and deliver fitness and wellness programs, including specialized programming for older adults and senior populations.
• Design and facilitate inclusive recreation opportunities for children, youth, families, and seniors.
• Adapt activities and programs to accommodate diverse abilities, ages, skill levels, and participant needs.
• Lead community wellness initiatives such as social gatherings, youth nights, special events, and fundraising activities.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead themed day camps for children and youth, incorporating sports, recreation, health, and lifestyle-focused activities.
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, schools, community organizations, and YMCA colleagues.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to support program innovation, outreach, and community engagement.
• Monitor participation trends and gather participant feedback to continuously improve program quality and impact.
• Complete program administration, including attendance tracking, reporting, maintaining participant records, and utilizing point-of-sale and registration systems.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that reflects YMCA values of inclusion, respect, and belonging.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education or training in a health, fitness, recreation, or related field such as Kinesiology, Recreation, Personal Training, or Group Fitness Instruction.
• Registration with an applicable professional governing body is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of exercise science, nutrition, chronic disease management, healthy aging, and program adaptations for diverse populations.
• Experience working with children, youth, families, seniors, or community groups in recreation, fitness, camp, educational, or community-based environments.
• Passion for public health, preventative wellness, and creating positive community outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic digital proficiency, including email, scheduling software, attendance tracking systems, and point-of-sale platforms.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C with AED certification.

Who You Are

• You believe everyone deserves access to programs that support health, wellness, and community connection.
• You are energetic, approachable, and passionate about helping others achieve their goals.
• You create welcoming spaces where people feel valued, included, and empowered.
• You are adaptable and creative in responding to the unique needs of participants and communities.
• You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy building strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
• You are committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, youth, families, and seniors.
• Help shape innovative community wellness spaces across the South Okanagan.
• Be part of an organization dedicated to strengthening communities through health, belonging, and social connection.
• Work alongside passionate colleagues who share a commitment to inclusion and community impact.
• Contribute to programs that create lasting positive effects on individual and community well-being.

Additional Requirements

• Three professional references.
• A satisfactory Criminal Record Check Check/Vulnerable Sector Search.
  The YMCA will provide applicable instructions and paperwork.
• Ability to occasionally support special events, community initiatives, and seasonal programming as needed.

The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace. This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.