Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA
Program: Health, Fitness, and Recreation
Position Status: Part Time
Compensation: $16.75/hr

About Us

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more.

Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and throughout the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities. Our work includes mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, creating safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping people navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and building community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When individuals know someone is in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It is your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities. With us at their side, they can Shine On.

Total Compensation

As part of your total compensation, you will receive:

Complimentary YMCA individual membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
Staff discounts on select YMCA certifications and member rates for registered programs
Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
Vacation entitlement calculated by length of service
Opportunity to take advantage of the YMCA referral incentive
Access to Y Canada’s Learning Management System, offering training in health and wellbeing, program delivery, and safeguarding

About the Role

We are growing, and demand for our weight room and cardio centre is high. To support our members, we are expanding our front-line team to supervise the fitness centre and assist individuals in achieving their fitness goals.

Reporting to the Personal Fitness Coordinator, this role focuses on relationship building at both the individual and community level. As a Wellness Coach, you play a vital role in providing direct support to members within our fitness facility.

Wellness Coaches act as YMCA Ambassadors by delivering outstanding customer service, maintaining clean, organized, and safe fitness spaces, and serving as a motivating presence to help members progress toward their goals.

This position also supports the Health, Fitness, and Recreation department by providing tours, orientations, teaching fitness classes (if certified), assisting with program setup and takedown, and supporting YThrive programming (if certified).

Key Responsibilities

Provide tours and orientations for members interested in the weight room and cardio centre, including instruction on safe equipment use and answering questions within scope
Deliver weekly Youth Orientations as required
Understand and promote YMCA programming that best meets members’ needs to enhance their health and wellbeing
Establish strong, supportive relationships with members, visitors, staff, and volunteers
Supervise the weight room floor and provide coaching, corrective feedback, and support as needed
Ensure all participants follow YMCA etiquette and age-related policies
Maintain clean and tidy spaces throughout the facility
Ensure equipment and facilities are in good repair and report issues promptly
Uphold YMCA policies, procedures, and safe working protocols, including accurate report completion
Deliver strong customer service by greeting members within 5 feet and acknowledging within 10 feet
Proactively assist members who require support
Identify opportunities to maximize member engagement and satisfaction
Lead YThrive intakes and sessions (if certified), maintaining accurate records
Ensure effective communication, including timely responses to inquiries and collaboration across departments
Support promotions, events, and overall program delivery

Education and Skills Qualifications

Required:

Current Intermediate Workplace First Aid and CPR Level C certification
Strong interest in health, fitness, and supporting others
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and provide excellent customer service
Strong organizational and time management skills with initiative
Willingness to learn and obtain YMCA program certifications
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Self-motivated with strong attention to detail
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Availability to work early mornings (5:30am–8:30am), evenings (after 4:30pm), and weekends

Preferred (Assets):

1–2 years of experience in the fitness industry or movement instruction
Kinesiology degree or related education
Personal Training certification (YMCA, Nova Scotia Fitness Association, canfitpro, CSEP, or equivalent)
Bilingual or multilingual abilities

Application Information

Apply online at: https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/
Deadline: March 25, 2025

All successful candidates (18+) are required to provide:

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
Child Abuse Register Check
Valid Intermediate First Aid and CPR-C certification

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis and may not eliminate candidates from employment.

Equity and Inclusion

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, persons with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, newcomers, and veterans.

Accommodation is available throughout the hiring process upon request.