The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

Applications are now being accepted for the temporary part-time position of Specialty Fitness Instructor I in the Recreation Services - Fitness Department, Community Services Commission. To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume online by August 31st, 2026.

Kindly specify in your cover letter which Fitness Class Formats you are qualified to teach.

Fitness Areas: Cardio, Muscle Conditioning

Location: Thornhill C.C, Centennial C.C, Aaniin C.C.

Hours of Work: Daytime, evenings and weekends

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Community Program Coordinator, the Specialty Fitness Instructor I will be responsible for planning, organizing, instructing and leading specific fitness classes for various ages and abilities.

The candidate will also be responsible for the training and supervision of a variety of participants of various ages and physical abilities and developing a program that recognizes their capabilities and level of fitness within a community recreation environment. They will also help motivate participants to achieve their fitness goals, while ensuring a positive and safe environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitates, leads and supervises exercise sessions in one or more assigned Fitness areas, including but not limited to Low Impact Aerobics, Stretching/Flexibility, Circuit Training, and General Fitness.
• Provides instruction in a variety of fitness activities.
• Demonstrates correct exercise methods and the proper use of exercise equipment.
• Teaches groups of participants’ flexibility, proper breathing techniques, etc., and how to monitor their progress.
• May also distribute material on proper nutrition, weight control and lifestyle issues.
• Observes participant capabilities and teaches program approach as outlined in program description. May adjust program content specific to the abilities of each group.
• Conducts classes as stipulated by Fitness Supervisor/Fitness Coordinator. Plans routines and chooses appropriate music.
• Sets up and monitors class equipment and ensures its’ return in good condition.
• Prepares and organizes program equipment and supplies, reporting to the Fitness Supervisor/Fitness Coordinator any items needing replacement.
• Gives all new participant names to Fitness Supervisor/Fitness Coordinator.
• Keeps attendance records and checks with participants who have extended absences.
• Ensures that participants have completed a Participant Readiness Questionnaire.
• Ensures all program participants are aware of upcoming events, program changes or cancellations. Advises participants on program/class procedures and policies, as appropriate.
• Distributes handouts and/or program evaluations, answers questions from participants after each session, assists in performing follow up communications with participants as required.
• Advises Fitness Supervisor/Fitness Coordinator of any customer service issues, complaints or inquiries.
• Unlocks and locks facilities as required.
• Ensures the site, equipment and supplies are appropriate to the activity and environment to reduce and minimize risk to other staff and participants.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Minimum of one year prior experience instructing a variety of class types such as Step, Cycle-Fit, Aerobics, Strength Training, Circuit Training & Bosu-Ball, Cardio, Kick n Box, and Total Body Conditioning is required including working with individuals of all ages and ability levels.
• Possess current Group Fitness Certification from a recognized organization (e.g. CanFit Pro, YMCA, etc).
• Current Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Certification or licensed Kinesiologist (College of Kinesiologists of Ontario) would be an asset.
• Currently active in the field of Fitness.
• Standard First Aid with CPR “C” from an approved WSIB vendor.
• Experience working with a variety of clients and ages.
• Ability to read, understands, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Excellent verbal/written communications skills, leadership skills, customer service skills and sensitivity to interact with a diversity of patrons and staff in a courteous and efficient manner.
• The ability to work effectively with a wide range of fitness levels in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of aspects of fitness, wellness, basic training principles, fitness theory (skeletal, muscular, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and components of a workout from warm- up, cardiovascular and resistance training to cool-down.

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank everyone who applies; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.

AI Disclosure

At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

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