What are the responsibilities and job description for the PHYSICAL INSTRUCTOR (H) position at Chicago Park District?
Title: Physical Instructor (H)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, plans, promotes, organizes, conducts and instructs all physical activities. Conducts classes, teaches games, controls recreational equipment and recruits volunteers. Performs related duties as required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
- Plans and implements course curricula for instruction of sports, games and competitive athletics.
- Provides instruction and supervision to patrons in sports, games and competitive athletics.
- Demonstrates proper techniques and skills for recreation and athletics.
- Adapts programs to reflect differing levels of participant skill development.
- Provides instruction in advanced strategies of team and individual sports, physical fitness and conditioning.
- Provides information on rules of individual and team sports.
- Explains basics of low organized activities.
- Instructs rhythm and movement.
- Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for recreation and athletic activities.
- Resolves conflicts among participants.
- Issues and maintains inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.
- Sets up recreation apparatus and equipment.
- Officiates team and individual sports.
- Promotes sportsmanship and encourages creativity in participants.
- Communicates constructively with participants, parents, volunteers and community.
- Consults with individuals and community groups to determine their interests, needs and desires. Determines tournament eligibility requirements.
- Verifies dates and standards.
- Establishes schedules for tournaments, leagues and competitions.
- Conducts meetings on competitions and other special events.
- Maintains records and prepares reports.
- Supervises unorganized play and enforces rules and regulations.
- Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: At least twenty (20) hours from an accredited college in Recreation, Leisure Studies or Physical Education required. Alternatively, three (3) years of work experience in Park and Recreation or related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of athletic, leisure and recreational theories and principles. Skill in teaching recreational, leisure and athletic activities. Effective oral and written communication skills. Organizational skills. Ability to evaluate skill levels and teach recreational, leisure and athletic activities accordingly.
Available Positions:
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.
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
- Free Admission to most Chicago Museums.
