Recreation Specialist (GEI)
Commander, Navy Installations Command
Posted: February 24, 2026 (2 days ago)
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Commander, Navy Installations Command
Department of the Navy
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves planning and leading fitness programs, teaching exercise classes, and maintaining gym facilities for Navy personnel and their families at a base in Newport, Rhode Island.
The role focuses on helping people stay healthy through personalized workouts, safety checks, and equipment guidance.
It's a great fit for someone energetic with a background in fitness who enjoys working with diverse groups and ensuring safe, fun activities.
NAVSTA NEWPORT. Incumbent serves as a Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist) responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering comprehensive fitness programs and services to eligible patrons.
Work involves designing and leading exercise programs, providing outreach to commands, supporting Navy's Physical Readiness Program, and assisting in the management of facility operations to ensure safe, effective, and mission aligned fitness services.
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position.
Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
OPM Basic Qualification Requirements: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- general recreation, or one of the appropriate fields of recreation such as outdoor recreation; youth recreation; public, urban, or community recreation; or physical education.
Or Specialized experience that demonstrated the ability to apply the principles of one or more specialty areas of recreation.And1 full year of graduate level education Or superior academic achievementOr1-year specialized experience in the physical activity program or area Or An equivalent combination of education and experience.
IAW DoDI 1015.10, per DoD MWR Fitness Center Standards (issued 25 September 2024) this position is responsible for designing individual and/or group exercise programs as well as supervising, coaching, and instructing exercise in or outside of the fitness facility.
Must possess a primary certification from an accredited* health/fitness organization, or a certification from a commercial/industry health/fitness organization In addition, group fitness instructors must possess approved certification in the specific physical activity program in which they instruct (e.g, yoga, cardio dance, etc).*Accredited health/fitness organizations are listed per DoD MWR Fitness Center Standards (issued 25 September 2024).Staff qualifications will vary significantly, depending on the type of participant accepted by the facility.
Facilities that offer programs designed to appeal to children, older participants or to participants with known health problems; the staff should have special qualifications, usually an advanced, clinically-oriented certification from a nationally recognized professional organization.
Incumbent must possess and maintain: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid Certification Automated External Defibrillator Certification Blood-borne Pathogen Training Incumbent must possess or be able to obtain Navy Basic Fitness Certification within 60 days of hire.
Occasional travel of less than 10% may be required. This position requires a National Agency Check with Inquiries. This position is not telework eligible. Major Duties:
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Program Delivery & Instruction duties include but are not limited to: Designs, leads, and evaluates individual and group exercise programs (e.g., strength, cardiovascular, flexibility, spin, aquatics, functional training).
Instructs patrons in the proper use of all equipment for training and self-monitored progress by preparing written instructions and procedures for the performance of work, use of equipment, safety and well-being of all involved.
Provides customers general fitness information, instruction on proper use of fitness equipment and program information.
Provides certified personal training, fitness assessments, and individualized exercise plans for active-duty personnel and other authorized patrons.
Delivers fitness testing to include aerobic capacity, body composition, strength, endurance, and flexibility assessments.
Facility & Operations Support duties include but are not limited to: Ensures fitness spaces, and equipment are safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Performs minor maintenance and coordinates repair of equipment. Develops written procedures, instructional guides, and safety protocols for use of equipment and fitness programming.
Provides on-the-floor customer service, assisting patrons with equipment use and safe exercise techniques.
Supports the implementation of Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS), Navy Mission Nutrition, and other CNIC supported fitness and wellness initiatives.
Group Exercise duties include but are not limited to: Designs, supervises, coaches, and instructs a variety of group exercise programs (e.g., Step, Spin, Water Aerobics) inside and outside of the fitness facility.
Provides fitness training and programming to groups of various sizes. Prepares written instruction and procedures for performance of work, use of equipment, safety, and well-being of all involved.
Provides instruction on the proper implementation and maintenance of conditioning and training programs for aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, body composition, and flexibility training.
Conducts fitness testing, which includes measuring aerobic capacity, body composition, muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, and blood pressure.
Works with various command representatives to develop and implement physical fitness programs for military personnel.
CFL/FEP Outreach duties include but are not limited to: Provides certified personal training and group exercise services to active duty military as outlined in the Navy's Physical Readiness Program instruction.
Assists with the instruction of the Command Fitness Leader course and fitness related general military training.
Conducts Command Fitness Leader (CFL) and Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) outreach, ensuring alignment with Navy physical readiness requirements.
Assists with instruction of the Command Fitness Leader course and command physical training.
Assists patrons on the fitness floor by providing training tips in order to prevent unsafe or ineffective exercise techniques.
General duties include but are not limited to: Assists in developing and marketing fitness programs to increase participation and customer satisfaction.
Maintains accurate records and prepares reports related to participation, usage, equipment maintenance, and training in Navy Fitness Directors Management System (NFDMS).
Trains/leads other employees in various recreation/physical fitness-related positions. Prepares and analyzes functional area specific reports.
Stays current with latest fitness programming ideas to increase attendance and improve customer satisfaction.
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