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Hours Full-time, Part-time
Location SG14
Lakeland, Florida open_in_new

About this job

Make a difference at one of Florida's premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly's deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

JOB TITLE

Athletics and Recreation Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of fitness and aquatic programming to improve the
health and well-being of the Florida Poly community. The Recreation Specialist will assist the Program
Manager in hiring, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating student staff and volunteers in the
recreation program. The Recreation Specialist will be responsible for maintaining current certifications and continuing education related to fitness, aquatic programming, and staffing.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

  • Coordination of all functions associated with the Aquatics and Fitness program
  • Assists in the oversight of on-campus recreational activities, directly supervising student workers.
  • Directly supports management of the day-to-day operation of the fitness center, including free
  • weights, functional fitness space, cardiovascular, group fitness, and pool.
  • Provide regular risk management training and employee in-services related to injury prevention, emergency
  • response, and incident protocols.
  • Provide administrative support and oversight for the Florida Poly Aquatics program, which includes swim
  • lessons, swim clinics, health and safety certification classes, and special events.
  • Support the ongoing evaluation and enhancement of fitness programming, including class audits and feedback
  • review, and community input.
  • Effectively communicate with members and patrons regarding pool schedules, programs, and operations
  • Implements programs and initiatives to enhance the recreational experience

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 1-2 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing or overseeing athletics or fitness facilities.
  • Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.
  • Possession of at least one nationally recognized certification (e.g., ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA, AFAA).
  • In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • A master's degree in student affairs, recreation management, sports management, fitness, physical education, or equivalent is preferred.
  • Two years of experience working in aquatic programs or campus recreation is preferred.
  • Experience coordinating personal training, lifeguard training, and fitness programs is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSAs:

  • Knowledge of student learning theory and developmental outcomes, and experience in its application.
  • Demonstrated cultural competence; proven effectiveness in serving the students' needs.
  • Ability and willingness to speak publicly during programming events.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
  • Follow through with all responsibilities and communications in a timely manner.
  • Keep accurate records of events, programs, budgets, evaluations, and related activities.
  • Develop appropriate, professional relationships with students, colleagues, and community partners.
  • Work collaboratively with all areas of the University and serve as a resource for the campus community.
  • Embrace an open-door approach to assisting students with ideas, issues, and concerns related to Student Affairs, individual development, and programs/services.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:

  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute *435.04.
  • This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, occasional evening and weekend responsibilities may be required to support university athletic events.


LOCATION/WORK MODEL: Full-time/On-site


Note: Employment-based visa sponsorship will NOT be considered for this position.


TARGET HIRING SALARY: $40,000 - 45,000, commensurate with experience.


APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: The position may be open for 14 days; however, the review of applications will commence immediately.


APPLICATION PROCESS:
In addition to completing the online application, all applicants are required to upload the following as attachments to the application (preferably in PDF format).

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Three (3) Professional References

If any of these three items are not included, you will not be considered for the position.
References will not be contacted unless you are selected as a finalist for the position.


DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through , on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. for more information.

OTHER BENEFITS

    • To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our .

    • Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our .

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute*435.04.


Nearby locations

Posting ID: 1268302640 Posted: 2026-06-11 Job Title: Recreation Specialist