Job Title: Winter Health & Wellness Intern
Reports to: Wellness Experience Director
Seasonal Position: January 2027-May 2027
Status: Part-Time (15–20 hours per week)
Compensation: Free YMCA Household membership
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is seeking a fun, creative, enthusiastic, and outgoing individual to join our Wellness team as a Health & Wellness Intern. This internship provides hands-on experience in health, fitness, member engagement, program development, and wellness operations while working as an integral member of the Wellness department.
The intern will work closely with the Wellness Experience Director and Wellness team and will have opportunities to interact with members across a variety of ages, fitness levels, and wellness goals.
A key component of the internship will be the development and completion of one primary wellness project. The intern will work with the Wellness Experience Director to identify a project that aligns with department needs and will be responsible for assisting with its planning, implementation, promotion, and evaluation. The project will provide the intern with an opportunity to apply their education and gain meaningful experience managing a project from concept through completion.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Primary Internship Project
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Work with the Wellness Experience Director to identify and develop one primary wellness project based on current department needs and the intern’s interests and qualifications.
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Assist with planning, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of the project.
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Track participation, member feedback, and/or other appropriate outcomes.
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Present the project results and recommendations to the Wellness Experience Director at the conclusion of the internship.
Wellness and Member Experience
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Provide support and engagement on the YMCA fitness floor.
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Assist with YMCA fitness floor orientations and member introductions to wellness equipment and resources.
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Interact with members of varying ages, fitness levels, and wellness goals.
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Assist with basic fitness assessments under appropriate staff supervision and within the intern’s qualifications.
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Support quarterly fitness challenges and other member-facing wellness.
Fitness & Program Development
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Assist with the development and implementation of wellness programs and activities.
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Gain exposure to group exercise programming and, when appropriately certified, have opportunities to assist with or instruct group exercise classes.
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Observe personal training sessions and, when appropriately certified and approved, gain opportunities for supervised hands-on experience.
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Gain exposure to working with youth, adults, seniors, general fitness participants, and individuals with varied fitness goals.
Professional Development
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Participate as an active member of the Wellness team and attend relevant meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
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Learn about daily wellness operations, member engagement, program delivery, and fitness facility management.
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Take initiative, demonstrate professionalism, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
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Additional responsibilities and learning opportunities may be available based on the intern’s education, certifications, experience, and department needs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Currently pursuing a degree or coursework in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health & Fitness, Recreation, or a related field.
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Interest in health, fitness, wellness, and working with people.
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Ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to interact professionally with members, staff, and community participants.
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First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications preferred, or ability to obtain them.
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Additional fitness certifications or relevant experience are preferred but not required.
