MWR Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist) Job in Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA

Vacancy No. 26-12960772 Department Commander, Navy Installations Command
Salary $48,267.00 to $48,267.00 Grade 3 to 3
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/12/2026 Close Date 6/11/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA


Summary

This position is assigned to the Fitness, Sports, and Deployed Support Program Branch; Fleet Readiness; CNIC, CNRSW. Incumbent 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.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

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.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must meet Federal Employment suitability requirements and successful completion of background investigation. Background Investigations are conducted using fingerprint identification and completion of background inquiry forms.
  • Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
  • Must possess a primary certification from an accredited* health/fitness organization, or a certification from a commercial/industry health/fitness organization.
  • Must possess approved certification in the specific physical activity program in which they instruct (e.g, yoga, cardio dance, etc).
  • 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.
  • Work includes physical exertion when overseeing activities which involve bending, stooping, and lifting moderately heavy items up to 40 pounds unassisted.

Qualifications

Knowledge of exercise principles and health promotion sufficient to design, deliver, and evaluate safe, effective fitness programs.

Knowledge of the safe use and operation of fitness equipment, facility standards, facility operations, and basic fitness equipment maintenance/repair.

Skill in planning and carrying out an enhanced program in the recreation specialty area which meets the needs of the participating community.

Skill and ability to provide fitness training and programming to individuals and groups of various sizes.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).

Ability to competently and independently carry out fitness programs through the proper application of principles, concepts and techniques of recreation to satisfy specific needs of the community to be served.

Ability to independently conduct fitness assessments and execute individualized exercise programs.

Ability to conduct accurate fitness testing and provide recommended fitness program, based on fitness goals.

Ability to prepare clear, concise, and technically sound reports related to work within the Branch.

Ability to develop and effectively deliver presentations and/or training.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Education

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.
And
1 full year of graduate level education
Or
superior academic achievement
Or
1-year specialized experience in the physical activity program or area
Or
An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional information

Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.

Non-U.S. citizens with fewer than three years of recent residential history in the U.S. may be determined ineligible for employment.

Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required.

In accordance with the Real ID Act of 2005, if a candidate or new hire requires access to a military installation and does not have a REAL ID, identity will need to be established. Identity is established by presenting either one (1) Acceptable Credential or by presenting an acceptable combination of Source Identify Documents. Acceptable Credentials are listed in List A and Acceptable Source Identity Documents are listed in Lists B and C in the link below (page 3). If using an Acceptable Credential, only one (1) from List A is required and if using Acceptable Source Identity Documents, one (1) from List B and one (1) from List C is required. https://www.oni.navy.mil/Portals/12/Vistors/Base%20Access%20Form.pdf?ver=2017-08-28-065204-693

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Required Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application:

  • Résumé: two-page limit, learn more here - Resume Requirements
  • Proof of education: official transcripts only if qualifying all or in-part based on education; diplomas and degree audits are not acceptable. Failure to provide official transcripts will result in an ineligibility rating.
  • Proof of training: licensures and certifications are acceptable, must show your name, licensure/certification type, and expiration date (if applicable)
  • If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation
  • If claiming Military Spouse Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application
  • If claiming Veteran's Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.)
  • If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50

Note: When submitting transcripts for an Associate degree or higher, proof of a high school diploma or equivalent is not required. All transcripts MUST show student's name, the name of the awarding university or educational institution, degree type, awarded/conferred date, and the field of study (major). If your degree has not been awarded and/or you possess certificates of completion for DoD approved competency-based training courses, and/or a valid CDA/MSA credential(s), you MUST also provide a copy of your HS Diploma or equivalent. Altered transcripts will not be accepted.

Transcripts from foreign colleges must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in order to be considered. Applicants are responsible to obtain and submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency which is a private U.S. organization. Credential evaluations are not free and applicants are responsible for the cost of the selected service.

Foreign high school transcripts or diplomas do not require credential evaluation but must be in English or a certified translation.

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. When building or uploading your resume, please note there is a two-page limit. The system will restrict any attempts to submit a longer document.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/11/2026 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12960772It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status

Agency contact information

Dylan Gable
Email
dylan.a.gable.naf@us.navy.mil
Address
NAVBASE San Diego
750 Pacific Coast Highway
San Diego, CA 92132-0058
US

Next steps

Using the required qualifications of the position, a standardized rating and ranking criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used to screen and assess each application.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Times may vary during the hiring process, as your application status updates/changes you will be notified with a notification letter via email.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., Spam Blocker, etc.), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Commander, Navy Installations Command

Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Programs offer innovative, exciting and meaningful work supporting Sailors and their families across Navy Region Southwest (NRSW). FFR programs include Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Child and Youth Programs (CYP), Fleet and Family Support (FFS), and Housing. Our mission is to maximize the physical, emotional and social development of the fleet, fighter and family. FFR provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits including paid holidays, free gym access, free movies, military exchange privileges, discounted bowling and water/sports rentals, discounted tickets, tours and travel, and subsidized childcare for CYP employees. Full-time and part-time benefits also include medical, dental and life insurance; retirement plan, 401(k), and paid vacation and sick leave benefits.

NRSW Naval Base San Diego N921

Agency contact information

Dylan Gable
Email
dylan.a.gable.naf@us.navy.mil
Address
NAVBASE San Diego
750 Pacific Coast Highway
San Diego, CA 92132-0058
US

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