Summary

This NAF position is for a Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist) within the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Fitness Program, located at SUBASE New London in Groton, CT. The incumbent is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering comprehensive fitness programs by designing and leading exercise programs, providing command outreach, supporting the Navy's Physical Readiness Program, and assisting in the management of facility operations.

This job is open to

The public

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

Clarification from the agency

Please see the "Who May Apply" section under the Qualifications section.

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.
Assist patrons on the fitness floor by providing training tips 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 pass all applicable records and background check.
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.
Work includes lifting up to 40 lbs. unassisted. Incumbent may lift heavier weight, but with assistance. considerable amount of standing and exercise demonstrations are required.
Occasional travel of less than 10% may be required.
Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. (review required documents section for more information.)
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.
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.).
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.

Qualifications

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.

A qualified candidate must possess:

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.

Some positions have special requirements. Selection may be tentative pending the completion of these requirements. Applicants may be required to submit proof of education, participate in medical screening, drug testing, etc. All selections are contingent upon satisfactory employment reference checks. Employment is subject to successful National Agency Background Check. Occupants of this position must maintain the privacy of official work information and data and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct.

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.

Review our benefits

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:

Resume
Proof of education/training/licensure: provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s) and licensure as 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: Failure to provide the required documents may impact eligibility, qualifications determination.

Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. This applies to everyone, including the following: but not all inclusive:

Vendors
Dependents aged 18 and older
Service Providers
Veterans with service-connected disabilities
Contractors
Visitors (includes visitors in same vehicle with CAC holder)
Transportation services (taxi, limo, ride share)
Agent, Assist, Aid, Care Giver Letters
Au Pairs, Child Care Providers

What are acceptable alternative forms of identification for base access? If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can use one of the following:

U.S. passport or passport card
Military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC, DoD retired ID card)
Permanent resident card (Green Card)
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
Other forms of identification accepted by the Department of Homeland Security

How can I obtain a REAL ID-compliant license? To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you'll need to visit your state's driver's license agency with the following documents:

Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card)
Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)

Please follow the link below for more information in regards to READ ID for base access:https://cnrma.cnic.navy.mil/Operations-and-Management/Base-Access/REAL-ID-Act/

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.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on February 18, 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/12864341

It 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

DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to MILL_HQ_NAF_HR.FCT@navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given.

Agency contact information

CNRMA NAF HRO

Email: CNRMANAFHR@us.navy.mil

Address: SUBASE New London CT
83 Grayling Ave
Groton, CT 06349
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.

Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist) Job in Groton, CT