"Senior Fitness Trainer"

Job Description:

• Great team vibe and supportive culture
• Dynamic, vibrant campus environment
• Inclusive Sport and Wellbeing community

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We’re looking for a motivated and engaging Senior Fitness Trainer to deliver exceptional fitness experiences at UniRec. In this role, you’ll engage with members, design tailored exercise programmes, and ensure a safe, supportive, and inspiring gym environment. This role will provide leadership on the gym floor to our diverse membership base including students, staff and community members of all ages.

You’ll also lead the exercise prescription for our LifeFit (functional ageing and seniors) and WellFit (mental and physical wellbeing) programmes, driving their development, delivery, and impact. As a senior team member, you’ll also mentor Fitness Trainers and contribute to new fitness initiatives that grow and enhance our offerings.

If you’re passionate about helping others achieve their best and want to make a real difference in our fitness community, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary will be based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a part-time role, working Tuesday-Saturday (20-30 hours a week, with flexibility to work evenings if cover is required), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You’re a qualified and experienced fitness professional with a passion for helping others thrive. With a degree in Sport or Exercise Science and strong knowledge of safe, effective training practices, you bring expertise in supporting older adults, students who require extra support, and those with health or wellbeing goals.

You’re an excellent communicator who builds trust easily, leads with empathy, and thrives in a collaborative, high-energy environment. Motivated, adaptable, and client-focused, you’re committed to fostering inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous growth - for yourself, our team, and our UniRec community.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Sport and Wellbeing Group develop and manage high quality, relevant sport and wellbeing programmes and facilities that support students, staff and the wider community to be active and healthy, enhancing the University of Waikato experience. Sport and Wellbeing managed facilities and services include UniRec, Wellbeing Hub, Esport Arena, and university sports fields, events and clubs.

The Group is part of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the university’s executive leadership office, and is led by the Associate Director, Sport and Wellbeing.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Thursday 15th January 2026

Requisition number: 1003078