Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist)

Department of the Navy

Portsmouth, Virginia Full-time $20 – $21 Closes Jul 15, 2026

Summary

This position is located in the Sports and Fitness Division, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department. Incumbent serves as a Fitness instructor, personal trainer or group fitness instructor and may perform one or a combination of the following functions within the Fitness, Sports, and Deployed Support Program Branch: Group Exercise, Command Fitness Leader (CFL) Outreach, and Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) Outreach. MWR Portsmouth Annex

Duties

  • Group Exercise (includes but 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 (includes but 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.
  • Assists patrons on the fitness floor by providing training tips in order to prevent unsafe or ineffective exercise techniques.
  • General (includes but not limited to): Provides certified personal training services to all eligible patrons.
  • 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.
  • Assists customers by providing general fitness information, instruction on proper use of fitness equipment and program information.
  • Ensures fitness spaces and equipment are clean and maintained.
  • Performs basic equipment maintenance and repair.
  • 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.
  • Assists with marketing and promotion of fitness programs.
  • Assists Fitness Director and/or Coordinator with Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS), Mission Nutrition Command Fitness Leader Course and other CNIC Headquarters supported/endorsed programs.

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

Required Documents

Prepare the documents below before applying. Always confirm the exact requirements on the official announcement, since they vary by position:

  • 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/

About this role

The Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist) position with the Department of the Navy is based in Portsmouth, Virginia. This position is located in the Sports and Fitness Division, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department. The role pays $19.50 to $21.00 per hour.

Day to day, the work involves providing fitness training and programming to groups of various sizes. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.

Who should apply

Review the announcement's Qualifications section closely, since it defines exactly what federal recreation services experience this Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist) position requires. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Recreation Specialist (Fitness Specialist) position with the Department of the Navy in Portsmouth, Virginia, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.

How competitive it is

The posted pay of $19.50 to $21.00 per hour places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on July 15, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.

This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.

Job Details

Department Department of the Navy
Job Type Full-time
Location Portsmouth, Virginia
Salary $20 – $21
Pay Period Per Hour
Closing Date Jul 15, 2026
Posted Jun 24, 2026
Source ID 26-12993248
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