Instructor Jobs in Iowa
Instructor jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids, where community colleges, university systems, and corporate training centers maintain steady demand across K-12, higher education, and workforce development. Kirkwood Community College, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University are among the most consistent employers, alongside corporate training divisions at major Iowa-based manufacturers and financial services firms. Demand is strongest for instructors specializing in technical and trades education, adult workforce training, and academic subject instruction at the community college level. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 4 of 14+ Instructor jobs
A Job That Changes Lives, Starting with Yours!
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause – it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference – every day.
EVERY position positively impacts others at the Y!
POSITION OVERVIEW:
This position is responsible for the preparation, planning and instruction of Les Mills group exercise classes, facilitating member involvement and relationship building, assisting in the development of member small group communities, and providing excellent customer service. This position is responsible for exemplifying professionalism and leadership in the areas of fitness and exercise and serving as a resource for staff and members.
JOB LOCATION: Wellmark YMCA
CLASS FORMATS: Les Mills BODYPUMP HEAVY and/or BODYCOMBAT
SHIFTS / CLASS AVAILABLE: Various class times available
HOURLY RATE RANGE: $12.00-$15.00/hour based on qualifications and experience.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: November 19, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Design, plan, prepare, and instruct assigned group exercise classes.
- Create a welcoming and inclusive class environment.
- Promote member engagement by encouraging involvement in related Y programs and small communities.
- Assume a leadership role for members, demonstrating professionalism and group exercise expertise.
- Encourage and support members as they strive to attain their personal fitness and wellness goals.
- Assist, as required, with training and orientation of new Y staff.
- Set up equipment or facility before class.
- Store or secure equipment upon completion of class.
- Maintain records as directed by supervisor or designated staff person.
- Ensure safety is a priority in instructional methods used and educate participants on proper form, anatomy, contraindications, and modification of moves.
- Know all emergency procedures and be able to demonstrate them.
- Complete accident/incident reports and submits to supervisor or designated staff person.
- Attend department and Branch staff meetings as required.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or designated staff person.
- Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Association as embodied in the mission statement and values.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical functions
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Perform basic computer skills such as using the computerized time clock and online training requirements.
- Current Les Mills certification
- Satisfactory demonstration of instructor skill competencies
- Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certifications or equivalent - Prior to hire
- Child Abuse Prevention Training - Prior to hire
- Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
- Regularly required to stand, walk, run; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
- Regularly required to demonstrate and perform various exercise movements; move body and perform exercise movements to the beat of music;
- Regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate.
- Occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. - Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Help positively impact children and families in our community and SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPACT YOUR OWN LIFE - experience, knowledge, satisfaction and joy are just some of the ways you'll grown, learn and thrive.
Apply and begin your life changing Y journey TODAY!
A Job That Changes Lives, Starting with Yours!
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause – it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference – every day.
EVERY position positively impacts others at the Y!
POSITION OVERVIEW:
This position is responsible for the preparation, planning and instruction of Les Mills group exercise classes, facilitating member involvement and relationship building, assisting in the development of member small group communities, and providing excellent customer service. This position is responsible for exemplifying professionalism and leadership in the areas of fitness and exercise and serving as a resource for staff and members.
JOB LOCATION: Wellmark YMCA
CLASS FORMATS: Les Mills BODYPUMP HEAVY and/or BODYCOMBAT
SHIFTS / CLASS AVAILABLE: Various class times available
HOURLY RATE RANGE: $12.00-$15.00/hour based on qualifications and experience.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: November 19, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Design, plan, prepare, and instruct assigned group exercise classes.
- Create a welcoming and inclusive class environment.
- Promote member engagement by encouraging involvement in related Y programs and small communities.
- Assume a leadership role for members, demonstrating professionalism and group exercise expertise.
- Encourage and support members as they strive to attain their personal fitness and wellness goals.
- Assist, as required, with training and orientation of new Y staff.
- Set up equipment or facility before class.
- Store or secure equipment upon completion of class.
- Maintain records as directed by supervisor or designated staff person.
- Ensure safety is a priority in instructional methods used and educate participants on proper form, anatomy, contraindications, and modification of moves.
- Know all emergency procedures and be able to demonstrate them.
- Complete accident/incident reports and submits to supervisor or designated staff person.
- Attend department and Branch staff meetings as required.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or designated staff person.
- Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Association as embodied in the mission statement and values.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical functions
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Perform basic computer skills such as using the computerized time clock and online training requirements.
- Current Les Mills certification
- Satisfactory demonstration of instructor skill competencies
- Current Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Certifications or equivalent - Prior to hire
- Child Abuse Prevention Training - Prior to hire
- Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
- Regularly required to stand, walk, run; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;
- Regularly required to demonstrate and perform various exercise movements; move body and perform exercise movements to the beat of music;
- Regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate.
- Occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. - Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Help positively impact children and families in our community and SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPACT YOUR OWN LIFE - experience, knowledge, satisfaction and joy are just some of the ways you'll grown, learn and thrive.
Apply and begin your life changing Y journey TODAY!
See All 14 Instructor Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Instructor JobsInstructor Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Instructor Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in instructor jobs across Iowa.
- Iowa teaching license or equivalent credential issued or recognized by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject area or in education
- Prior teaching, training, or facilitation experience in an academic or professional setting
- Demonstrated subject matter expertise through coursework, industry experience, or certifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse adult and student learners
- Ability to develop and deliver curriculum aligned with program or institutional learning outcomes
Instructor Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a instructor in Iowa?
The path depends on the setting. For K-12 instruction, candidates must hold a license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, which requires an approved educator preparation program and passing the relevant Praxis or Iowa Licensure Test. Community college and workforce development instructors typically need a degree in their subject area and relevant work experience. Corporate and continuing education instructors generally do not require a state license, but industry certifications strengthen candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire instructors in Iowa?
Employers hiring instructors in Iowa right now include Iowa Western Community College, Iowa Central Community College, and YMCA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's large community college network, public university systems, and manufacturing and financial sectors generate consistent instructor openings throughout the year.
Which Iowa cities have the most instructor jobs?
Council Bluffs, Grimes, and Newton have the most instructor openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives the largest share through its concentration of community colleges, corporate headquarters, and healthcare and financial services employers with active training programs, while Iowa City and Cedar Rapids benefit from major university and community college campuses that create steady demand for academic and workforce instructors.
Are there remote instructor jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since much of instructor work involves in-person facilitation, lab oversight, or hands-on demonstration. About 0% of instructor openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in online course delivery, corporate e-learning, and continuing education programs where synchronous or asynchronous virtual instruction is well established.
How can I get hired as a instructor in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a teaching assistant, instructional aide, or adjunct role at one of Iowa's community colleges, such as Kirkwood Community College, Des Moines Area Community College, or Iowa Central Community College, which regularly hire part-time instructors to build their rosters. Candidates coming from industry can transition by earning a relevant certification and applying for workforce development or continuing education roles, where hands-on professional experience often outweighs formal teaching credentials. Building a short portfolio of lesson plans or training materials and completing the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners' substitute authorization can also open doors to full-time positions faster.
Where can I find and apply to instructor jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to instructor jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Iowa employers. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience.
See All 14 Instructor Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Instructor Jobs