OPT Group Fitness Instructor Jobs
Group Fitness Instructor jobs are available to F-1 OPT students whose degree is in kinesiology, exercise science, sports management, or a related field. Your OPT work authorization must be directly tied to your major, so the role needs to connect clearly to your coursework and career goals.
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Organization's Summary Statement: With the oversight of the Director of Strength & Conditioning, the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports will prepare male and female student-athletes at the University of Maryland for the rigor and demands of intercollegiate competition. The primary function of this position is the management of athletic performance preparation including, but not limited to, the application of appropriate motivational techniques, implementation of evidence-based training methods, and safe and correct execution of the following training parameters: power development, plyometric & agility training, energy system development, and sport-specific movement training.
The Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach will design athletic enhancement programs emphasizing individual and team-specific needs and report on progress. This position supports the Director of Strength & Conditioning and performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience working with athletic performance programs in a collegiate and/or professional setting.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
- Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a team-based environment.
Physical Demands: The scope of the position requires evening and weekend (non-standard work hours) and some travel as assigned. Constantly moves about the facility and event site before, during, and after events to service student-athletes; constantly communicates via telephone, email, and in-person with others to exchange accurate information. Standing, walking, kneeling/crouching, balancing, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Preferences: Master’s degree preferred, along with experience with player monitoring, GPS, reporting, and data analytics. USA Weightlifting (USAW) and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) or equivalent movement assessment certification preferred. Demonstrated experience collaborating with other performance team members: sports medicine, nutrition, psychology, academic support, and sport coaches. Experience working with NCAA Division I Baseball and other Olympic sports.
Licenses/ Certifications: CSCCa or NSCA certification, as well as First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications, are required.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, and References (3)
Best Consideration Date: September 28, 2026
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: Yes
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
PRES-ICA-Support Services
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$65,000 - $71,050.00
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
Resources
- Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online
Search Firm Managed Recruitment
There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm.
Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement: With the oversight of the Director of Strength & Conditioning, the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports will prepare male and female student-athletes at the University of Maryland for the rigor and demands of intercollegiate competition. The primary function of this position is the management of athletic performance preparation including, but not limited to, the application of appropriate motivational techniques, implementation of evidence-based training methods, and safe and correct execution of the following training parameters: power development, plyometric & agility training, energy system development, and sport-specific movement training.
The Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach will design athletic enhancement programs emphasizing individual and team-specific needs and report on progress. This position supports the Director of Strength & Conditioning and performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience working with athletic performance programs in a collegiate and/or professional setting.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
- Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a team-based environment.
Physical Demands: The scope of the position requires evening and weekend (non-standard work hours) and some travel as assigned. Constantly moves about the facility and event site before, during, and after events to service student-athletes; constantly communicates via telephone, email, and in-person with others to exchange accurate information. Standing, walking, kneeling/crouching, balancing, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Preferences: Master’s degree preferred, along with experience with player monitoring, GPS, reporting, and data analytics. USA Weightlifting (USAW) and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) or equivalent movement assessment certification preferred. Demonstrated experience collaborating with other performance team members: sports medicine, nutrition, psychology, academic support, and sport coaches. Experience working with NCAA Division I Baseball and other Olympic sports.
Licenses/ Certifications: CSCCa or NSCA certification, as well as First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications, are required.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, and References (3)
Best Consideration Date: September 28, 2026
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: Yes
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
PRES-ICA-Support Services
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
$65,000 - $71,050.00
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
Resources
- Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online
Search Firm Managed Recruitment
There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm.
See all OPT Group Fitness Instructor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Group Fitness Instructor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Group Fitness Instructor
Frame your OPT as a hiring advantage
Employers don't need to file petitions for OPT hires. When reaching out, clarify that you already have work authorization and the process requires no immediate sponsorship cost or paperwork on their end.
Connect your degree to the role explicitly
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. In applications, spell out how your kinesiology, exercise science, or health promotion degree maps to the Group Fitness Instructor responsibilities you'll perform.
Prioritize employers with multiple locations
Gyms and fitness studios with multiple sites are more likely to have HR processes already in place for work authorization questions, making them more comfortable hiring OPT students than independent studios.
Get your certifications before you apply
Holding an active ACE, NASM, or AFAA certification signals professional readiness and removes one barrier employers use to screen candidates. It also strengthens the case that your work qualifies as career-related employment.
Target university recreation centers and campus gyms
Campus recreation departments regularly hire OPT students, understand F-1 work authorization, and often have HR staff familiar with the documentation process. These roles also tend to have stable hours suited to OPT requirements.
Document every employment connection to your field
Keep records showing how each Group Fitness Instructor role relates to your degree. If USCIS or your DSO ever asks, you need clear documentation tying your day-to-day responsibilities to your academic program and career goals.
Group Fitness Instructor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Group Fitness Instructor work qualify for F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a directly related field such as kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, or health promotion. The role must connect to your major, not just your interests. A fitness instructor position held by someone with a business or engineering degree would not meet the OPT employment requirement without a clear programmatic connection.
Can I work part-time as a Group Fitness Instructor on OPT?
Yes. During pre-completion OPT you're limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During post-completion OPT you can work full-time, part-time, or a combination of jobs as long as you're working at least 20 hours per week in total. Group fitness roles that involve multiple classes across different locations can count together toward that threshold.
Can I teach at multiple gyms or studios simultaneously on OPT?
Yes. OPT allows multiple concurrent employers as long as each role is directly related to your degree and your combined hours meet the 20-hour minimum during post-completion OPT. You must report each employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting. Keep your SEVP portal records updated to avoid any compliance issues that could affect your status.
Where can I find Group Fitness Instructor jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so listings there are filtered for work authorization compatibility. General job boards don't filter by OPT eligibility, which means you often spend time applying to roles where the employer won't hire someone on work authorization. Migrate Mate removes that friction.
What happens to my OPT if a gym closes or my contract ends?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during post-completion OPT. If your role ends, you're not immediately out of status, but you need to secure a new qualifying position before that buffer runs out. Notify your DSO promptly when employment ends. Part-time class schedules can sometimes be restructured across employers to maintain your 20-hour weekly minimum while you transition.