About South Suburban Parks & Recreation – A Community Leader in Active Living
South Suburban Parks & Recreation (SSPR) is more than a collection of ice rinks, fitness centers, and outdoor spaces – it is a vibrant, community‑focused organization dedicated to fostering healthy, active lifestyles across the Denver‑Metro region. With a mission to “foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space,” we deliver a wide spectrum of recreational services that touch the lives of thousands of residents each year. From the iconic South Platte Park to our state‑of‑the‑art ice centers, from competitive youth sports leagues to serene botanical gardens, we offer experiences that inspire, engage, and bring people together.
Our organization operates four full‑service recreation centers, two ice arenas, multiple golf courses, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, a miniature golf complex, a nature center, and a boutique hotel. We also manage nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space, 119 multi‑purpose athletic fields, 100+ parks, 80 miles of trail, and dozens of playgrounds and tennis courts. This expansive portfolio creates a dynamic environment where staff members can grow, innovate, and make a tangible impact on the well‑being of the communities we serve.
As an employer, SSPR prides itself on a supportive, inclusive culture that values collaboration, continuous learning, and employee empowerment. Our team members enjoy a flexible work environment, robust professional development pathways, and generous benefits that recognize the importance of work‑life balance.
Position Overview – Why This Role Is Unique
We are seeking enthusiastic, skilled, and safety‑focused individuals to join our ice skating team as Part‑Time Skating Instructors. This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about ice skating, enjoy teaching, and thrive in a setting that blends hands‑on instruction with community engagement. Whether you specialize in Learn‑to‑Skate fundamentals or advanced disciplines such as Freestyle, Ice Dance, or Pairs, you will have the autonomy to design engaging lesson plans, assess participant progress, and contribute to a safe, fun learning environment.
Key highlights of the role include:
- Remote scheduling flexibility – choose shifts that fit your lifestyle, from early mornings to evenings.
- Competitive hourly wage ranging from $19.85 to $27.82, commensurate with experience and certification level.
- Opportunity to work in a community‑centric organization that values personal growth and professional excellence.
Core Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day
Instruction & Lesson Planning
- Develop and deliver structured lesson plans for Learn‑to‑Skate classes, ensuring alignment with USFS Moves in the Field standards and ISI curriculum.
- Teach specialty programs—including Freestyle, Ice Dance, and Pairs—tailoring instruction to varying skill levels and learning styles.
- Utilize progressive skill‑building techniques, visual demonstrations, and hands‑on guidance to accelerate participant development.
- Incorporate safety protocols and injury‑prevention strategies into every lesson.
Student Assessment & Progress Tracking
- Maintain accurate attendance records and weekly progress logs for each participant.
- Conduct skill assessments at regular intervals, providing constructive feedback and setting achievable goals.
- Adapt lesson pacing based on individual performance data, ensuring each student feels challenged yet supported.
Facility & Equipment Management
- Inspect ice surfaces, skates, and protective equipment before each class to guarantee optimal safety.
- Report any maintenance issues promptly to facility management.
- Ensure the rink environment is welcoming, clean, and organized for both participants and spectators.
Community & Customer Service
- Provide positive, clear communication with parents, guardians, and adult participants regarding class schedules, policies, and progress.
- Foster an inclusive, encouraging atmosphere that celebrates diversity and promotes respect among all rink users.
- Represent SSPR at community events, open houses, and promotional activities to raise awareness of skating programs.
Professional Development & Collaboration
- Participate in regular staff meetings, training workshops, and certification updates.
- Share best practices and innovative teaching techniques with fellow instructors.
- Engage in continuous learning to maintain and advance PSA, USFS, and ISI ratings.
Qualifications – What We’re Looking For
Essential Qualifications (Learn‑to‑Skate Instructor)
- Minimum age of 18 years with a high school diploma or equivalent.
- At least one (1) year of documented experience teaching ice skating to beginners.
- Current membership in the PSA (Professional Skaters Association) and the USFS (U.S. Figure Skating) or ISI (Ice Skating Institute).
- Successful completion of USFS 2nd and/or Juvenile Freestyle tests, or the equivalent ISU/ISI certifications (e.g., Figure 3, Freestyle 5, Bronze Dance, or Juvenile Pair).
- Current CPR/AED & First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
- Concussion recognition training completed prior to start date, with annual renewal.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey technical concepts in an accessible manner.
- Demonstrated commitment to creating a safe, supportive learning environment.
Preferred Qualifications (Specialty Skating Instructor)
- Advanced certification such as Junior Freestyle or higher, or the equivalent ISU test.
- Two (2) or more years of specialty instruction experience (Freestyle, Ice Dance, Pairs).
- Track record of achieving PSA rating in the instructor’s specialty field within two years.
- Experience coaching competitive skaters or preparing athletes for regional/national events.
- Familiarity with adaptive skating programs and inclusive teaching strategies.
Skills & Competencies – Keys to Success
- Instructional expertise: Ability to break down complex skating techniques into digestible steps.
- Patience & empathy: Sensitivity to different learning paces and confidence‑building needs.
- Safety awareness: Vigilant monitoring of rink conditions and immediate response to injuries.
- Organizational skill: Efficient management of class rosters, equipment inventory, and documentation.
- Team collaboration: Working effectively with fellow staff, facility managers, and volunteers.
- Adaptability: Comfortable adjusting lesson plans for varying group sizes, weather‑related schedule changes, and evolving community needs.
- Customer‑service orientation: Professional demeanor when interacting with parents, participants, and the public.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – What You’ll Receive
Salary: Hourly wage ranging from $19.85 to $27.82, based on experience, certifications, and class type (Learn‑to‑Skate vs. Specialty).
Benefits package (available to part‑time staff working 14+ hours/week):
- FREE access to district fitness centers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- Discounted rates on recreation classes, golf, and other SSPR programming.
- Paid sick leave and holiday pay in accordance with district policy.
- Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and continuing education related to skating instruction.
- Professional liability insurance coverage while on duty.
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate personal commitments and seasonal demand.
- Employee recognition programs and peer‑to‑peer awards.
In addition to these tangible benefits, SSPR fosters a culture of mentorship, encouraging new instructors to shadow seasoned coaches, attend national clinics, and pursue higher PSA ratings—all supported by the organization’s training budget.
Career Growth & Development – Your Path Forward
South Suburban Parks & Recreation is committed to internal talent development. As a Skating Instructor, you will have clear pathways to advance your career:
- Senior Instructor / Program Coordinator: Oversee multiple classes, design curriculum across the district, and liaise with senior management.
- Coach for Competitive Teams: Lead club‑level competitive skaters, prepare athletes for regional and national championships.
- Director of Ice Sports & Programs: Manage the overall strategic direction of all ice‑related activities, including budget oversight and community outreach.
- Continuing Education: Access to external workshops, certification courses, and conferences at discounted rates.
- Leadership Development: Participation in SSPR’s Emerging Leaders program, focused on building managerial competencies and project‑management skills.
Our structured promotion timeline and transparent evaluation process ensure that high‑performing instructors are recognized and rewarded for their contributions.
Work Environment & Culture – What It’s Like to Be Part of SSPR
Our facilities are modern, well‑maintained, and equipped with the latest ice‑making technology. The work environment is characterized by:
- Collaborative team spirit: Instructors, lifeguards, fitness staff, and event coordinators work together to deliver seamless experiences.
- Inclusive atmosphere: We celebrate diversity and actively recruit staff from various backgrounds to reflect the communities we serve.
- Safety‑first mindset: Comprehensive training on emergency response, concussion awareness, and first‑aid protocols is provided.
- Community impact: Instructors often become mentors, inspiring youth to develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of physical activity.
- Work‑life balance: Scheduling flexibility allows you to pursue personal skating goals, education, or family commitments while contributing to the community.
Application Process – How to Join Our Team
Ready to glide into a rewarding career with South Suburban Parks & Recreation? Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare an up‑to‑date resume highlighting your skating experience, certifications, and any relevant teaching or coaching achievements.
- Write a concise cover letter that showcases your passion for ice skating, your instructional philosophy, and why you are excited to work with SSPR.
- Submit your application through our online portal by clicking the “” button below.
- Qualified candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview, followed by an on‑site teaching demonstration to assess instructional style and safety awareness.
- Successful applicants will receive an offer letter outlining start date, compensation, and onboarding details.
We aim to fill this position quickly, so early applications are encouraged. All qualified candidates will receive equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Conclusion – Take the Next Step in Your Skating Career
If you are a dynamic, safety‑conscious, and enthusiastic skating professional who thrives on teaching others to glide with confidence, South Suburban Parks & Recreation wants to hear from you. This role offers a rewarding blend of flexible work hours, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and clear pathways for professional advancement. Join our team and make a lasting impact on the lives of community members—one stride at a time.
Apply Now – Start Your Journey on Ice!
Apply Now