Student Personal Trainer

Definition and Purpose 

Under the supervision of the Coordinator I—Fitness & Wellness the Personal Trainer is primarily responsible for exercise program design and personalized training for clients on a one-on-one or small group basis at the Cal Poly Recreation Center. They are responsible for exercise orientation appointments and teaching etiquette in the Exercise areas, as well as responsible for greeting and developing professional relationships with participants. The Personal Trainer will ensure that the equipment is used appropriately, and for desired purposes. 

ASI is committed to supporting the aspirations of the University Learning Objectives.  Our employees are expected to make reasoned decisions based on ethics, respect for diversity, and an awareness of issues of sustainability. Additionally, they will work productively as individuals and in groups while communicating effectively. 

This position is based at the Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Educational Requirements and Qualifying Experience 

• Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units. Graduate students must carry 4 units. 
• Extensive knowledge of exercise physiology and kinesiology, safe training procedures, exercise program design and implementation, and the proper use of cardiovascular, resistance, free weights, and related fitness equipment. 
• NASM, ACSM, NSCA, ACE, or other nationally recognized Personal Trainer Certification required. 
• Previous experience in supervising and instructing participants in a fitness environment. 
• Ability to be highly organized and have good planning skills. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Ability to empathize and connect with others in an appropriate manner. 
• Current American Red Cross certification in the following: Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid is required within 30 days of hire, training provided by ASI.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds, specific needs, or limitations. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• None 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Educate clients and enforce policies regarding safe and proper use of fitness equipment and facility. 
• Develop, document, and implement one-on-one workout programs that match the needs and goals of clients. 
• Instruct clients on basic exercise physiology and inform them as to proper lifting and exercise techniques. 
• Familiarize clients with the safe and effective use of all cardiovascular, resistance, and free weight equipment. 
• Provide clients with exercise and diet recommendations to meet their desired fitness goal. 
• Gather and maintain information on clients’ fitness expectations and provide guidance for reaching those goals. 
• Maintain client files per industry standards. 
• Provide safe and effective weightlifting spotting techniques to clients. 
• Develop and implement personal training workshops. 
• Respond to, and follow, all emergency procedures. 
• Competent in providing one-on-one individual personal training service to clients. 
• Maintain familiarity with evacuation plan for work area. 
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and outreach marketing events. 
• Maintain efficient, clean, and organized workspace. 
• Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants and coworkers. 
• Awareness of safety concerns and risk management. 
• Maintain prompt hours, follow attendance policies, and ensure accurate timekeeping. 
• Maintain a working relationship with staff and co-workers. 
• Adhere to and enforce all ASI departmental policies and procedures. 
• Ensure a safe environment for all clients. 
• Commitment to student development and leadership. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Other Duties and Responsibilities 

• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI policy as a condition of their employment. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Background Check  

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. ASI will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current ASI employee who was conditionally offered the position. 

Period of Employment 

Employment with this organization is of an "at will" nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and ASI may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause. 

Compensation and Hours 

• Hourly Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour - $32.00 per hour for single sessions (based on experience), $20.00 per hour - $32.00 per hour for group sessions (based on experience), $16.90 per hour for training/meeting time  
• Hourly Pay Range: $18.00 per hour - $32.00 per hour for single sessions (based on experience), $20.00 per hour - $32.00 per hour for group sessions (based on experience), $16.90 per hour - $16.90 per hour for training/meeting time  

Location: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.

Date revised: 7/24/2026 

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.