ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a fabulous opportunity to work within one of the most prestigious, historic and value-driven independent schools locally, with new sports facilities, growing user groups and working opportunities.
The new Sports Centre opened in Sept 2024 and is a state-of-the-art building which offers 2 4-crt Sports Halls, Gym with TechnoGym CV & Resistance machines, BlackBox free weights, fitness studio, 6 squash courts, 6 Fives courts and a Dojo. In January 2026 we expect to be adding our 6 lane 25m swimming pool and in the Summer of 2026 we will be able to offer our new floodlit full-size All-Weather Pitch to the existing sports facilities.
The Sports Centre is predominantly used by Winchester College pupils, staff & their families as well as the local community & commercial block bookings.
The main duties include supervision of the Sports Centre including the fitness suite, swimming pool and assisting with the equipment set ups for the sport programs ran throughout the College. Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness around our centre and helping to deliver first-rate service to our customers. The post is required to staff the reception, gym and swimming pool as a regular aspect of the role and work within the guidelines of the centres operating procedures and emergency action plans.
Key Responsibilities
- To ensure that the centre’s normal operating procedures and emergency action plans are followed, providing feedback to the Manager on duty when required.
- To notify the Duty Manager of any damage to the facility, equipment that needs repair, pool safety concerns.
- Adhere to the Winchester College workplace expectations; encompassing strong communication skills, reliability and initiative, safety, and accomplishment of work tasks and supervision.
- The role will require operating, instructing on & setting up various equipment such as a gym exercise machines, pool lane ropes & cover, manually setting up different types of sports equipment as well as standard office equipment & till systems.
- To instruct gym users on the correct techniques and safe use of the fitness suite equipment, as well as plan & run weekly fitness classes (qualification dependant.)
- To supervise any area of the Sports Centre, including reception, gym & lifeguard duties within the swimming pool.
- To ensure that facilities are clean and tidy and kept to a high standard, by completing regular checks, water testing & spot cleaning.
- To offer the highest level of customer service, welcoming centre users, dealing with enquiries & logging attendance.
- Providing first aid in the event of an injury, rescuing swimmers in danger or distress & administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or artificial respiration, if necessary. Accident, incident & near-miss reporting.
- Opening and closing the facility (including pool) each day, depending on schedule & hours.
- The role includes computer use on a number of different software systems & packages, as well as telephone use.
- All staff are required to attend mandatory training sessions including initial Lifeguard certificate & the monthly 2hr pool training to ensure they are competent & compliant lifeguards.
- The post holder must be consistent in nature, friendly but firm when required, to ensure a safe, fun & welcoming environment for all user groups alike.
PERSON SPECIFICATION AND KEY QUALITIES
Essential
- Current Lifeguard qualification (NPLQ) (with the recommended hours to gain qualification renewal, if required.)
Desirable
- Level 2 or equivalent fitness industry qualification
- Fitness Class Instructors Qualifications
- First Aid Certificate
- Previous experience working in a sports environment.
Personal Attributes
- Recreation Assistant must be reliable, have good time keeping and be a team player. They should also be confident and respond proactively to customer service.
- Potentially the desirable qualifications can be attained whilst working at the college should you be successful.
All Lifeguards are expected to maintain an acceptable level of fitness to enable them to excel in their training and achieve the essential time trial swims.
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Expected hours: 12.5 per week
Work Location: In person
