The Post
Based across the range of University of Stirling sports facilities, the Sports Attendant will assist with the implementation of the University of Stirling Sport strategy relating to facilities management by maintaining and improving customer service. The role holder will be expected to show excellence in customer care when dealing with all enquires and provide a responsive life guarding and sports attendant service, prepare activity and associated areas for use, ensure that activity areas are safe and monitor the use of all sports and associated areas. The role holder may be asked by Operations Manager to cover the duties of a Duty Officer when required.
Additional Information/Special Conditions
- A working pattern operates, and the nature of the duties will require the job holder to work early morning, evenings, weekends and bank holidays and a show willingness to work additional hours to cover holidays, sickness and large events
- The earliest shift starts at 5.30am and the latest shift ends at 10.30pm
- The full-time working week is an average of 36 hours per week over a four-week rota
- Sports Attendants will receive a 1-hour, unpaid break for a shift over 6 hours
- Sports Attendants are normally expected to work two weekends in four
- The successful candidate will be expected to wear uniform
- Attendance at staff training (currently on Friday afternoons from 1pm-3pm) is compulsory and part of the working pattern
- Working patterns may be subject to change
Description of Duties
Life Guarding
- To carry out the role of a professional rescuer by preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all customers, staff and other users of the swimming pool
- To maintain a safe swimming pool environment by utilising skills acquired through training and understanding of the Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plan
Attending
- To assist in the preparation of all activity areas, meeting rooms and changing areas for use, and in accordance with the front of house system
- To monitor use of all facilities
- To ensure all equipment and facilities are safe, clean and tidy
Customer Care
- To act as a source of information to encourage repeat and new business
- To act as a point of contact for any customer enquiries
- To respond, resolve or refer issues raised by customers in accordance with agreed procedures and practices and in a polite and constructive manner
Service Development
- To work in accordance with service standards set by the University of Stirling Sport and from time to time contribute in the review and development of customer standards in response to customer feedback
- To contribute to the process of continuous improvement
Administration
- To assist with daily checks and administrative activities
Continuous Improvement
- To attend and participate in regular staff training and development activities relevant to the role
- To keep essential lifeguarding and first aid qualifications and training records up to date
- To contribute to the continuous development of the service
Health, Safety and Security
- To adhere to University policies
- To follow safe methods of work
- To follow emergency procedures as outlined and provided in the Emergency Action Plan
- To ensure other staff adhere to safe methods of work
Communicating
- To communicate effectively with staff and customers
Miscellaneous
- To undertake other duties as may be required by the Operations Manager
Please see the Job Description attached for a full description of duties.
Essential Criteria
- Hold a current STA or RLSS Pool Lifeguard qualification or equivalent
- Hold a current and recognised National Pool Plant Operators certificate, or willingness to achieve within first three months of role
- Hold a recognised First Aid certificate
- Significant experience within the sport or leisure industry (lifeguard and sports/leisure attendant experience preferred)
- Positive attitude and experience of making decisions and using judgement and initiative to solve problems
- Evidence of excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Evidence of strong organisational and interpersonal skills
- The ability to prioritise workload
- A friendly and approachable manner
- Ability and confidence working in a busy customer facing role
- Team working experience
- Flexibility in terms of hours and days of work
- Willing to work unsocial hours, weekends or public holidays as required
- Willingness to work additional or alternative hours by arrangement to cover holidays, sickness, etc
- A demonstrated commitment to customer service
- Ability to build effective relationships
- An ability to work under pressure
- Experience of making decisions and using judgement and initiative to solve problems
- Evidence of being self-motivated with a “can do” style and approach
- Computer literate, with experience of using Microsoft packages such as Outlook, Word and Excel
- A passport holder or be eligible to apply for a passport
- Successful Disclosure Scotland clearance, or willingness to apply for Disclosure Scotland clearance
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of supervising and leading a team
- Experience of reviewing and updating health and safety documents
- Further qualifications in sport, leisure, safety or fitness
- Experience of using a front of house leisure or facility management system
- Experience of front-line service delivery
- Experience of cash reconciliation
- Sales experience
Additional Information
*X2 Positions Available*
Full time
Open ended
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 13 July 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 23 July 2026.
The University will pay a supplement per annum pro rata with effect from 01 November 2025, to align with the Real Living Wage (RLW) which equates to £25,178 p.a. This RLW supplement will be reviewed annually to take account of future increases and RLW rates.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
This role will require membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
About Us
As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and The Times Sports University of the Year 2020, sport is part of the DNA at the University of Stirling. The deliverables build on the philosophy of the first Chancellor, Lord Robbins, when he spoke of ‘education with a purpose’. Our impact, contribution and ambition is purposeful in everything we do, aligned to our status as one of the top sporting institutions in the UK.
2025/26 has been another great year for sport at the University of Stirling. The success, prowess and reputation of sport at Stirling is setting standards across the sector and the inspirational performances of our elite athletes on the world’s biggest sporting stages, is complemented by the buzz of activity in the new sports facilities. Engagement levels are high, feedback is excellent and sport is contributing significantly to the health, wellbeing and experience of students, staff and community.
We don't want to rest on our laurels, and we will continue to set the standards for everyone else to follow. It is within this context that we will always challenge ourselves and seek to really make impact.
The University
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.
The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.
We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.
Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk
@stiruni
Job Reference: SERV02092
