Recreation Assistant

Lancaster University; Bailrigg; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University, Sport Lancaster, invites applications for a Recreation Assistant based at the Bailrigg campus. You will help maintain a safe, welcoming environment across our swimming pool, climbing wall and sports halls while delivering high levels of customer service.

You will hold a RLSS UK Lifeguard qualification (or equivalent) and have Lifeguard experience, with strong communication and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• RLSS Lifeguard qualification or equivalent required.
• Experience working as a Lifeguard is essential.
• Excellent communication skills with customers are important.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Ensure pool and related facilities are safe for public use.
• Assist with cleaning tasks and routine maintenance.
• Set up sport areas and move equipment safely as required.

Skills

Lifeguard RLSS

Lifeguard Experience

Communication

Teamwork

Independence

Job description

Sports Centre
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £23,580Full time indefinite
Closing Date: Monday 28 September 2026
Interview Date: Monday 12 October 2026
Reference: 0952-26

Sport Lancaster has recently undergone an exciting phase of change and development which has opened a wide range of opportunities within an emerging and evolving environment. Joining the team at this stage means you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of Sport at the university and be a part of something inspirational.

The University has made significant investment in Sport Lancaster over recent years with the latest phase being a new 8-court badminton sports hall completed in June 2020 and now offering a truly outstanding Sports Facility.

The Sport Lancaster Team operate a purpose-built Sports Centre, facilitating our 8.5m climbing wall, multi-function Sports Halls, Swimming pool, sauna & steam room, 100 station Technogym Fitness Suite, Squash Courts. We also operate the University’s impressive Outdoor facilities including Rugby Pitches, 3G surfaces, Tennis courts and much more.

The Sports Centre is owned and managed by the University and is open to students across the UK, University staff and members of the local community. Sport Lancaster also proudly hosts several national events throughout the year.

Our team pride themselves on their knowledge and experience in their chosen area and are always on hand to guide and advise. We aim to inspire our customers to be physically active by creating a community which enables them to grow stronger, fitter and most importantly, more confident. We cater for all abilities and our facilities are fully accessible to everyone.

Recreation Assistant

As a Recreation Assistant you will work as part of a team, ensuring that the environment is safe for use and that a high level of customer service is always maintained. Alongside your responsibility for lifeguarding, you will undertake a range of duties including cleaning tasks, setting up sport areas and moving equipment safely.

You will have a current Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS UK) lifeguard qualification (or equivalent) and will have experience working as a Lifeguard. You will have excellent communication skills, and have a helpful attitude towards customers, with the ability to work independently, and as part of a team

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups

Shift Work

You will be required to work on a shift-based system, which includes the requirement for you to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, University closure days and bank holidays. Please take notice of our shift times below, you must have the ability to arrive at the Sports Centre, ready to start work at the following times –

Monday – Friday – Early Shifts - 5.30am Start

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University , including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.