Permanent Lifeguard/Instructor (Ennis Leisure Complex)

Clarecoco; Ireland; Remote; EUR 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Clare County Council invites applications for a Lifeguard Instructor at the Active Ennis Leisure Complex in Ennis. The role involves safeguarding pool users, teaching swimming, lifesaving and aquafit, and running camps and parties with training provided.

Duties include equipment checks, maintaining hygiene, and promoting safety. Applicants must hold NPW Level 2, Swim Teacher awards, and First Aid or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Hold a National Pool Lifeguard Award Level 2 or equivalent; full training provided if required.
• Hold a Full Swim Teacher Award or equivalent; assistants may be upgraded.
• Possess a current First Aid certification; health suitability as per standard.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard pool users through constant observation during duty.
• Teach swimming, lifesaving, aquafit and run camps or parties when required.
• Inspect equipment and pool areas for safety and cleanliness; report defects.
• Promote swimming and safe pool behaviour; assist with duty manager as needed.

Skills

National Pool Lifeguard Award Level 2

Full Swim Teacher Award

Assistant Swim Teacher Award

First Aid Certification

Evenings & weekends availability

Education

Good standard of education

Job description

Reference ID

274

Closing Date for Application

12:00 PM on 01/10/2026

General Information

Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.

Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include Planning, Placemaking & Economic Development, Rural & Community Development, Housing Services, Housing Activation & Delivery, Capital Infrastructure Delivery, Land Activation, Derelict Sites and Property, Transportation, Mobility and Health & Safety, Climate Action, Environment & Water Services, Fire Service, Building Control & Major Emergency Management, Tourism, Festivals & Events, Libraries, Arts & Cultural Services, Enterprise and Investment, along with and sports & amenities,. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance, People, Culture and Organisational Development functions.

There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.

The Competition

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Lifeguard Instructor from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Job Description

The Active Ennis Leisure Complex is a complete indoor health and fitness arena with white flag accreditation, providing pool and gym-based activities for all individuals and clubs in Ennis and further afield. Active Ennis Leisure Complex has for many years had a great association with water safety and with the Lifeguard Service in particular. Many of the lifeguards who have guarded the beaches of Clare over the years availed of their early training in the pool. Active Ennis Leisure Complex is widely recognised as the centre of excellence for swim lessons in Clare. Our team of instructors has vast experience teaching adults and children at all levels from beginner to competitive swimmer.

The principal duty of the Lifeguard Instructor shall be to safeguard the users of the pool by maintaining a constant observation of all swimmers while on duty. The successful candidate will also be tasked to work across other streams of activities provided within the Complex for example, teaching swimming classes, lifesaving lessons, aquafit classes, running camps, allowing the candidate to develop their career potential. Training will be provided.

Duties

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require.

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following:

• The principal duty of the Lifeguard Instructor shall be to safeguard the users of the pool by maintaining a constant observation of all swimmers while on duty.
• The Lifeguard Instructor may be tasked to work across the other streams of activities provided within the Active Ennis complex and where relevant particular training for the duties will be provided or verified by the Manager.
• On commencement of daily duties, shall inspect all equipment at their disposal and ensure that it is serviceable. They shall then inspect the pool and pool area, making sure that it is clean and safe for use.
• When defects are noticed, shall rectify them where possible, and if not, immediately bring them to the attention of the Supervisor.
• Point out the regulations to the swimmers and make sure that hygiene is practised by them in the use of showers, etc.
• See that the pool users are well behaved and shall discourage any conduct that might lead to the injury or discomfort of other swimmers.
• Where minor offences occur, such as disobeying instructions or breaking the rules, the offenders shall be warned before being reported to the Management. Immediately report to the Duty Manager incidents of gross misconduct.
• The successful candidate will be required to teach swimming, lifesaving lessons & aquafit, take classes, run Camps & Birthday Parties. (training will be provided).
• Encourage and promote swimming and the use of the pool.
• Stand in for the Duty Manager in operating the pool equipment when occasion demands. Co-operate with the Duty Manager in maintaining the efficient running of the pool.
• Give any information in relation to the pool to the County Council or its officials as requested from time to time. Render first-aid and resuscitation when/if required and shall make every effort to improve competency in this regard.
• Required to carry out hygiene duties in and around the pool area/changing village and the Leisure Complex when required.
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager.

Qualifications for the post

1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Hold a National Pool Lifeguard Award Level 2 from Water Safety Ireland. Valid original certificate will be required to be presented prior to employment.

OR

(b) Applicants who hold a lifeguard qualification from another recognised body can apply; however, if successful, they must complete and pass the National Pool Lifeguard Award Level 2 course from Water Safety Ireland before commencing employment. This course will be provided by Clare County council.

(c) Hold a Full Swim Teacher Award/Qualification from Water Safety Ireland or equivalent.

OR

(d) Hold an Assistant Swim Teacher Award from Water Safety Ireland or Swim Ireland. Successful applicants must obtain a full Swim Teacher Award from Water Safety Ireland within their one-year probationary period.

(e) A current Certificate in Occupational First Aid, or the ability to obtain this certification prior to commencement of employment.

(f) Have a good standard of education to enable them to carry out their duties efficiently.

Failure to input and upload proof of essential criteria in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay‑scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post (June 2026): €802.00 - €823.78 per week

The annual leave applicable to this post will be 25 days per year. Clare County Council’s holiday year runs from 1 st January to 31 st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Working Hours

• The post-holder may be required to work a 39 hour week, and will be required to work evenings and weekends as part of their normal working week.
• The post-holder may be required to work Sunday as part of your employment contract and in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 the fact of you having to work on that day has been taken into account in the determination of your pay.
• Payment for working a public holiday will be in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and as determined by Clare County Council.
• A roster may be in operation as determined by the Line Manager

Age

Each candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or
• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

CANVASSING

Any attempt by a candidate or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of Clare County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

It is the responsibility of the candidate to declare if they are in receipt of any convictions/prosecutions and to bring this to the attention of the People & Culture Officer without delay.

GARDA VETTING

Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position in line with the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children AND Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.

HEALTH

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. In addition, there are many opportunities for further professional and personal development.

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT

The position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The post-holder will be expected to abide & adhere to the policies & procedures applicable to Clare County Council. These include but are not limited to:

• Code of Conduct for Employees
• Attendance Management Policy & Sick Leave scheme
• Grievance
• Performance Management & Development System
• Confidentiality
• Information Communications & Acceptable Usage Policy and Social Media Policy
• Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
• Dignity at work

PRIVACY

Please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice

PROBATION

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

• there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such office on probation;
• such period shall be eleven months, but the Chief Executive may at their own discretion extend such period;
• such persons shall cease to hold such employment at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory;
• the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and

Terms of Employment Acts;

• there will be assessments during the probationary

RECRUITMENT

An eligibility exercise may be carried out, if required, on all applications received to determine if applicants satisfy the essential qualification criteria outlined in the Job Specification Document.

Shortlisting:

Clare County Council may short-list based on an examination of the application forms received. In this instance, an expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position.

Short-listing does not suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ work experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence if competencies are required for this position. Shortlisting may also take the form of a short interview.

Competitive Interviews:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the local authority. Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.

Acknowledgement of Eligibility Review:

A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panels, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

REFERENCE/DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

Each candidate may be required to submit as references, the names, and addresses of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a recent former employer and/or current employer. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Clare County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet the essential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position, Clare County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.

RETIREMENT

• The compulsory retirement age for new entrants who joined the public service on or after 1st January 2013 is 70 years. Minimum retirement age is in line with State Pension age changes, as applicable.
• There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ who joined between 1st April, 2004 and 31st December 2012 to the public service, subject to being in a state of health to render regular and efficient service. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may retire.
• For employees who joined the public service prior to 31st March 2014, the minimum retirement age is 60 while 70 is the maximum retirement age.

It should be noted that the terms of Paragraph 13 of Circular Letter EL 02/09 - Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) may need to be considered in some instances. It is a condition of this scheme as set out in the Department of Finance Circular 12/2009 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector.

RESIDENCE

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by Clare County Council.

SAFETY & WELFARE

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Clare County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. They shall familiarise themselves with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

If required, the successful candidate shall wear protective clothing and have on their person at all times a valid Safe Pass card. Should they not hold a valid Safe Pass card, a course shall be undertaken to attain the card.

SICK LEAVE

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

SUPERANNUATION

The terms of Local Government Superannuation apply.

Persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of the superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of the superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e., pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

From 1 January 2019 onwards, public servants will pay an additional superannuation contribution (ASC). ASC confers no additional pension benefits and therefore should not be included in pension scheme benefit statements.

TAKING UP APPOINTMENT

The local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

TRAVEL

When required to do so, holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Clare County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Clare County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obligated to notify the Council immediately.

WORK BASE

Clare County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide themselves at their own expense