Leisure Assistant

Learning & Skills; Leisure World (MD); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days Annual Leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working

Maternity, Paternity and AdoptionLeave

Staff wellbeing

Training and development

Cycle to Work

Dolphin Centre discounts

Employee discounts

Job summary

Darlington Borough Council is seeking a Leisure Assistant at the Dolphin Centre to help create a welcoming environment and assist with swimming, bowling, fitness areas and events. You will contribute to a safe, enjoyable experience for customers and support daily operations.

Applicants must hold the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and demonstrate reliability and teamwork. The role offers varied duties, good benefits and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is required.
• Demonstrated ability to provide friendly, high‑quality customer service.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming environment for all customers.
• Provide pool lifeguard cover and support safe swimming facility operations.
• Set up activity areas, equipment and events to run smoothly.
• Assist with day-to-day operations of facilities including bowling, fitness areas and leisure spaces.
• Support delivery of birthday parties and special events.
• Respond to customer inquiries and resolve issues professionally.
• Carry out cleaning duties to maintain cleanliness and safety.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Friendly demeanor

Reliability

Willing to learn

Job description

Leisure Assistant (Ref: POS000390)

Hours and Pay

Salary £26,427 per annum Salary Band £20,001 to £30,000 Post Type Permanent Hours Per Week Full time

Job and Application details

Categories Youth / Community / Leisure Services

Directorate N/A Published Date 09/11/2026 Closing Date 23/11/2026

Do you enjoy working with people? Are you looking for a role where every day brings something different? If you're friendly, enthusiastic and passionate about helping others have a great experience, we'd love to hear from you.

We're looking for a Leisure Assistant to join our welcoming team at the Dolphin Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a vibrant and varied environment, helping customers enjoy everything from swimming and fitness activities to bowling, parties and events.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Help create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for all customers.
• Provide pool lifeguard cover and support the safe operation of our swimming facilities.
• Set up activity areas, equipment and events, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
• Assist with the day-to-day operation of facilities including our bowling centre, fitness areas and leisure spaces.
• Support the delivery of birthday parties and special events.
• Respond to customer enquiries and resolve issues in a friendly, professional manner.
• Carry out cleaning duties to ensure our facilities remain clean, safe and welcoming.

The candidates we're looking for:

• Enjoy working with a wide range of customers and colleagues.
• Have a positive, friendly and approachable manner.
• Are reliable, motivated and willing to learn.
• Can remain calm and professional in busy situations.
• Work well as part of a team and are happy to support others.
• Take pride in providing great customer service.
• Are committed to maintaining high standards of safety and cleanliness.

Candidates must hold their National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.

Benefits

The rewards for working at Darlington Borough Council go beyond the salary you will receive; we have numerous additional benefits such as:

• 32 days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional Annual Leave (pro-rata for part time working)
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions
• Flexible working
• Generous Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave schemes
• Staff equality forums
• Green Car Leasing Scheme
• Access to a wide range of training, learning and development
• Physiotherapy service
• Confidential counselling service
• Great wellbeing offer
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Dolphin Centre Fit for Life Discounts
• Local and National retailer discounts
• Vivup employee benefit app and Lifestyle Savings
• Arriva Employee Travel Club

For the full range of benefits we offer, please see our Why work for us internet page, which also includes our Total Reward Booklet and Employee Benefit Video.

https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/why-work-for-us/

Find out further information about us and what it’s like to work for our great team by visiting the Jobs and Careers home page.

https://www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/

General Information For Applicants

We are an equal opportunities' employer. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We aim to interview any applicant who declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job.