Pool Assistant

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

West Cork Leisure Centre – Dunmanway is a stunning, state of the art 25 metre pool. Facilities include a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, learner pool and a gymnasium. There are spacious changing rooms as well as accessible changing rooms.

The Pool Assistant will lifeguard, teach and coach as required and ensure that the customer care policy of the facility is always maintained to the highest standards. The Pool Assistant will report to the Manager and Supervisors and will assist, supervise and control, where necessary, users of the facility. The Pool Assistant will ensure that all activity areas are ready for use as required both in terms of cleanliness and equipment that is required.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

PART-TIME POOL ASSISTANT

The Pool Assistant will report to the Manager/Supervisors and will assist, lifeguard and teach, where applicable, users of the facility.

He/She will ensure that all activity areas are ready for use as required, both in terms of cleanliness and equipment that is required.

The Pool Assistant will teach as required and ensure that the customer care policy of the facility is always maintained to the highest standards.

Duties will include:

Supervision of activities in all areas of the facility.

Lifeguarding of all swimmers.

Setting up, changing and storing equipment, furniture and any apparatus as required by the programme of the complex.

Assist and instruct individuals and/or groups in swimming tuition.

Promotion of the facility.

Supervise and control entrance areas, the foyer, pool hall and other areas and generally assist the Manager and Supervisors in furthering the successful operation of the facility.

To effect minor repairs to equipment and to maintain all equipment in a safe and proper manner.

Administer First Aid where appropriate.

To receive supplies and equipment, recording and storage of same.

Cleaning of pool surrounds, decks, changing rooms, toilets and other areas.

Supervision of changing rooms.

General cleaning and labouring duties in the complex.

Reception duties as instructed by the Manager and Supervisors.

Responsibility for the carrying and handling of monies.

Water testing and recording of results.

Report writing for accidents and incidents, etc.

Cleaning of showers and toilets.

Any other duties which, from time to time, may be allocated by the Manager and Supervisors.

Enforcing the rules and regulations of the facility and monitoring the behaviour of all patrons.

The Pool Assistant will be required to update his/her Life Saving, Swimming Teaching and First Aid qualifications at the prescribed intervals.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS

1. Availability

Candidates are required to be available for work weekdays, weekends and bank holidays.

2. Character

Each candidate must be of good character. The successful candidates will be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position.

3. Health

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

4. Education, Experience

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

• Hold a minimum current Irish Water Safety Pool Lifeguard Award or RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.

• Have a thorough knowledge of resuscitation, including Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid. If the successful applicant does not have a First Aid qualification, they will be required to obtain it within 6 months of appointment.

Desirable but not essential:

• Swimming Teacher’s Award

• A Certificate of Competence in Pool Plant Operator

• Previous work in a swimming pool is also desirable but not necessary as full training will be provided

5. Age

Each candidate must be not less than 17 years of age on the closing date for receipt of applications for this post.

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act 2004. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age.

SECTION 4: SELECTION PROCESS

The recruitment selection process will include an interview. Candidates will be assessed under the following criteria:

• Relevant Experience

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Knowledge and Understanding of the Post

• Teamwork

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 office and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panel, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is temporary and part-time. The post is pensionable. A panel may be formed to fill vacancies for Temporary Part-Time Pool Assistant (West Cork Leisure Centre – Dunmanway) which may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: SALARY

Minimum Wage €14.15 per hour (as of 1st January 2026).

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST

The position will be based initially at West Cork Leisure Centre – Dunmanway.

Cork 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 compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself, at his/her own expense, with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS

The employment is temporary part-time. Applicants are required to be available to work 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (weekend hours may vary).

The post requires flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including night and/or weekend work, early and late shifts, as directed.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

The annual leave entitlement is 8% of the total hours worked. The granting of annual leave at any particular time is always subject to the requirements of the Council and all annual leave is liable to suspension during periods of exceptional pressure.

Cork County Council’s leave year runs from 1st January to 31st 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 1997 (as amended).

SECTION 10: GARDA VETTING

Where the Council considers it necessary, successful candidates will be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position.