Pool Assistant

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

West Cork Leisure Centre – Dunmanway includes a 25-metre swimming pool, learner pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, disabled changing facilities, and a gymnasium.

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. On taking up duty, the successful applicant(s) may have an opportunity to train as a Swimming Teacher if required.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

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

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.

Assisting and instructing individuals and/or groups in swimming tuition.

Promotion of the facility.

Supervising and controlling entrance areas, the foyer, pool hall, and other areas, and generally assisting the Manager and Supervisors in furthering the successful operation of the facility.

Carrying out minor repairs to equipment and maintaining all equipment in a safe and proper manner.

Administering First Aid where appropriate.

Receiving supplies and equipment, including recording and storage.

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

Supervising 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.

Cleaning showers and toilets.

Stocktaking duties.

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

Updating Life Saving, Swimming Teaching, and First Aid qualifications at the prescribed intervals.

Any other duties allocated by the Manager or Supervisors from time to time.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS1. Availability

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

2. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

3. Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health that indicates a reasonable prospect of being able 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 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid. If the successful applicant does not have a First Aid qualification, they will be required to obtain it within six months of appointment.

Desirable but not essential:

• Swimming Teacher's Award.
• A Certificate of Competence in Pool Plant Operation.
• Previous work in a swimming pool is desirable but not necessary, as full training will be provided.

5. Age

Each candidate must be at least 17 years of age on the closing date for receipt of applications for this post.

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 the interview. Candidates whose names are on the panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the office and are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the lifetime of the panel, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is full-time and pensionable.

A panel may be formed to fill vacancies for both temporary and permanent positions that may arise during the lifetime of the panel.

SECTION 6: SALARY

Pool Assistants will be paid €18.2406 basic per hour (Point 1) (1 June 2026 scale), rising by annual increments, subject to satisfactory performance.

The Pool Assistant pay scale is as follows:

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 used by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in the location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or compensation.

The person appointed will be required to provide, at their own expense, the necessary means 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

This is a full-time position of 39 hours per week.

The post requires flexibility in working hours and may involve night and/or weekend work, early or late shifts, as directed.

A typical shift would be 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., but these hours are subject to change.

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

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

Your annual leave allowance is 25 days per annum, inclusive of Good Friday.

The granting of annual leave at any time is subject to the requirements of the Council, and all annual leave is liable to suspension during periods of exceptional pressure.

SECTION 10: GARDA VETTING

Successful candidates will be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position.