"Lifeguard/Sports Assistant"

Lifeguard/Sports Assistant

Location: University Sports Complex, Iffley Road, Oxford OX4 1EQ

Salary: £25,945 - £26,979 per annum

Contract: Full Time (an average of 36.5 hours per week, worked over a two-week rota), Permanent.

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

Oxford University Sport is situated at the iconic sports ground where the world record four-minute mile was first broken. We currently have two opportunities for full-time Lifeguard/Sport Assistants to join our friendly team and provide operational support to the Rosenblatt swimming pool and surrounding sports complex.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

We are looking for team players to join the Sports Department team as Lifeguard/Sports Assistants working throughout the entire sports complex at our Iffley Road site.

As a member of operational staff, you will provide full support to the management team in the day-to-day operation of facilities.

The posts are full-time working an average of 36.5 hours per week on a well-balanced 2-week shift rota which includes just three set days during the week and short Saturday and Sunday shifts on alternate weekends.

About You

You will need to hold a RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or be a strong swimmer who is willing to obtain an NPLQ by attending and passing a course taking place at the Rosenblatt Pool, Iffley Road, Oxford from 16th - 21st February 2026 inclusive.

Owing to the nature of this position, offers of employment with the University will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

For further information or to arrange an informal conversation about this role please contact richard.taylor@sport.ox.ac.uk

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. We are therefore unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Application Process

Applications must be made online.

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 9th January 2026

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 28th January 2026 and will be held in person at the University Sports Complex, Iffley Road, Oxford.