Lifeguard/Sports Assistant

Are you a Lifeguard/Sports Assistant looking to advance your career? Join our dynamic Sports Department team at the University of Oxford and contribute to cutting-edge research, teaching and professional services.

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 an opportunity for a full-time Lifeguard/Sport Assistant 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 a team player to join the Sports Department team as a Lifeguard/Sports Assistant 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 post is 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).

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 Wednesday 8 April 2026

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 22 April 2026 and will be held in person at the University Sports Complex, Iffley Road, Oxford. 

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