Leisure team member

The role of the leisure team member is to support, enhance and deliver the day to day operations and services of a leisure / fitness facility. Working as part of a team, it is the responsibility of the leisure team member to undertake a range of operational duties such as assisting with the opening and closing of the facility, undertaking routine maintenance of equipment and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the environment. Alongside these operational functions they ensure programmed activities and services are available for customers. They act as a Lifeguard, Swimming Teacher, Gym Instructor and Group Activity Leader. In a typical working day they may perform all of these roles in one shift, for example: Open or close the facility, welcome customers, deliver a gym induction, run a group exercise session, teach a swimming lesson, clean the facility, walk the gym floor, prepare the sports hall for a sports activity (for example badminton) and deliver the session. At all times they offer excellent customer service as they are the first point of contact for customers, responsible for answering queries and dealing with straightforward complaints. They have excellent product knowledge and signpost customers to appropriate activities, achieving additional sales. They maintain accurate records and promote activities using the facilities IT systems. Customers can be wide ranging, for example a four year old learning to swim, the teacher or parent supporting them, a gym user training to complete their next half marathon or an elderly person using the facility for their over 50’s social club. This means they need a sound understanding of individual and group needs, including an understanding of how to maintain a safe and inclusive working environment in keeping with health and safety, safeguarding and equalities legislation. The role requires empathy, professionalism and an ability to work flexibly. The leisure team member reports to the duty manager and will typically cover a seven-day week on a rota basis resulting in shifts that may include weekends, early mornings, evenings and public holidays. Job titles include, recreation assistant, recreation supervisor, leisure attendant, leisure assistant, leisure professional. Alongside their operational duties there are five key areas of work all leisure team members will cover; leisure and fitness operations, lifeguard duties, swimming teaching duties, gym instruction and leading group activities.