Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people.
Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.
At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.
Job details
One Leisure Huntingdon is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Recreation Assistant.
You will deliver and support the One Leisure corporate and site-specific systems, procedures and programmes to ensure a quality customer experience and exceptional service both within the poolside environment and dryside leisure centre.
This will primarily include working as a lifeguard, but also involves assisting at reception, in the gym and throughout the leisure centre.
You will ideally have experience as a lifeguard, although training can be provided to the right candidate. The successful candidate will receive additional qualification training in pool plant operations and first aid, along with optional training in swimming teaching or fitness instructing.
Any candidates who do not currently hold a Lifeguard qualification will be required to complete the following swimming competency test before interview:
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swim 50m in less than 1 minute - swim 100m continuously on your front, then 100m on your back
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tread water in deep water for more than 30 seconds
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surface dive to the deepest part of the pool
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climb out of the pool unaided.
This position gives anyone new to the industry the opportunity to gain a wide variety of qualifications and experience within a leisure environment.
This role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Please make sure to state which Leisure Centre you are applying for in your application form.
An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.
View the job description [PDF, 0.2MB].
Apply
The closing date is 9am 21 November 2025 and interviews will be held the week commencing 24 November 2025.
However, this is a rolling campaign and we'll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will close the advert early should we receive suitable applications, so please don't delay in applying!
For many of our roles (where it is possible) we accommodate a hybrid model of working. We know our people are what make Huntingdonshire District Council great and recognise how important a healthy work–life balance is. Our hybrid work model enables employees to work remotely whilst allowing for in-office collaboration opportunities across the district. Candidates should therefore be within commutable distance of our offices in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire or able to attend meetings as required if further afield.
Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
Please note that the official closing date is as above, and will be the correct date. Some third-party websites may have different dates. Please refer to the HDC website for the official closing date to ensure you do not miss out on applying.
Working for the council
As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity and are supportive employers, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.
View our benefits.