At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure cleanliness and safety of facilities while assisting customers with enquiries.
- Company: Join a community-focused council dedicated to providing excellent leisure services.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference in your community.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth across various leisure facilities in Northern Ireland.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that promotes health and wellbeing through sports and recreation.
- Qualifications: Experience in cleaning, customer service, and a passion for leisure activities.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Responsible for the caretaking, cleaning, housekeeping, preparation and general safety of facilities and assist customers with enquiries in a friendly and effective manner. Undertake reception duties as required ensuring a comprehensive customer service at all times. Although based at Brandywell Sports Centre, there will be a requirement to work and travel to other Leisure and Sports facilities as and when required to undertake duties such as pitches and pavilions, in line with the needs of the service.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the highest possible standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained by carrying out routine caretaking and cleaning tasks as required.
- Carry out regular housekeeping duties including litter picking, tidying of stores, and basic low level maintenance as required.
- Carry out routine inspection, visual checks and monitoring of facilities and equipment to include legionella flushing.
- Signing off on documents, weekly checklists, monthly manual testing and report faults and non-compliance as required, to the line manager.
- Assist customers with enquiries in a friendly and effective manner, proactively develop and maintain high standards of customer care.
- Working as part of a team to ensure the smooth operation of designated facilities.
- Follow the normal operating procedures of the facility and undertake staff training as required.
- Undertake key holder responsibilities to include building security, working alone and attending to, out of hour call outs as and when required.
- Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety requirements and legislation in accordance with Council’s Policies and Procedures.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to scale, which may be required from time to time.
- Comply with and actively promote the Council’s policies and procedures on all aspects of equality.
Skills and Qualifications
- NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification in a leisure and sports related subject.
- One year’s demonstrable experience in each of the following:
- General cleaning and housekeeping duties.
- Set up and dismantling equipment.
- Dealing with the public.
- Opening and closing a facility.
- Cash handling.
- Consideration will be given to applicants who do not possess the required qualification but can demonstrate three years’ experience as stipulated in the essential experience.
- Working Knowledge and application of Health and Safety including inspection and monitoring.
- Experience using a computerised booking system.
Further Information
- Work a flexible shift pattern including evenings and weekends and undertake regular staff training and development programmes as required.
Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 13 Feb 2026
Recreation Operative in Strabane employer: Derry City Strabane District Council
As a Recreation Operative at Brandywell Sports Centre, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and maintaining high standards of facility care. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our regular training programmes and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance. With opportunities to engage with various leisure and sports facilities across Northern Ireland, you will find a fulfilling environment that values teamwork and community engagement.
Contact Details:
Derry City Strabane District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recreation Operative in Strabane
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Derry City Strabane District Council. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Derry City Strabane District Council. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Recreation Operative in Strabane
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Derry City Strabane District Council aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derry City Strabane District Council
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Derry City Strabane District Council, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.