Senior Climbing Officer - Hatfield, Hertfordshire

University of Hertfordshire Sports Village provides extensive sports facilities and services to the local community, students and staff of the University of Hertfordshire. Proudly named as one of Leisure and Hospitality's 20 Best Companies to Work For in 2021, Hertfordshire Sports Village is committed to ensuring our staff team are connected and engaged. Welcoming, going the extra mile, leading by example and the ability to consistently exceed expectations are some of the values we look for in our team members. If you share these values and want to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for an exceptional and proactive individual to join our vibrant and welcoming climbing team. The post offers a unique opportunity for the successful applicant to develop professionally in a motivating and supportive environment whilst delivering a wide range of events and training as part of our climbing wall programme.

We have an excellent opportunity to work with the climbing wall team in supporting the management and administration of all climbing enquiries including NICAS bookings, courses, group bookings and general enquiries. The main purpose of the role will be the co-ordination of NICAS programme including developing and maintaining lesson plans together with supervising staff to ensure sessions are delivered to a high standard. You will support the team with assistance with shifts and work rotas, as well as assisting with equipment checks and audits and general wall safety.

The ideal candidate should have proven experience of instructing climbing since achieving RCI/CWI qualification, experience of working in a customer interface environment and experience of instructing climbing sessions to a variety of age groups and ability levels. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.

You will be educated with a minimum of A-levels/BTEC National Diploma or equivalent or substantial experience in a professional and/or administrative work environment. The Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) qualification or Rock-Climbing Instructor (RCI) qualification is essential for this role. A current First Aid at Work certificate, or the ability to pass in the first 3 months of employment, is also essential.

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The University requires that the successful applicant who is offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. An Enhanced Disclosure will be required, and this will include details of cautions, reprimands, or final warnings, as well as convictions. The University of Hertfordshire complies with the 'Code of Practice for Registered Persons and other recipients of Disclosure Information'. DBS Checks may be renewed in line with policy.

Successful applicants who have lived outside the UK, for 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total), in the last 10 years, will be required to produce a 'Certificate of Good Character/Conduct' from each of those countries.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

• Free Gym membership
• Up to 26 days annual leave per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays
• Annual performance related bonus
• Sick pay and pension scheme
• Unrivalled training and development opportunities
• Access to University and Associated College courses
• UNiDays, TOTUM and Galleria discount cards
• Discounted travel on UNO buses
• Regular staff social events
• 1 hour of on shift exercise 'Healthy Hour'
• And much more . . .

Equipped with a positive approach, the ability to work hard and with the ongoing professional development we provide, you will have opportunities to progress within your role as well as gain experience in wider areas of the business. Apply today.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact David Watson, Climbing Development Officer d.watson9@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 15 June 2025

Interview Date: 25 June 2025

Reference Number: REQ000048

Date advert placed: 27 May 2025

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies.