Sports Assistant (Internal) - UECS in Colchester

Internal applicants only with a University of Essex contract – not On Demand or Casual.

The Colchester Campus Sports Centre offers excellent indoor and outdoor facilities including the £1.4 million refurbed gym and fitness rooms. There are a wide range of opportunities to participate in sport, exercise and health at great value for students, staff and the local community. Facilities include the Essex Sport Arena, a 1,600-seat spectator venue, opened in 2018 and host to events such as professional Basketball and Volleyball matches, as well as a huge variety of community activities and events. The Essex Sport Gym has around 6,000 student, staff and public members and boasts industry leading equipment and online customer engagement platforms. Outdoors one of the largest tennis domes of its type in the country, and synthetic and natural turf pitches accommodate a wide range of sports. Our staff are committed to, and passionate about improving people’s lives through sport and physical activity.

Duties of the role:

The postholder will support the day-to-day operation of the University of Essex Sports Centre, ensuring all sports areas, gym spaces and outdoor facilities are prepared, supervised and maintained to a consistently high standard. The role includes monitoring customer use of equipment to promote a safe and welcoming environment, assisting with the delivery of sporting and fitness events, and providing professional front-line customer service. You will be required to open and close facilities, provide cover across all operational areas, undertake reception duties using the Gladstone MRM leisure management system, promote memberships and events, and administer First Aid where required. The postholder will also carry out any additional duties as directed by the Director of Sport or their nominee.

Skills and qualifications required:

We are seeking a proactive and customer-focused individual with proven experience working within a sports or fitness environment. Standout candidates will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, a genuine commitment to delivering excellent customer service, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a high-performing team. You will be computer literate, confident using booking systems, and able to manage your own workload while positively influencing and supporting colleagues. A strong enthusiasm for sport and fitness, flexibility to work shifts including evenings and weekends, and the ability to meet the physical demands of the role are essential.

Whilst not essential, we would particularly welcome applications from candidates who hold a recognised qualification in Sport, Recreation, Physical Education or Fitness and Health, a Level 1 Coaching Award, Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, and an up-to-date First Aid at Work certificate. Knowledge of health and safety within a sport and fitness setting, along with experience in reception duties, stock control and cash handling, would also be advantageous but not essential.

Overall, we are looking for an enthusiastic and reliable team member who takes pride in maintaining high standards, supports safe and effective operations, and contributes positively to the continued success of Essex Sport.

At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.