Lifeguard

• Role location: Townsville
• Part Time Role
• Rewarding role, supporting ESS Defence

We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Lifeguard to join our team supporting our ESS Defence business. You'll play a vital role in maintaining a safe, compliant, and welcoming aquatic and recreation environment, ensuring Defence personnel can enjoy fitness and leisure facilities with confidence.

Your responsibilities will include:    

• Oversee daily operations of the gym and pool, ensuring compliance with water quality, safety, and legislative standards. 
• Supervise facility users and maintain emergency response readiness, including lifeguard coverage. 
• Lead inspections, enforce site-specific safety instructions, and maintain compliance documentation. 
• Support Sport & Recreation compliance standards across all fitness and aquatic areas. 
• Conduct fitness centre inductions and provide customer support to facility users. 
• Ensure facilities and equipment are clean, well-maintained, and safe for use. 
• Respond to emergencies, including first aid and oxygen administration where required. 
• Report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly. 
• Contribute to a proactive culture of safety, wellbeing, teamwork, and professionalism. 

What we are looking for:

You may be suited to this role if you bring experience in fitness, aquatic services, hospitality, or facilities support, along with a strong commitment to safety and teamwork. 

• 3+ years’ experience in a fitness, aquatic, recreation, or supervisory role (for Sport & Recreation positions) 
• Certificate III or IV in Fitness (essential for gym-based roles) 
• Current Lifeguard Award (for aquatic roles) 
• Level 1 First Aid & CPR, with ability to administer oxygen 
• Experience managing staff rosters, attendance, and performance (where applicable) 
• Friendly, reliable, and professional with strong communication skills 
• Comfortable working in structured, high-compliance Defence environments 
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence and reliable transport (some sites may require travel) 
• Strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and operational excellence 
• Australian Citizenship is mandatory (Defence security clearance required) 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a National Police Check and Defence clearance

Why join us?  

• Be part of a national organisation supporting the Australian Defence Force  
• Job security with a global leader in facilities and hospitality services  
• Supportive team culture and great workplace benefits  
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.   

ESS delivers the best hospitality and support services to remote and Defence sites across Australia. From mess halls to accommodation and recreation facilities, our teams keep Defence communities running smoothly every day.  

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable, and accessible for all. If you require adjustments or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process, please reach out to us on either 1300TALENT or careers@compass-group.com.au.  

Our people’s unique backgrounds, experience, and abilities are at the heart of our vibrant workforce. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the diverse communities that we serve, where everyone feels empowered and valued. By building diverse teams, we create inclusive environments for all our people and those we connect with through our day-to-day operations. We welcome & encourage applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, gender expressions, gender identity and people with disability.