Napier City Council is looking for a skilled and motivated Sportsground Operator to join our Parks Operations team. Based primarily at Park Island, you’ll play a hands-on role in keeping our sportsgrounds safe, well-presented, and ready for play. From mowing and marking fields to preparing cricket wickets and supporting local events, you’ll help maintain high-quality facilities that our community is proud to use.

This is a great opportunity to combine your passion for sport and the outdoors with your practical skills and eye for detail. You’ll work alongside a supportive team that takes pride in delivering excellent service and keeping Napier’s 15 sportsgrounds in top condition for players, spectators, and visitors alike.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Maintain and prepare top-quality sports turf and playing surfaces to national standards across multiple sporting codes.
• Operate and care for machinery and equipment, including mowers, tractors, and small plant.
• Support event delivery and ensure sportsgrounds are presented to a high standard for community and regional use.
• Work collaboratively within a close-knit team that values safety, teamwork, and pride in workmanship.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Experienced in sports turf maintenance or groundskeeping, with sound knowledge of cricket, rugby, and football requirements.
• Qualified with a full driver’s licence (manual) and a current Growsafe Agrichemical Certificate.
• Recognised for being proactive, reliable, and team-focused, with a strong commitment to quality outcomes and positive public interaction.
• Adaptable and safety-conscious, with a genuine enjoyment of outdoor, hands-on work that makes a visible impact.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time opportunity working 42.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You’ll be based out of our operational site in Onekawa, Napier, but spend most time out on site.

The hourly rate for this role is $27.27-$29.59 per hour, plus KiwiSaver if eligible, with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 7 November 2025, however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including drug testing and criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Sportsground Operator