Take a hands-on leadership role in maintaining Napier’s premier sportsgrounds to national and international standards. The Turf Curator Leading Hand is responsible for preparing and maintaining cricket wickets, hybrid turf, and sportsfields across Nelson Park, McLean Park, and other city sportsgrounds. This role ensures high-quality presentation and functionality for a variety of sporting codes, supporting scheduled events and delivering an exceptional experience for athletes and the wider community.

Working alongside the Turf Manager and Team Leader Sportsground Operations, you’ll act as second-in-command for the turf team, providing guidance, mentoring, and direction to staff. You will help plan and implement maintenance programs, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure high standards across all sportsgrounds. This is a multi-skilled, proactive role where attention to detail, teamwork, and a solution-focused approach are essential to keeping Napier’s sportsgrounds safe, functional, and visually outstanding.

For the right candidate outside Hawke’s Bay, we can offer relocation support — come live in a region that’s home to great training environments, sporting facilities, and an active community.

We;re

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Prepare and maintain cricket wickets, hybrid turf, and sportsfields to national and international standards.

• Support the leadership and development of the turf team, including assisting with task allocation, mentoring, performance monitoring, and training.

• Carry out mowing, irrigation monitoring, grounds marking, agrichemical application, litter control, and other turf maintenance duties.

• Assist with seasonal sporting code changeovers and the setup, operation, and pack-down of scheduled events.

• Maintain equipment safely and effectively, and work closely with leadership to plan, implement, and improve turf programs and operational practices.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Qualification in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) or equivalent knowledge.

• Extensive experience (minimum five years) in turf management and sportsgrounds preparation, particularly for cricket, rugby, and football.

• Skilled in preparing cricket wickets, Hybrid Turf, and operating irrigation and turf maintenance equipment.

• Adaptable, multi-skilled, and capable of working independently or leading a team as required.

• Strong attention to detail, fit, active, and able to maintain positive relationships with the public and sportsground users.

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 position working 42.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday (with some weekend work occasional required on a pre-agreed basis). You will be based primarily at McLean Park, but will work across Napier’s sportsgrounds from time to time. 

The hourly rate for this role is between $36.04 - $39.11 (plus KiwiSaver if eligible), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience. This equates to roughly $79,600 – $86,400 per year.

Relocation packages are available for the right candidate if you're currently outside of Hawke's Bay.

Applications for this role close on 27 February 2026, 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 criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening & drug testing). 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 – Turf Curator Leading Hand