Take a hands-on leadership role maintaining Napier’s premier sportsgrounds to national and international standards. You’ll prepare and maintain cricket wickets, hybrid turf, and multi-sport fields across Nelson Park, McLean Park, and other city venues – ensuring top-quality surfaces for athletes and events.

As second-in-command to the Turf Manager, you’ll mentor staff, help plan and implement maintenance programs, and oversee daily operations to keep our sportsgrounds safe, functional, and visually outstanding.

This is a multi-skilled, proactive role for someone with a keen eye for detail, a solution-focused approach, and a passion for delivering world-class playing surfaces. You’ll gain exposure to high-profile sporting events, develop leadership skills, and contribute to a team proud of delivering exceptional experiences for players and the community.

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.

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 to Friday, with regular opportunities for paid overtime and occasional weekend work on a pre-agreed basis.

The hourly rate is $36.04 – $39.11 per hour (plus KiwiSaver if eligible), with overtime paid in accordance with Council policy. Total annual earnings will reflect hours worked and may exceed the base equivalent.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

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 and drug & alcohol 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