Turf Curator - Leading Hand

Bring Your Turf Expertise to Two of Napier’s Premier Sports Grounds

Do you have a strong background in Turf Management, and a passion for sports surfaces that meet elite standards? Napier City Council is looking for an experienced Turf Curator Leading Hand to join our dedicated turf team working across two of the region’s most iconic venues — McLean Park and Nelson Park.

In this hands-on role, you’ll collaborate closely with our Turf Manager and fellow curators to deliver top-quality turf surfaces that meet both national and international expectations. Your skills and knowledge will ensure every pitch is prepared to perfection — whether for local fixtures or headline events.

While your main base will be at McLean Park and Nelson Park, you’ll also support turf maintenance across our wider network of 15 city sportsgrounds as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a can-do attitude are key.

This is a rare chance to be part of a close-knit, passionate team that thrives on precision, teamwork, and delivering on big moments. If you're experienced, driven, and ready to leave your mark on Napier’s sporting landscape — we want to hear from you.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Assisting with seasonal changeover of sporting codes at McLean Park and Nelson Park and elsewhere as directed, moving cricket covers and portable pitch when required.
• Working with the Turf Manager to carry out pitch preparation at Nelson Park which includes club, domestic first-class cricket, and international training wickets, as well as assisting with outfield mowing in the lead up to events.
• Assisting with the maintenance of Marine Parade Lawns to ensure a high standard of presentation.
• Assist with line marking, mowing, aeration/decompaction, renovations, irrigation, agrichemical spraying, weeding and any other preparation, maintenance or development of our sportsgrounds.
• Work alongside the Turf Manager to plan the weekly mowing requirements with the Hybrid Turf including watering and monitoring performance indicators of the turf
• Provide supervision to staff as required.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A qualification in Sports Turf Management (level 4) or equivalent level of knowledge
• Current Agrichemical Approved Handlers Certificate or Growsafe Certificate
• Significant experience in turf management and sportsgrounds preparation, particularly cricket, rugby and football
• Experience in preparing cricket wickets
• Experience with technical irrigation requirements and equipment

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 position working 42½ hours per week Monday to Friday, with a requirement for working some weekends and public holidays depending on events.

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!

Part of our success is shaped by our ability to foster strong, enduring relationships between NCC, Mana Whenua, and Iwi. Our Māori Partnerships team - Te Waka Rangapū – enhance our cultural capability and awareness through education, training, and resources to strengthen cultural competencies.

Before joining our team, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including drug testing for a safe workplace. Some roles may also require health screening.

As part of holding a role with Napier City Council, you may be called on to assist in Civil Defence emergencies—an opportunity to support our community when it matters most.

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

Job Description – Turf Curator - Leading Hand

Hourly rate range - $35.34 - 37.59 dependant on experience