Operations Leader - Sports Turf Maintenance

Careers at Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 73,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fortnightly RDO

Generous leave entitlements

Fitness Passport Program

Employee Rewards Program

Ongoing Education and Resources

Job summary

Georges River Council is seeking an Operations Leader - Sports Turf Maintenance to manage the presentation, preparation and maintenance of Jubilee Stadium and other premier sporting facilities.

This hands-on leadership role combines turf management expertise with people leadership to ensure playing surfaces meet stakeholder expectations and facility users’ needs in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Greenkeeping / Sports Turf Management.
• Experience on high-profile sporting fields.
• Knowledge of field of play requirements across multiple codes (FIFA, NRL, Rugby Australia).
• Chemical Application Accreditation (AQF3).
• Class C Driver’s Licence.
• Construction Induction Card (White Card).
• First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise daily work schedules.
• Experience operating turf maintenance equipment.
• Commitment to WHS practices and EEO principles.
• Customer service orientation.
• Strong written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day maintenance programs for high‑quality turf assets.
• Coordinate resources and supervise a skilled workforce.
• Collaborate with internal teams, contractors and stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient outcomes.

Skills

Greenkeeping

Sports Turf Management

Field of Play knowledge

Planning & Organisation

Customer service

Education

Greenkeeping / Sports Turf Management qualifications

Job description

Operations Leader - Sports Turf Maintenance

Permanent, Full-Time | $72,987.47 - $84,562.01 + 12% superannuation + 50% penalty loading for hours worked on Saturday | Kogarah

Join Georges River Council as our Operations Leader - Sports Turf Maintenance and play a key role in maintaining Jubilee Stadium and other premier sporting facilities enjoyed by professional athletes and the community alike.

About the Role

Working within a dynamic operational environment, this hands‑on leadership role is responsible for the presentation, preparation and maintenance of high‑quality sports turf assets. You'll combine technical turf management expertise with strong people leadership to ensure playing surfaces consistently meet the expectations of stakeholders, sporting organisations and facility users.

As part of Council's City Presentation and Operations team, you will lead day‑to‑day maintenance programs, coordinate resources, oversee operational activities and support a skilled workforce to deliver safe, efficient and high‑quality outcomes. You'll work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors and key stakeholders while managing competing priorities and maintaining service excellence.

We're seeking an experienced Sports Turf or Greenkeeping professional with strong technical knowledge, proven leadership capability and a passion for delivering outstanding results. If you're someone who takes pride in creating exceptional sporting environments, enjoys leading teams and thrives in a fast‑paced setting, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Join a team that values professionalism, innovation and continuous improvement while helping to deliver sporting facilities that support participation, performance and community pride.

What We Offer

• Permanent, Full-Time - 76 hours per fortnight (Tuesday to Saturday)
• Salary from $72,987.47 - $84,562.01 per annum plus 12% superannuation plus 50% penalty loading for hours worked on Saturday
• Fortnightly RDO
• Generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional MyLeave, and enhanced parental leave
• Fitness Passport Program offering discounted membership for you and your family to selected facilities
• Employee Rewards Program
• Ongoing Education and Resources

The successful candidate will have

• Qualifications in Greenkeeping / Sports Turf Management
• Demonstrated experience in providing Greenkeeping/Sports Turf Management, working on high profile sporting fields
• Knowledge of field of play requirements across multiple sporting codes and governing bodies (FIFA, NRL, Rugby Australia)
• Chemical Application Accreditation (AQF3)
• Class C Drivers Licence
• Construction Induction Card (White Card)
• First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain
• Capacity to plan, prioritise and organise daily work schedules
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of plant and/or various equipment common to Greenkeeping and Sports Turf Management
• Understanding of and commitment to WHS practices and EEO principles
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service
• Appropriate written and oral communication skills and ability to liaise professionally with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for turf welfare without disrupting event delivery

If you would like further information on this role, please contact Brad Horn, Head of City Sports Turf Maintenance on 02 9330 9***.

Offers of employment at Georges River Council are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check.

Georges River Council is a progressive, people‑focused organisation with 600 dedicated staff delivering exceptional services to our diverse and vibrant community. Our vision is to be 'naturally connected to place, community, and Country'. We are committed to creating accessible green, and liveable spaces, nurturing creativity, protecting the natural environment, and building a thriving local economy.

We foster our values of Accountability, Professionalism, Unity and Honesty and take pride in promoting the image of Council in the community.

We are committed to building a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, workers of all ages, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

At Georges River Council we are committed to putting children first and championing child safety within our community. We actively advocate for the rights of children and young people and will uphold our commitment as a child safe organisation.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights (with no Visa restrictions) to apply for this position.