POSITION VACANT – RACECOURSE MANAGER

Racing NSW; Cessnock; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Racing NSW in Cessnock is seeking a proactive Racecourse Manager to oversee the preparation, maintenance and day‑to‑day management of Cessnock Racecourse, including two sand training tracks and associated surfaces.

The role is hands‑on, requires strong leadership and WHS compliance, and will coordinate turf works, irrigation, machinery, and reporting to Racing NSW; weekend and public holiday work may be required as trials and training activities occur.

Qualifications

• Experience in turf management or grounds maintenance for racecourses or sports turf.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and maintain plant/machinery and irrigation systems.
• Strong leadership, organisation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain the racecourse, sand training tracks and racing surfaces to required standards.
• Plan turf maintenance programs including mowing, fertilising and renovations.
• Operate, maintain and service plant, machinery and equipment used on site.
• Maintain irrigation systems and oversee grounds infrastructure.
• Supervise and train grounds staff and ensure WHS practices are followed.
• Develop work programs and provide regular reports to Racing NSW.

Skills

Turf management

Plant & machinery operation

Leadership

Irrigation systems

Health & safety

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Racing NSW is seeking a proactive, experienced and motivated Racecourse Manager to oversee the preparation, maintenance and day-to-day management of Cessnock Racecourse.

Cessnock Racecourse will open 160 new stables and operate as a dedicated, RNSW owned training centre from January 2027. The grass track is undergoing renovation and will host trials in future. There is an existing sand track, with a second to be constructed in early 2027. We are looking for someone to commence immediately with the view to be settled and familiar with the site before opening.

This is a hands-on role responsible for ensuring the training surfaces, grounds and associated facilities are maintained to a high standard and in accordance with Racing NSW requirements.

You will be supported by RNSW’s internal turf specialist and educator, as well as supporting ground staff.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing and maintaining the course proper, two sand training tracks and associated racing surfaces in accordance with Racing NSW Minimum Standards;
• Planning and undertaking turf maintenance programs, including mowing, irrigation, fertilising, renovation and general track preparation;
• Operating, maintaining and coordinating the servicing of plant, machinery and equipment;
• Maintaining and monitoring irrigation systems;
• General maintenance of racecourse grounds, facilities and infrastructure;
• Overseeing the maintenance and presentation of stabling and associated areas;
• Supervising, coordinating and training grounds staff;
• Maintaining appropriate Work Health and Safety practices and ensuring works are undertaken safely;
• Developing and implementing routine and seasonal work programs; and
• Maintaining appropriate records and providing regular reports to Racing NSW.

The successful applicant will ideally have:

• Experience in turf management, horticulture, sports turf or a similar field;
• Demonstrated experience in the operation and maintenance of plant and machinery;
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and prioritise works;
• Excellent leadership, communication and team management skills;
• Knowledge and experience with irrigation systems;
• Sound computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook;
• A strong understanding of workplace health and safety requirements; and

Previous experience in racecourse or sports turf management would be highly regarded, although applicants with relevant turf, horticultural or grounds management experience are encouraged to apply.

This is a full-time position based at Cessnock Racecourse. The nature of the role may require some weekend and public holiday work, including around trials and training activities.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, can operate both independently and as part of a team, and is committed to maintaining Cessnock Racecourse to the standards expected by Racing NSW.