Make a Difference: Contribute to the development of Palmerston North City while enjoying a fulfilling career that positively impacts our community
Professional Growth: Elevate your career through a range of Learning and Development opportunities at Palmerston North City Council.
Benefits: We do more than just pay you a salary too. We have awesome benefits to support you including 5 weeks annual leave.
About the roleAs a Groundsperson - Sportsfields based at Fitzherbert Park, you’ll be part of a team that ensures our playing surfaces and facilities are presented to the highest standards, ready for sports fixtures, events, and community use.This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday however this position will be subject to some unavoidable out of hours work necessary to support weekend sports fixtures and in response to incidents or issues.Your focus in this role will include:
Maintaining playing surfaces, grasslands, and associated equipment/furniture to agreed standards.
Preparing fields for sports fixtures and events.
Operating and maintaining equipment and machinery safely and efficiently (e.g., mowers, tractors, and small plant).
Assisting with turf care tasks such as mowing, edging, fertilising, weed/pest control, and irrigation.
Engaging with sports groups, event organisers, and the public in a polite and helpful manner.
Supporting health and safety practices, including safe handling of machinery and chemicals.
Contributing to the training and mentoring of team members, and developing your own skills in sports turf management.
About youWe’re looking for someone who is proactive, motivated, and a great team player, with a genuine interest in sports turf and grounds maintenance. You’ll need to enjoy working outdoors, be physically fit, and committed to safe work practices.To excel in this role, you should possess the following skills and experience:
A current driver’s licence (Class 1 essential, Class 2 preferred).
Experience in machinery operation and maintenance (e.g., mowers, tractors) or a willingness to learn.
Skills or interest in turf management, including mowing, fertilising, and weed/pest/disease control.
Good communication skills and a positive, professional attitude with colleagues and the public.
Physical fitness for manual handling tasks.
A Chemical Handling Certificate and turf management qualifications are desirable but not essential, training can be provided.
About usPalmerston North (or as we like to call it, Palmy) is a growing, innovative and exciting city. With small city benefits and big city ambition, Palmy has secured its place on the map as a creative and exciting city, with leading innovation and developments! We’re proud to be a city that includes, supports, connects and uses the talents of the whole community in our pursuit to provide a connected and safe community. We’re also a future-focused city who cares about enhancing our natural and built environment. Our future looks bright, it looks vibrant and progressive.What we offer:
Competitive remuneration between $29.74 and $35.70 per hour, with a 3% Kiwisaver employer contribution (where eligible)
5 weeks annual leave and a community service day
Long service leave after qualifying periods
Paid parental leave benefits
Supportive work environment that values work-life balance
Annual flu vaccinations and subsidised health and eye checks
Staff gym and wellness space
The opportunity to make a real difference in the future of a vibrant, growing city
Applications close: 11.00 pm, Monday 15 September 2025We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all those suitably qualified for this position.Job Profile
