Sports Turf Operations Lead
(Assistant Supervisor – Sports Fields)
Permanent Full-time
Join our Sports Field team as the Sports Turf Operations Lead, supporting our Sports Field Supervisor in delivering high-quality turf management across our sporting and recreational facilities.
* Take on a new leadership role with clear career progression pathways within a supportive team.
* Work flexibly and give a 4-day week a go
* Make our beautiful outdoor spaces your new office and contribute directly to your local community by maintaining high-quality sporting facilities
LET'S EXPLORE THE JOB
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and inspire a dedicated team, apply your technical expertise, and contribute to the planning and execution of maintenance strategies that keep our community's sports fields in top condition.
As part of our evolving organisation, you will have the chance to grow your career while making a visible difference to local sports and recreation.
Your key focus areas are:
* Lead day-to-day turf operations, assisting with planning, scheduling, and prioritising maintenance activities across multiple sporting fields.
* Provide hands-on leadership and mentoring to team members, including apprentices, promoting best practices and operational excellence.
* Oversee the use and maintenance of specialised turf machinery and irrigation systems to ensure optimal field conditions.
* Manage materials and resources effectively, including ordering and record-keeping.
* Deliver outstanding customer service by liaising with sporting groups and stakeholders to meet their facility needs.
* Ensure all work complies with WH&S, environmental legislation, and council policies.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the team, fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and professional growth.
Read the position statement and learn more about this exciting opportunity.
LET'S HEAR ABOUT YOU
You're a turf pro with hands-on know-how in irrigation and sports field prep. Reliable and driven; you own every task with passion and a zero-compromise attitude on safety and quality. You think ahead, tackle problems head-on, and deliver flawless, game-ready surfaces every time. With sharp attention to detail and excellent communication skills, you connect effortlessly with the team and community, ensuring our sporting fields aren't just played on, but loved.
You will bring:
* Tertiary or trade certification in Sports Turf Management or a related field.
* Proven leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse team.
* Extensive hands-on experience in sports field maintenance, including expertise with small plant and specialised turf machinery.
* Practical knowledge of sports field irrigation systems.
* Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
* Class LR driver's licence with a willingness to obtain a MR licence.
* Strong communication, literacy, and numeracy skills, including comfort using digital field technology (laptops, tablets, mobile devices).
LET'S REVEAL THE PERKS
* Competitive salary from $70,248 to $81,639 a year plus 12% superannuation
* Enjoy extra allowances, including $17.68 per week for adverse working conditions plus a travel allowance.
* Annual Enterprise Agreement pay increases apply
* Commencing salary set in line with skills and experience with annual reviews available to support movement through the salary range
* Trialling a flexible working 4-day condensed work week, so you can enjoy a long weekend, every weekend
* Strong safety culture – PPE provided, and safety practices supported across all work sites
* Supportive, empowering, collaborative and innovative work environment
* Enjoy working in various outdoor locations across beautiful Lake Macquarie
* We are committed to being an employer of choice. We will do all we can to help you develop your skills, and make a difference, right from the start. We have a flexible workplace and focus on all aspects of your physical and mental health and safety. We want you to be with us for the long term, so providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development is our priority
* We value your health and wellbeing and offer generous discounted gym memberships through our corporate fitness program starting from $10.00 per week, connect with colleagues through our social club, be inspired by regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations, and confidential support via our employee assistance (EAP) program.
* Along with many other perksthat come from choosing Lake Mac
CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY
We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That's why we're passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you're joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We're proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.
LET'S START
* If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you Send your application in by midnight, Sunday 8 February 2026
* For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Murray O'Brien, Coordinator City Presentation, on or via email
* If you would like assistance submitting your application, or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact Georgina Green, Talent Attraction Partneron or via email
* Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're here for you
* To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.
* Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council's recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.