Sports Turf Apprentice - 3 Year Fixed Term

This role sits in the Council’s Community Group, which comprises of community focused services such as Hamilton Pool, Parks and Recreation, Hamilton City Libraries and the city’s three main visitor attractions.

The Parks and Recreation team maintain and development of Hamilton’s Park network for our community. Our work ensures Hamilton is beautiful, fun, connected, and meets our community wants and needs, making our city one we’re all proud of.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Are you passionate about working outdoors and keen to build a career in sports turf management? Join our dedicated Parks team and gain hands-on experience while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

As a Sports Turf Apprentice, you’ll support the maintenance and presentation of our city’s sports fields and parks. Your responsibilities will include:

• Scheduled and one-off mowing to specification and deadlines
• Completing work schedules and audits to meet City Parks Quality standards
• Maintaining equipment in clean, usable condition
• Assisting with wider parks team tasks when needed
• Accurately completing timesheets, job cards, spray diaries, and park reports
• Reporting vandalism and suggesting asset improvements
• Responding to unscheduled work requests
• Studying towards unit standards in your own time

Why Join Us?

• Gain a Level 4 National Certificate while working
• Be part of a supportive team that values your development
• Work in a role that keeps you active and connected to the community
• Opportunities to grow your career in parks and turf management

If you're ready to kickstart your career in sports turf management, we’d love to hear from you.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

We’re after someone who’s enthusiastic, reliable, and ready to learn. You’ll need:

• NCEA Level 1 in English, Mathematics, and Horticulture
• A current NZ Driver’s Licence
• A demonstrated interest in horticulture (through experience or study)
• Good physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all conditions
• Strong communication skills and a team-focused attitude
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• A mindset focused on growth, integrity, and collaboration

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

$28.95 per hour 

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 26/09/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. 

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.