- Permanent Full Time
- $85,853 – $97,076 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
- Flexible working arrangements including a compressed working week
Who we are
Surf Coast Shire Council oversees the picturesque region of Surf Coast Shire in Victoria, Australia, Council.
Spanning the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation, we deliver services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and the communities and townships in-between.
Council plays a pivotal role in planning and development, guiding sustainable growth while preserving the region's natural beauty. Locals experience a sought-after quality of life – And when you work with Council, you are helping our community and environment to thrive.
Our people enjoy a supportive and connected culture, work-life balance offering compressed working weeks, free staff on-site parking and much more.
We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.
Your new career
Open Space Operations delivers integrated and sustainable maintenance programs that protect, enhance, and future-proof the Surf Coast Shire’s open space assets. Our work supports community wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and the long-term resilience of Council’s landscapes.
As part of the Open Space Maintenance Team, you'll lead the delivery of Council's sports field turf maintenance and irrigation programs, ensuring our sporting facilities are presented to a high standard and ready for community use. Working closely with staff, contractors, sporting clubs and internal stakeholders, you'll:
- coordinate maintenance activities,
- manage irrigation systems,
- undertake proactive inspections,
- and support projects that enhance the quality and sustainability of our open spaces.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll actively work alongside your team, operating a range of turf maintenance plant and equipment while overseeing daily maintenance activities. You'll have a direct impact on the condition, performance and long-term sustainability of Council's sporting grounds across the Surf Coast Shire.
What you will bring to the role
We are currently looking for a highly motivated and experienced Turf Maintenance Supervisor who is passionate about turf maintenance and delivering quality sporting facilities and building strong relationships within the community.
To thrive in the role you will have:
- Demonstrated experience in sports field and turf maintenance, particularly in a Local Government setting
- Strong experience managing and maintaining irrigation systems, ideally including Rain Bird systems, with a focus on water efficiency and conservation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with sporting clubs, contractors and colleagues.
- Demonstrated experience in the safe and effective operation of turf maintenance plant and equipment, with a willingness to lead by example in a hands-on environment.
- Proven ability to coordinate workloads, supervise staff and contractors, and deliver maintenance programs safely and effectively.
Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements
- Diploma in Turf Management or relevant discipline or skills and knowledge developed through five or more years’ experience in a similar role, or more extensive experience in a relevant position. (Qualification check conducted).
- Excellent communication skills, the ability to effectively liaise with staff, Councillors, customers, contractors and the general public.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience in the broad range of Turf, Irrigation and Open Space Management.
- Demonstrated experience in managing and maintaining irrigation systems (Rain Bird preferred).
- Experience in Local Government.
- Construction Induction Card or basic training in Occupational Health and Safety.
- Agricultural Chemical Skill Set (ChemCERT) and agricultural chemical user permit (ACUP)
- Current Victorian driver’s licence.
- A current Working With Children Check
- You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
- Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).
A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.
What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.
We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.
There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:
- Flexible working arrangements including a compressed working week
- Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
- Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
- Commuter use of Council vehicle
- Purchase of additional annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Leave loading.
For more information
You’ll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website – [Position Description PDF]
If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Ella Watson, Coordinator Open Space Operations on 5261 0600.
How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:
- cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria
- copy of your resume.
Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.
Simply complete the application process and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.
Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 13 September 2026.
Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.
