Groundsperson

We are seeking a passionate and motivated Groundsperson to join our team, helping deliver world-class events such as the Brisbane International.

The Queensland Tennis Centre is a $100 million state-of-the-art facility, including Pat Rafter Arena (5,500 seat centre court), as well as 23 International Tennis Federation standard courts including clay, grass, and synthetic surfaces – the first in Australia to be built with all three Grand Slam surfaces.

The Groundsperson is responsible for assisting in the preparation, maintenance and presentation of the Queensland Tennis Centre for community use and all events (international and national standard events), including the courts and surrounding landscaped areas to the standard of a world-class facility. 

The Groundsperson reports to the Grounds and Facilities Coordinator. Out of normal hours work, recall to work and work on weekends will be required.  

SQ manages, operate and promotes the use of the State’s major sports, recreation and leisure facilities. http://www.stadiums.qld.gov.au/ 

• Assist in the preparation, maintenance and presentation of the courts of play (including grass, clay and synthetic courts) for all events to the required international and national standard. 
• Maintain the venue’s landscaped areas and surrounds (gardens, grassed areas, paths and carparks) to a professional and safe standard.
• Carry out improvements and minor repairs to the venue and courts of play, structures, grounds and surrounds in accordance with instructions.
• Contribute to team operations during events so procedures are adhered to and a high level of customer service is attained.
• Assist with the coordination of maintenance contractors and the set up and break down for events, including supervision of the logistics or events staff.
• Identify turf problems (pests, disease, weeds) and take action in consultation with the Grounds and Facilities Coordinator to mitigate or resolve the problem in a timely manner.
• Apply herbicides and pesticides in accordance with material safety data sheet manual and in accordance with instructions.
• Maintain watering program in consultation with the Grounds and Facilities Coordinator.
• Maintain and carry out minor repairs and services to small plant and equipment to ensure compliance with prescribed safety standards and in accordance with instructions.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with Stadiums Queensland’s (and Tennis Queensland’s where applicable) policies and procedures, particularly in the areas of workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity, workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination. 

Essential:

• Horticultural experience  
• Manual Driver’s License

Desirable:

• Certificate III in Greenkeeping or relevant horticultural qualification 

Essential:

• Ability to maintain and prepare high quality tennis court surfaces including grass, clay and synthetic courts
• Experience in sports / golf course / horticulture / parklands turf management
• Mechanical experience in maintaining turf or agricultural machinery
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide range of turf and garden equipment and machinery (including mowing unit, irrigation system) 
• Commercial operator’s license (ACDC) (note if the successful candidate does not currently hold such licence they will be required to obtain this in a timely manner)
• Knowledge of chemicals and fertilisers and their use in maintaining turf and gardens
• Ability to identify turf problems (pests, disease, weed) quickly before any damage is incurred
• Basic written skills
• Ability to communicate and apply customer service skills
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• High work ethic, commitment to professional presentation, ethical practice and flexibility in the workplace

Desirable:  

• Ability to attend a recall to work
• Forklift Licence
• First Aid and CPR Certificate
• Workplace Health and Safety knowledge and ability to identify hazards
• Knowledge of international and national sporting rules and regulations
• Working With Children Check (Blue Card) 

Some out of normal hours work and work on weekends may be required.

Whilst this position is currently located at the Queensland Tennis Centre, the successful applicant may be required to work from any of SQ’s venues or offices.

Travel inter/intrastate may require some overnight stays away from the position’s location.

This position description details the minimum skills required to perform the duties of this position. Other duties may be allocated, as required.

SQ employees are bound by the ethics principles, which are contained in the SQ’s Code of Conduct and the terms and conditions of employment are detailed in the Employment Contract and associated legislation.  All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with these.  

All managers, supervisors and staff are expected to participate in and positively contribute to the sound corporate governance of SQ. This includes demonstrating a comprehensive appreciation of and commitment to the fundamental principles of corporate governance within which a statutory authority operates.  

Managers and supervisors should lead by example in their understanding of and application to corporate governance activities of SQ, in accordance with appropriate legislative requirements, Board policy and established principles.

All successful appointees will be responsible and accountable to the extent of “Duty of Care” (Work Health and Safety Act 2011) and required to demonstrate occupational health and safety consciousness, and support and contribute towards risk management initiatives.

SQ employees are required to adhere to security procedures at all times, support and contribute the effectiveness of protective security measures through security awareness, vigilance and reporting.

Where a “Working with Children Check” (i.e. Blue Card) is required to be held for this position, the applicant is to provide evidence of either a valid Blue Card or be willing to make application for the card. Volunteers working in any capacity with children or young people, and paid employees who work in regulated employment (i.e. childcare), are required to hold a valid Blue Card before commencing work. For all other positions that require a Blue Card the applicant may commence in the position pending the receipt of a successful check.

Information submitted by an applicant for this position is subject to the Right to Information Act 2009 and the Information Privacy Act 2009.  

Applications will remain current for a period of 12 months.

Your application should address your ability to meet the key accountabilities. SQ’s “Additional Information for Applicants” will assist you in developing your application.  

Applications should include a current Resume/Curriculum Vitae.