AFL Cairns is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Groundsperson Trainee to join our team and assist with the maintenance and presentation of our playing surfaces and facilities.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sports turf management and facility operations while contributing to the delivery of Australian Rules Football across the Cairns region.
Working closely with the Facilities Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for assisting a range of functions including the maintenance and beautification of five fields and stadia managed by AFL Cairns. In addition, this person will support in maintaining plant and equipment and participating in the maintenance of the company’s assets across various departments within the organisation.
This is a full-time 6 Month Traineeship
Organisational Relationship:
Reports to the Facilities Manager
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
A Trainee Groundsperson may perform any or all of the following tasks:
Facilities Maintenance
Assist in enforcing Environmental and Work Health & Safety practices
Ensure the cleanliness of the grounds, equipment and maintenance facility,
Ensure cleanliness of the Facility, and that any areas requiring attention are alerted to the Facilities Manager
Report likely or existing problems or faults that could influence priority of replacement
Expand knowledge in field conditioning, field construction and reconstruction, irrigation, machinery and equipment
Facilities Operations
Assist to prepare and maintain all gardens, lawns and greens
Assist with planting, maintenance and care of trees
Develop a working understanding of irrigation systems
Support the preparation of turf, synthetic, artificial and other surfaces for play
Perform tasks that are necessary to keep maintenance facility and equipment clean, organised and safe on a daily basis
Develop an understanding of equipment and tools that are assigned to specific tasks and report any deficiencies to the Facilities Manager.
Support the maintenance and adjustment of turf machinery as appropriate
Learn to clean machinery and how to inspect machinery after each use
Build a knowledge of the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components used on grounds
Learn to maintain the workshop area in a safe, efficient and tidy manner
Build knowledge of fertilisers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Essential Requirements:
Basic written and oral communication skills
Working with Children Blue Card (or ability to obtain)
Willingness to undertake requirements to successfully complete the associated Certificate 1 qualification
Minimum year 10 level of education
Desirable:
Queensland C class provisional drivers licence when age eligible (or willingness to obtain)
Experience and skills deemed by the employer as suitable for the position
An understanding of Australian Rules football
FURTHER INFORMATION
If required, further information can be obtained by contacting AFL Cairns on 07 4042 3000.
Applications, in writing, should be emailed to [email protected] or Seek platform.
Applications close Friday 20th March 2026.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
