Sports Turf Operative Apprentice
DURHAM CRICKET C.I.C. · Chester Le Street, DH3 3QR
Sports turf operative (level 2)
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Sports Turf Operative Apprentice to join our grounds maintenance team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has an interest in sport and wants to develop practical skills in sports turf maintenance.
The work
- Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of the playing surfaces and outfield, and practice and nets areas
- Assisting and taking direction from the Head Groundsman in placing and removing covering and surface water from the playing area for all matches.
- Operating and maintaining grounds equipment in accordance with standard operating and safety procedures
Assisting in the marking out and setting up of playing surfaces. - Ensuring that all equipment is maintained on a day to day basis in accordance with routine operating requirements
To provide a helpful and professional service to all users of the facilities including players and coaches - Maintain equipment such as nets, posts and protective covers
- Following health and safety procedures at all times.
Training
Training will take place in the workplace, with regular visits from a Sports Turf Trainer Coach, who will carry out reviews and set assignments.
Alongside your employment, you will complete a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship with East Durham College.
You will develop practical knowledge and skills in:
- Sports turf maintenance and management.
- Soil types, grass varieties and growing conditions.
- Machinery operation and maintenance.
- Preparing and maintaining sports surfaces.
- Health and safety within the grounds maintenance industry.
- Identifying and managing turf pests, weeds and diseases.
- You will receive support from experienced workplace staff and your East Durham College Trainer Coach throughout your apprenticeship.
Training provider: EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
What you come out with
Potential for long-term employment and career progression within the grounds maintenance industry.
What they are looking for
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Interest in Cricket/Sport
Qualifications
- Essential · GCSE English 3 or above
- Essential · GCSE Maths 3 or above
Things to consider
- Previous experience in grounds maintenance or gardening.(Desirable)
- Experience of working in cricket or sport and an interest in cricket. (Desirable)
- A full UK driving licence (Desirable)
The employer
Durham County Cricket Club (DCCC) was established as an amateur Minor County in May 1882 and went onto become cricket’s most successful Minor County and the first to beat a First-Class County when defeating Yorkshire in 1973. Durham was awarded first class professional status in December 1991 – the only new First-Class County in over 70 years – and played in the professional structure from 1992.
In 1999, The Riverside hosted two matches of the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup and in 2003 the ground staged was elevated to Test match status. It has since hosted six England Men’s Test matches including an Ashes Test in 2013. In 2019 it hosted 3 matches of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and since has hosted Men’s and Women’s international fixtures annually.
Since becoming a first-class county, DCCC has established English cricket’s most successful academy, regularly producing international stars for England, including Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes in the men’s game. In 2024 Durham team was one of 8 counties to receive tier one women’s professional status and in 2026 the team reached the final of the T20 Blast.
Workplace
- Emirates Riverside, Riverside, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR