Racing clubs around the state are crying out for staff to join their groundskeeper teams.
Racing SA industry Track Manager Ian Ricardo says if you like sport, machinery and working outdoors you never know where a career in sports turf management may lead.
“I talk to people in all fields, and everyone is screaming out for more people in this industry and it’s not just a state thing it’s national as well,” said Ricardo.
“There’s a bit of diversity as far as the horticulture side of things and the turf management side of things and learning those trades. Along with that there’s machinery use and herbicide applications and fertilising and we pretty much use state of the art machinery these days.
“I enjoy working outdoors and working in the field of sport. And that can be racecourses, football grounds, golf courses you name it. But if you’ve got leniency to sport it’s a great career because it gives you exposure to sport,” he said.
Ricardo has been in the industry for 38 years and started his career with a turf management apprenticeship as a 16-year-old at Moonee Valley.
From there he was made track foreman which sits under the racecourse manager at Moonee Valley and then went into the facilities management side of things. After serving as facilities manager and racecourse manager at Morphettville Riccardo found his way to Racing SA where he oversees the 25 racecourses across the state and consults with all the track managers.
“My heart has always been out on the track and now I make sure they’re safe and up to a standard which we as an industry expect and the jockeys expect.
“There’s so many people relying on your work and a successful race day is extremely satisfying because it means you’ve done your job well.
“You need to please the punter, the owner, the trainer, the jockey. There’s so many people relying on your work. That’s the challenge and when you get that right it’s very satisfying,” Ricardo said.
Qualifications aren’t needed for most of the groundskeeper positions on offer within SA racing right now.
Successful applicants would learn on the job and have the opportunity to study a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management. That could open the door to jobs in turf management right around the world.
“It’s not the flashiest job in the world but you never know where a career in sports turf management will lead.
“There’s a couple of guys in our system who’ve ended up getting scholarships overseas once they came out of their time. Haydn Reid at Strathalbyn Racing Club won a scholarship and worked on golf courses in America and they’ve achieved a lot in their time – it’s a great experience for those fellas.
“The wage can climb quite quickly once you get out of your time and if you’re one of those determined type people who want to climb the ladder and are keen for success and building their reputation you can get going quite quickly,” Ricardo said.
Morphettville Racecourse, Groundsperson
Morphettville Racecourse are currently taking applications for an experienced Groundsperson to join their Racing Operations team to ensure delivery of superior quality racing surfaces, training facilities, grounds and associated amenities.
To find out more information about the groundskeeping jobs available at racecourses across the state head to the website: https://racingsa.com.au/careers/expressions
