Japan Cricket Association
Description
https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/the-icc/working-at-icc/jobs-and-recruitment
The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is recruiting a Head Groundsman for the Sano International Cricket Ground (SICG) in Sano, Tochigi. This is a permanent role reporting to the Head of Cricket Operations.
The Head Groundsman is responsible for the preparation, maintenance and presentation of all turf surfaces, including the outfield and turf wickets at SICG. The ground has two squares, each fitted with a hybrid wicket, plus turf strips laid in March 2026. The role delivers safe, high-quality playing surfaces up to international standard for major events and leads a small grounds team.
While the role is initially focused on SICG, it also oversees management and maintenance at the Watarase cricket grounds in Sano (seven cricket ovals). There may be scope to help develop other playing surfaces for major events in centres such as Nagoya.
About the JCA
The JCA is a forward-thinking organisation committed to helping Japan achieve its potential as a cricketing nation. Its values are Diversity, Fair (the Spirit of Cricket), Fun and Global.
Key responsibilities
- Pitch preparation: prepare and maintain international-standard turf wickets for international tournaments and major domestic events, and keep all pitches in condition for regular play - Turf management programme: plan and deliver seasonal programmes for mowing, edging, rolling, aeration, topdressing, fertilising and renovation (the Japanese season runs March to November) - Turf health: monitor turf condition, identify pest, disease, weed and irrigation issues, and take corrective action, applying chemicals only in line with Japanese legislation and best environmental practice - Irrigation and water use: operate and monitor irrigation, report faults and use water efficiently - Maintenance plan: adhere to the annual maintenance plan agreed with Sano City - Team leadership: lead, schedule and train the Grounds Coordinator and part-time casual staff - Equipment: ensure all machinery (mowers, rollers, tractors, spreaders and hand tools) is safely operated, serviced and fit for use - Resources and records: keep stocks and accurate records of equipment use, chemical applications and maintenance - Facility development: advise JCA management on facility improvements and share turf management knowledge with local staff - Health and safety: follow and promote safe work practices, assess hazards and report incidents and near misses
Essential skills and experience
- Formal turf management qualifications or equivalent substantial experience - Demonstrated experience preparing and maintaining turf cricket wickets, ideally to international or first-class standard - Sound knowledge of turf species, growth cycles, irrigation, fertilising, pest and disease control and surface renovation - Experience leading a team, including casual or part-time workers - Competence in operating and maintaining turf machinery - Knowledge of chemical handling, storage and application requirements - Ability to plan, prioritise and communicate clearly with colleagues, officials and the public - Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather
Desirable
- Five or more years working on turf wickets - Experience preparing pitches for international matches and working with match officials - Conversational Japanese (not expected, but anything would be useful) - Experience living or working in a country other than your own - Knowledge of Japan cricket structures - Other cricket skills such as coaching, competition management, umpiring or scoring accreditations
Conditions
Salary TBC. Hours and other terms are set out in the offer of employment. The successful applicant may be required to complete a pre-employment medical check and, where required, a police check.
How to apply
Email your application to JCA Recruitment at [email protected].
Applications close on Monday 30 November 2026.