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The Assistant Groundskeeper is responsible for assisting the Head Groundskeeper and Groundskeeping staff in the upkeep, care, maintenance, and improvement of the White Sox playing surface at Rate Field. In this hands-on role, you will report to Head Groundskeeper Roger Bossard, offering you a unique opportunity to gain experience in professional baseball turf management from the most tenured groundskeeper in Major League Baseball.
Core Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with baseball staff to anticipate and meet a variety of needs on a Major League Baseball playing surface, specifically as it relates to quality and consistency of the mound, batting circle, infield skins, infield grass, and outfield grass
- Support the upkeep of a sand-based, Kentucky Bluegrass MLB playing surface to meet the requirements and expectations of Major League Baseball
- Ensure compliance with Major League Baseball standards
- Assist in coordinating activities of employees engaged in preserving the playing field and grounds of the baseball field by performing duties, including but not limited to:
- Turf management
- Fertilization
- Edging
- Base Area
- Surface preparation
- Infield surface maintenance
- Ensure that the field is fully prepared and ready to use on game day, free from irregularities in all playing surfaces that may pose safety or performance issues for players
- Prepare the playing field for practice on game days and facilitate the setup and breakdown of all equipment, including batting cages, screens, and mats
- Assist in tarp cover and removal during weather situations
- Ensure field preparation as needed for non-game day events
- Operate and monitor field maintenance equipment
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Accredited four-year degree in Turf Grass Management, Crop and Soil Sciences, or at least three years relevant work experience
- Training and experience in turf management in a climate that includes all weather conditions (wet, hot, humid, cold, etc.)
- Knowledge of playing fields and irrigation systems associated with baseball complexes
- Ability to read, speak and comprehend English allowing effective collaboration with others to produce high quality results and promote a safe working environment.
- Ability to work long and irregular hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. This role is expected to work all CWS home games and any post-season games, on top of regular workday requirements.
- Ability to develop effective, collaborative working relationships with subordinate staff, peers and supervisors. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a team setting.
- Ability to multi-task, work independently and willingness to cross-train and assist with other aspects/field designations of grounds maintenance program
- Ability to regularly lift 50 pounds, regularly push/pull heavy objects, regularly walk/stand for long periods of time and regularly work in extreme and varied weather conditions.
- Ability to work under stressful conditions
- Valid Illinois driver license or demonstration of the ability to immediately obtain one
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) certification
- Specialized training and experience in one or more of the following field areas: mound, plate, bullpens, or skinned area
Compensation:
Benefits Include:
- Health
- Dental
- Life
- AD&D
- LTD
- Voluntary Supplemental Life
- Voluntary Supplemental AD&D
- Voluntary Vision
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
- Voluntary 401(k)
- Voluntary Flex Benefits (FSA, Transportation, Dependent Care)
- Complimentary White Sox Tickets
- Complimentary Lunch
- Holiday Break
- Promotional Items
Chicago White Sox is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
