JOB TITLE: Director, Sports Fields and Grounds
DEPARTMENT: Mesa Spring Training Operations
REPORTS TO: GM, Mesa Spring Training Operations
LOCATION: Mesa, AZ
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $100,000 - $120,000 base salary USD and eligible for discretionary bonus plan
BEING PART OF THE TEAM
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?
OUR STORY
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.
HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE
This leadership position will be responsible for the care, maintenance and improvement of the spring training professional baseball playing fields and facilities for the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park and the Nike Performance Center in Mesa, Arizona. The position will ensure that the playing fields are maintained to Major League playing standards and recognized as best-in-class among Major League Baseball while supporting a wide variety of events. The position will be responsible for facility repair and upkeep for all sports systems. This role will require open communication and collaboration with Chicago Cubs baseball staff and a track record of successful management, development, and leadership of high-performing teams
THE DAY-TO-DAY:
· Ensure that baseball fields are always in optimal condition for professional baseball events including routine daily infield moisture management and daily management practices associated with mound and home plate maintenance.
· Ability to perform all aspects of field maintenance including but not limited to, mowing, fertilizing, and all associated baseball field and landscape maintenance of the stadium playing field, Cubs training fields, facility grounds and landscaped areas within the Cubs spring training complex.
· Will work with baseball operations to determine field and facility use needs and scheduling and maintain detailed calendar of activities to include Cubs use, outside events and maintenance periods.
· Collaborate with baseball operations to ensure all sports systems are best-in-class and new systems are developed and implemented in accordance to plans.
· Ensure the fields are fully prepared and ready for practice and/or game usage at all times – free from irregularities in all playing surfaces that may pose safety issues for the players and/or grounds staff.
· Will work with the City of Mesa to collaborate on amateur events and site-wide maintenance.
· Support sales and event operations to balance maximum field use while maintaining Major League Baseball field standards.
· Manage 3rd party service providers for facility service needs when scope is outside internal resources.
· Lead the ground crew team by developing a long-term vision and daily work plans to support baseball and business operations.
· Operate and maintain all facility and grounds equipment in a safe manner and keep in excellent working condition. Train and supervise grounds staff to ensure all grounds equipment is being utilized in a safe, productive, and non-destructive manner.
· Proficient in the use and maintenance of turf equipment, irrigation systems, and other equipment used in maintaining baseball fields and landscaped areas.
· Ability to properly maintain and calibrate all equipment associated with chemical/fertilizer applications.
· Ensure the grounds shop area is kept in a clean and organized manner at all times. This includes all turf/grounds maintenance equipment.
· Assist the Assistant Head of Grounds with the supervision, training, and evaluation of part-time and seasonal grounds keeping staff.
· Develop daily, weekly, and long-term job/project assignments and prioritization.
· Keep and maintain daily records of field maintenance activities.
· Lead grounds maintenance staff team meetings.
· Develop an annual budget and ensure expense compliance for all field and facility activities
· Provide support and supervision of both Cubs and non-Cubs staff prior to, during, and after non-baseball related events at the Cubs Spring Training Facility.
· Performs routine safety inspections and repair of related facility equipment including, but not limited to: safety screens, nets, cages, benches, fencing, and backstops.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
· Generally requires 7-10 years of related experience, including 4 years experience in professional sports field maintenance and/or golf course maintenance.
· Generally requires a B.S. Degree in Turfgrass Management (or related field) or related experience.
· Experience leading high-performing teams.
· Demonstrated success in managing complex projects to ensure on time and on budget completion with positive results.
· Knowledge of baseball playing field regulations/recommendations and irrigation systems associated with baseball complexes and/or golf courses.
· State of Arizona Pesticide Applicators License with Turf and Right of Way Certifications or ability to obtain within 2 months of employment.
· Valid AZ Drivers license upon hire.
· Ability to work non-standard work hours with variable schedule, to include weekends and holidays.
WHAT SETS YOU APART:
· Experience/familiarity with preventative maintenance procedures for Turf Equipment as specified by the equipment manufacturer and/or Turf Equipment Maintenance Certification.
· Experience performing reel mower unit setup (reel to bedknife adjustment, height of cut adjustment, etc.), repair, and maintenance.
· Substantial experience with chemical/fertilizer applications and irrigation troubleshooting and repair.
· Turf Equipment Management Certification.
TOTAL REWARDS:
· On-site parking
· Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break
· Flexible work arrangement
· Casual work attire environment
· Cubs home game & spring training game ticket allotment
· Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales
· 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match
· Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
· Variety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discounts
· Tuition Reimbursement
* This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience.
The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.