Department: Field Operations
Reports To: Director of Field Operations
Duration: Seasonal (Spring, Summer, or Full Season)
Compensation: Paid hourly
Position Summary:
The Field Operations Intern supports the daily maintenance and game-day preparation of the playing surface and surrounding ballpark grounds at Columbus Clingstones Ballpark. This role provides hands-on experience in professional baseball field maintenance, turf management, and stadium operations. The intern will work closely with the Grounds Crew to ensure a safe, visually appealing, and play-ready field for all games, practices, and special events.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with daily field maintenance, including mowing, edging, dragging, chalking, and watering the playing surface
- Prepare the field for games, practices, and special events in accordance with professional baseball standards
- Assist with infield skin maintenance, mound and plate setup, and bullpen preparation
- Help with tarp pulls, rain delay procedures, and post-weather recovery
- Maintain surrounding ballpark areas, including warning track, foul territory, bullpen mounds, and dugouts
- Assist with field breakdown and reconfiguration for non-baseball events
- Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment under supervision
- Follow all safety protocols and proper equipment handling procedures
- Support inventory management of field supplies and materials
Learning Opportunities:
- Exposure to professional baseball field standards and maintenance schedules
- Hands-on experience with turfgrass management and infield skin care
- Understanding of weather management, drainage, and field safety protocols
- Insight into coordination between grounds, operations, and baseball staff
- Preparation for careers in sports turf management, facility operations, or agronomy
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest in sports turf management, agronomy, landscaping, or facility operations
- Ability to work early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the baseball schedule
- Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs and working in varying weather conditions
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and take direction from grounds staff
Physical & Work Requirements:
- Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting
- Outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and direct sunlight
- Ability to respond quickly during tarp pulls or weather-related situations
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
