Spring 2027 Grounds Intern
Grand Park Sports & Entertainment - Intern
Westfield, IN
Grounds Crew/Turf Management · Maintenance · Facility/Venue Management
1
4
hours ago
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our team as a Spring 2027 Grounds Intern. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields, landscaped areas, and outdoor spaces at a large-scale sports and events campus. As a Grounds Intern, you will play an important role in supporting daily grounds maintenance, field preparation, landscaping, equipment upkeep, and event readiness throughout Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. This internship is ideal for individuals interested in turf management, sports field management, landscaping, horticulture, parks and recreation, facility maintenance, or the behind-the-scenes work that goes into maintaining high-quality athletic facilities and a welcoming campus environment.
Grand Park Sports Campus
Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana, is a planned youth and adult recreational sports Campus designed to become a family sports destination like no other. This thoughtfully-designed 400-acre sports campus features a full-range of championship-level outdoor facilities for baseball, softball and field sports including soccer, football, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse and three-field indoor events center designed for year-round play.
General Definition of Work
The Grounds Intern supports the Grand Park Grounds team in maintaining the appearance, functionality, and overall condition of the outdoor spaces throughout Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus. This internship provides hands-on experience in sports turf management, grounds maintenance, landscaping, equipment operation, facility upkeep, and event preparation while working alongside experienced professionals at one of the nation's largest youth sports campuses.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Grounds Manager. Work hours are directly tied to the campus event calendar and seasonal grounds needs and are subject to change. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability may be required based on scheduled events and campus needs.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this internship successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions
Grounds & Turf Maintenance
- Assist with daily maintenance of athletic fields, landscaped areas, sidewalks, common areas, and other outdoor spaces throughout the campus.
- Support routine field preparation and maintenance, including dragging, lining, grooming, watering, and other field care activities.
- Assist with mowing, trimming, edging, weeding, planting, mulching, and other landscaping tasks as directed.
- Help maintain the appearance and playability of athletic fields and surrounding areas.
- Monitor fields and grounds for damage, maintenance needs, safety concerns, and other issues and communicate findings to supervisors.
- Assist with field conversions and preparation for tournaments, leagues, camps, and special events.
- Support seasonal grounds projects and campus beautification initiatives.
Equipment & Facility Support
- Assist with the proper operation, cleaning, inspection, and storage of grounds maintenance equipment.
- Support routine inspection and basic upkeep of equipment and tools.
- Assist with organizing equipment, materials, and storage areas.
- Help maintain irrigation components and communicate irrigation issues to supervisors.
- Assist with trash removal, debris cleanup, and maintaining a clean and professional campus environment.
- Support snow and ice removal activities as needed during winter weather.
- Assist with deliveries, material organization, and movement of grounds-related supplies.
- Follow all safety procedures when operating or working around grounds equipment and machinery.
Special Projects
- Assist with seasonal grounds projects, landscaping improvements, and campus beautification initiatives.
- Participate in department meetings, planning sessions, and grounds inspections.
- Assist with projects related to turf management, sustainability, equipment organization, and grounds operations.
- Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by the Grounds Manager or Vice President of Operations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining high-quality grounds and athletic facilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to follow directions and established safety procedures.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
- Interest in turf management, landscaping, horticulture, sports field management, or facility maintenance.
- Willingness to learn proper grounds maintenance techniques and equipment operation.
- Ability to identify and communicate maintenance, safety, and field condition concerns.
- Positive attitude, professionalism, reliability, and willingness to assist wherever needed.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to safely operate or learn to operate grounds maintenance equipment.
Education & Experience
Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Turf Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Sports Management, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
Previous experience with sports fields, landscaping, turf management, grounds maintenance, agriculture, parks and recreation, or outdoor maintenance is preferred but not required.
Interest in sports field management, turf care, landscaping, or large-scale sports facility operations is strongly preferred.
Previous experience with sports fields, landscaping, turf management, grounds maintenance, agriculture, parks and recreation, or outdoor maintenance is preferred but not required.
Interest in sports field management, turf care, landscaping, or large-scale sports facility operations is strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, pushing, pulling, digging, and carrying equipment and materials. The intern may be required to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting with assistance. The intern will spend significant time outdoors in varying weather conditions and will regularly travel throughout the 400-acre campus. Work may involve exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, dust, grass, dirt, and other outdoor conditions.
Special Requirements
- Valid driver's license preferred.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Reliable transportation to and from Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus.
- CPR and First Aid Certification preferred or ability to obtain.
Opportunities & Perks
- This is a PAID Internship (weekly stipend).
- Gain extensive hands-on experience in large-scale sports facility and event operations.
- Exposure to various aspects of sports management.
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals.
- Potential for academic credit, depending on the requirements of your educational institution.
- A supportive and engaging work environment that fosters learning and professional growth.
- Housing is not provided.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and explaining their interest in this internship opportunity. Please submit your application through the TeamWork Online platform.
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.