INTRO TO MARYLAND SOCCERPLEX
Maryland SoccerPlex, in Boyds, MD, is 1 of the premier youth sports facilities in the United States. Located on the northwest side of Washington, DC, SoccerPlex hosts over 6,000 events per year for multiple sports - soccer, lacrosse, rugby, field hockey, ultimate, etc - for youth to Professional. SoccerPlex Grounds & Environmental Management (GEM) is tasked with maintaining all 22 fields to the highest quality possible, as - unique to SoccerPlex - each & every field user is provided with a Professional level field surface. The demand for high quality, high use surfaces requires SoccerPlex GEM staff to think outside the box & push natural grass field maintenance to new limits. Concepts that have originated w SoccerPlex GEM include modern style fraze mowing, "Blue-muda", Seed-to-play in 35 days w 100% Kentucky bluegrass, "rain-out proof" native soil fields, & grass can take more. This unique work experience has yielded career success for many SoccerPlex GEM team members. Alumni of SoccerPlex GEM from the past 10 years include: 6 Head / Director of Grounds (4 - MLS /NFL, 1 - NCAA D1, 1 - Parks & Recreation) / 1 - Assistant / Manager of Grounds (NCAA D-1) / 1 - influential territory manager for a large pesticide company / and the MLS Field Surface Advisor & International Field Surface Consultant.

JOB SUMMARY
The Maryland SoccerPlex is currently seeking an enthusiastic, positive, hard- working, self- starter to join the Grounds and Environmental Management (GEM) team as Manager of Grounds. This individual, as the #2 of the department, should be motivated, open minded and environmentally conscience. The Manager will oversee / guide / & teach a staff of 6-8, perform turfgrass management tasks such as mowing, spraying, fertilization, aeration, field lay-out for soccer/lacrosse/rugby/football, and enforce an aggressive environmental management program. The Manager will also take part in field renovation projects. The Manager of Grounds assists with the day-to-day management of the Grounds Crew personnel and works may serve in the Director of Grounds capacity during absences.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations:

Coordinate with Director of Grounds to execute day to day operations
Implement turf management plan through mowing, spraying, fertilization, and aeration tasks
Visual inspection of playing surfaces and surrounds for dangers and/or irregularities
Operate turf maintenance equipment including various mowers, tractors, utility carts and other equipment essential to turf management operations
Operate field lining equipment to produce field layouts for various sports, events, and activities
Develop and Implement maintenance plan for all equipment
Instructs equipment operators on the operation and care of mowers and other equipment
Maintenance of artificial turf field surfaces
Development and execution of environmental safety plan
Assist with field improvement projects such as drainage and irrigation installation/repair, reseeding/sodding/sprigging of fields, etc.
Train grounds staff in all aforementioned Operations skills
Assume duties of Director in Director’s absence
Other duties as assigned

Staff Management:

Supervise full-time, part-time and seasonal grounds staff on various projects
Manage full-time and part-time maintenance staff during events
Coordinate with SoccerPlex Facilities and Operations staff during league, tournaments, and special events
Ensure quality control and safety of subordinate work crews

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

2- or 4-year degree in turf/landscape management or similar degree
2+ years staff management experience
3-4 years of turf management experience
Working knowledge of various turf management equipment
Working knowledge of best practices for sports turf management
Has or can obtain within a reasonable timeframe a Maryland Pesticide and Fertilizer License

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES

Positive attitude and personality
Attention to detail
Basic machinery maintenance
Prior experience operating vehicles with manual transmissions
Ability to communicate in Spanish preferred
Prior experience with operation of skid steers, excavator, and other construction type equipment a plus

Additional Requirements

Ability to lift 50 pounds
Ability to work weekends, nights and irregular hours as needed
Ability to work in varying climates including extreme cold/heat, wind, rain, and snow
Ability to work in varying physical positions including standing, kneeling, seated, at height and the use of assistance equipment such ladders, lifts, and motor vehicles
Valid Driver’s License and safe driving record
Reliable transportation
Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Salary range: $62,000 - $69,000 (based on experience)
Benefits including, health, dental, and vision coverage, 403b Retirement Plan, paid vacation available.

MORE ABOUT SOCCERPLEX

In South Germantown Park, SoccerPlex is a public-private partnership between the Maryland Soccer Foundation & Montgomery County Parks. The park itself is much larger, with additional soccer fields, diamond fields, & a cricket oval as well.

SoccerPlex Grounds & Environmental Management is responsible 162 acres in total, including 22 full size soccer fields.

Those fields include:

- 11- native soil Kentucky bluegrass / Perennial ryegrass fields: 8 have been recently renovated via fraze mowing + adding drainage / 3 are scheduled for renovation in the upcoming years

- 5 - native soil Bermudagrass fields: 2 have been recently renovated via fraze mowing + adding drainage / 3 are scheduled for renovation in the upcoming years)

- 2 - sand-capped Bermudagrass fields: 6" sand-capped w internal drainage

- 1 - Kentucky bluegrass Professional stadium field w full sand profile, drainage, & stability fibers blended into the sand (2011 & 2014 STMA Professional Field of the Year)

- 3 - AstroTurf synthetic turf fields

High Profile Events at SoccerPlex include / have included:

- Home of NWSL Washington Spirit (ended in 2020)

- Home of US United US Open Cup

- ACC Soccer Tournaments

- ACC / Big East Challenge
- USYS National Championships

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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