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 a Manager of Grounds. This individual should be motivated, open-minded and environmentally conscience. As a manager, this person will manage a staff of 6-10, performturfgrass 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 may serve as the Director of Grounds capacity during absences. The Maryland SoccerPlex - a 160-acre Park with 24 full-size fields (13 Bermudagrass, 8 Cool season, 3 Artificial) - is located in Boyds, MD (northwest of Washington, DC).
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, including robotic painters 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
- Assist Director in conducting annual staff performance reviews
- Coordinate with SoccerPlex Facilities, Operations, and Events 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
- Ability to speak Spanish
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 and verification of COVID 19 vaccination.
Salary and Benefits
$55,000 – 65,000/yr. Depending on Exp.
Salary, Exempt Position
Benefits including
- company paid health, dental, and vision coverage,
- 403b Retirement Plan,
- paid vacation
- Uniforms/Apparel
About Maryland SoccerPlex
Maryland SoccerPlex is on the northwest side of Washington, DC in Germantown, Maryland. The park is 162 acres and includes 24 full side soccer fields: 16 native soil tournament fields (8 Kentucky bluegrass/ 5 Patriot Bermudagrass), 7 sand-capped Tahoma 32 bermudagrass fields, 3 synthetic fields, and 2014 STMA Professional Soccer Field of the Year winner, SoccerPlex Stadium (fiber sand w/ Tahoma 32 Bermudagrass).
SoccerPlex hosts over 6,000 matches per year for multiple sports from youth to professional. The GEM team is tasked with maintaining all 24 fields to the highest quality. Every participant at SoccerPlex, no matter their level, is provided with a professional type of surface. To keep such quality under high traffic demands, our staff thinks outside the box and pushes field maintenance to new limits. SoccerPlex Stadium, 2011 STMA Schools and Parks Field of the Year and 2014 STMA Professional Soccer Field of the Year, plays host to DC United Open Cup, DC United Women, ACC-Big East Challenge, 2012/13 ACC Men’s Soccer Championship, 2014 USYS National Championships, Washington Spirit of the NWSL, & many other high-profile events. The stadium is currently home to Old Glory DC of Major League Rugby, Maryland Bobcats of the NISL, The Big East Conference Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships, MLS Next Flex, and the National Collegiate Rugby 7s Championships.
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.
