Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the League’s 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC officially began competing in MLS in April 2021 and will play its fifth season in 2025.  Austin FC plays its home matches at Q2 Stadium, a 100% privately financed, state-of-the-art stadium which earned certification as a zero-waste venue.  Austin FC sold out all 70 MLS home matches it played at Q2 Stadium during its first fourth season in the league, including two MLS Cup Playoff matches in 2022 as the team reached the Western Conference Final. 

Austin FC also operates Austin FC, II, a professional-level development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro which won the league title during its inaugural season in 2023.  In addition, Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy which is the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region’s most talented your players. Combined, Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy teams complete the pro player pathway between elite youth soccer (MLS NEXT) all the way to MLS, and allow for players to develop, improve, and move up to Austin FC or Austin FC II.

Austin FC is actively seeing an Assistant Groundskeeper who will work to manage the playing surfaces at St. David’s Performance Center.  This position will focus on the fields associated with Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy in ensuring they have safe and consistent pitches. This role will have essential duties at all Austin FC II matches. 

The position is based in Austin, TX and will be based in-person out of the St. David’s Performance Center.

·        Has a positive attitude, strong work ethic and passion for flawless execution.

·        Feels a sense of pride and accomplishment in successfully executing a well-organized, well-coordinated event.

·        Take pride in maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and discretion.

·        Works well within a collaborative, team-driven, and goal-based environment. 

·        Creates processes to increase work efficiencies and systems to work smarter, not harder.

·        Can communicate effectively with a wide range of people.

·        Consistently prioritizes projects, meetings and fast-changing schedules while remaining productive and professional.

·        Possess exceptional organizational skills with a strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and multi-task.

·        Aid in the maintenance of ten (10) acres of natural grass, as well as one synthetic field, at the St. David’s Performance Center; and

·        Develop and maintain good communication with Austin FC, Austin FC II, and Austin FC Academy Soccer Operations leadership as it pertains to field scheduling and maintenance; and

·        Be the Grounds Department lead on all trainings and matches for Austin FC II; and

·        Maintaining Parmer Field and ensuring it’s match day ready for Austin FC II matches and other events to include painting as needed, grooming, field testing and setting up; and

·        Track growth progress, soil moisture, shear strength, and field hardness to help ensure player safety and field quality; and

·        Complete preventive maintenance on various pieces of equipment and ensure all equipment remains in working and operational condition; and

·        Apply fertilizers and pesticides and keep up-to-date and accurate application records; and

·        Train crew members in the proper use of equipment, tools, chemicals, and their applications; and

·        Supervise part-time staff; and

·        Research FIFA and MLS standards and ensure that playing surfaces meet these standards; and

·        Complete projects and special assignments within budgets as directed by the organization; and

·        Able to make precise and timely decisions that affect field conditions; and

·        Maintain daily field maintenance and make suggestions for improvements when necessary; and

·        Assist the Facilities and Operations staff when needed.

·        Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Plant Science, or Agronomy preferred

·        Minimum three to five (3-5) years relevant work in maintaining professional, collegiate or golf course quality turf

·        Working knowledge of field maintenance pertaining to irrigation, drainage, rootzone, artificial turf, and grow lights

·        Experience working with hybrid Bermuda turfgrass species and overseeding/ transitions preferred

·        English language proficiency is essential and Spanish/English bilingual skills are a plus

·        Working knowledge of FIFA and MLS rules and regulations

·        Ability to obtain a Texas pesticide applicators license

·        Proficiency in Microsoft applications, knowledge of current technologies

·        Knowledge of ground management tools and equipment, and a commitment to remain up to date with industry’s best practices

·        Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·        Commitment to diversity and inclusion both internally and externally

·        Detail and deadline-oriented

·        Strong organizational skills

·        Ability to make decisions under pressure

·        Ability to work in various degrees of outdoor weather conditions, including but not limited to, extreme heat or rain

·        Ability to lift 50 pounds of weight frequently throughout assigned workday

·        Ability to push/pull 50 pounds and occasionally more

·        Ability to work in various positions, including but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods of time

 

·        It is the policy of Austin FC not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

·        All selected candidates are subject to passing a background check prior to employment.

·        Hours are variable and can easily include early mornings, evenings, weekends and some holidays in addition to the traditional Monday through Friday hours