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 seeking a professional and reliable Groundkeeper to support all daily grounds operations at Q2 Stadium and St. David’s Performance Center.  In this role, you will work with a team to maintain Q2 Stadium and St. David’s Performance Center’s fields in order to ensure player safety and field quality, ensure that all necessary equipment maintenance is completed, and communicate with Austin FC’s Soccer Operations leadership with any necessary field updates. 

This position is based in Austin, TX and will work in-person out of the St. David’s Performance Center and Q2 Stadium. 

·        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?

·        Takes pride in maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and discretion?

·        Works well within in 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?

·        Work within a team to maintain ten (10) acres of natural grass, as well as one synthetic field, at the St. David’s Performance Center; and

·        Aid in the maintenance of the Q2 Stadium pitch as well as all surrounding landscaping; and

·        Develop and maintain good communication with Austin FC’s soccer operations leadership (including Sporting Director, coaches, and Academy Director) as it pertains to field scheduling and maintenance; 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

·        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

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

·        Assist in the set-up for on-field events at Q2 Stadium and Parmer Field; and

·        Assist in managing the organization and cleanliness of grounds storage and ancillary spaces.

·        Bachelor’s degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, or Plant Science preferred

·        Minimum  2 (two) years relevant work in maintaining professional quality sports fields

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

·        Experience working with warm climate turf grass species preferred

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

·        Ability to obtain a Texas pesticide applicators license within 1 year of employment

·        Proficiency in Microsoft applications, knowledge of current technologies and commitment to remain up to date with industry 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.