Job Title: Director of Grounds
Department: Stadium Operations - Venue
Reports to: GM, Venues & Facilities
Work Location: Denver, CO
Employee Type: Full-time
Pay Type: Salaried
FLSA: Exempt
Supervisor Position: Yes
Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
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CLIMB WITH US. Denver Summit FC is Colorado’s professional women’s soccer club, proudly holding the distinction of being the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th franchise. Our unwavering mission is to cultivate the preeminent professional soccer club globally, achieved through deep and meaningful engagement with Denver’s dynamic and multifaceted communities. The Denver Summit FC team, set to begin play in the 2026 season, is comprised of a robust and dedicated ownership group led by Rob Cohen, alongside a collective of impassioned local and national investors. This blend of local roots and broad support underscores our dedication to both Colorado and the wider soccer community.
Nature of Work:
In this role you will oversee all matters as it pertains to stadium and performance center fields. You will be responsible for maintaining best in class fields for the athletes to ensure high performance and injury mitigation.
Examples of work performed:
- Vet, hire, train, and onboard an Assistant Director and Manager of Grounds
- Oversee all grounds related operations to maintain Denver Summit FC fields including two (2) natural grass (Superpitch) and one (1) artificial field CommonSpirit Performance Center, four (4) artificial fields deemed as Shared Use with the Cherry Creek School District, one (1) natural grass field at the Temporary Stadium, and one (1) future developed natural grass field at the Permanent Stadium. All fields except the Permanent Stadium are on the same complex
- Assist with the procurement of all FFE for field maintenance equipment for all Denver Summit FC owned and operated fields
- Aid in the maintenance of all fields as well as all surrounding landscaping; and
- Develop and maintain strong communication with First Team coaching/technical/performance staff and Team Operations as it pertains to field scheduling, maintenance, and reporting; and
- Track growth progress, soil moisture, shear strength, and field hardness to help ensure player safety and field quality
- Responsible for various competition related equipment including but not limited to static fields, corner flags, primary and back up goals, and nets
- Complete preventive maintenance on various pieces of equipment and ensure all equipment remains in working and operational condition including but not limited to mowers, sprayers, aerators, groomers, tractors, trucks, plows, hydronic heat systems, SubAir systems, irrigation, field drainage, etc.
- Develop plans to apply fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides and keep up-to-date and accurate application records as well as proper licenses in the state of Colorado
- Hire and oversee 3rd party contracts as it related to Ground’s specific equipment, landscaping, and snow removal
- In the event of snow, ensure that parking lots, sidewalks, and fields are clear and ready for the team, staff, and when necessary fans to arrive
- Create, manage, and adhere to an annual operating budget and assist with expense projections for various events
- Train crew members in the proper use of equipment, tools, chemicals, and their applications
- Assist with the supervision and scheduling of part-time staff
- Understand FIFA and NWSL standards to ensure that playing surfaces meet such professional standards
- Ensure that daily field maintenance is coordinated
- Assist in the setup for on-field events at all Denver Summit FC owned and operated field
- Assist in managing the organization and cleanliness of grounds storage and ancillary spaces
This description is a summary only and highlights the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change based on business needs. The Company reserves the right to add or remove duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
- Typical Office Conditions
- Primary location to be at Permanent Stadium once completed
- Travel between facilities as necessary
- Would require workspace hoteling at certain facilities
- Lift, push, and/or pull 50 lbs. (occasionally more) daily
- Work in extreme weather conditions
Qualifications:
Minimum
- BS/BA degree
- 8+ years’ experience in the field of Professional Sports
- Working knowledge of field construction and maintenance pertaining to irrigation, drainage, rootzone, artificial turf, hydronic heating systems, SubAir systems, and grow lights
- Ability to obtain a Colorado pesticide applicators license within 6 months of employment
- Ability to work in various positions, including but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods of time
- Experience with recruiting, hiring, training, managing, motivating a team
- Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred
- BS/BA degree in Turf Management, Horticulture, or Plant Science is preferred
- Experience within Professional Soccer (NWSL, MLS, or USSF)
- Experience either working with or working for 3rd party contracted security groups
- Experience either working with or working for Public Safety Agencies (Police, Fire, Intelligence, EMS, Military, etc.)
- Experience with TV and radio broadcast a plus
- Ability to acquire or produce and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet company vehicle driving standards.
Competencies/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to maintain positive attitude and demonstrate professionalism
- Ability to plan and execute a safe and budget adhering event
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner
- Ability to work independently & in a group setting and demonstrate good judgment skills
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to remain calm and clear headed in stressful situations
- Creative problem solver
- Possesses excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and adapt to changing environments
- Working knowledge of Fire, Life Safety, EEOC, FLSA, OSHA, and ADA rules and regulations
- Experience in developing and managing budgets, and analyzing costs
Compensation:
- Base salary range $95,000 – $135,000 per annum
- Eligible for annual discretionary bonus
Benefits Include:
- 15 Paid Company Holidays
- Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- And more!
Equal Employment Opportunity
Denver Summit FC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
