CHICAGO STARS, FC: Head of Turf Management
ROLE
The Head of Turf Management is responsible for the full oversight and performance of field maintenance which includes the current field at Seat Geek Stadium as well as coordination with our temporary playing facility at Northwestern University, playing surfaces/fields at the Chicago Stars Training Facility, and eventually our new home field. This role will have expertise and knowledge of grounds maintenance tools and techniques, turf grass science, skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance functions and landscape architecture. The position will ensure that the playing fields are maintained to NWSL playing standards and recognized as best-in-class among the league while supporting a wide variety of events.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises the construction and maintenance of Stars Training Facility grounds.
- Performs daily responsibilities of fields which includes mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, pesticide applications, field painting, cultural turfgrass practices, equipment operation and maintenance and snow removal.
- Manages inventory and oversees the preventive equipment maintenance and replacement programs.
- Orders and maintains all products necessary for grounds maintenance.
- Ensures the safe operation of light duty vehicles such as mowers, tractors and trucks, when applicable.
- Performs seasonal maintenance of the equipment fleet and ensure proper maintenance is performed in a timely manner.
- Assures the necessary practice equipment (goals, benches, etc.) is set up, maintained and in good working condition.
- Prepares the annual budget for the maintenance and improvements in accordance with strategic plans and defined maintenance standards.
- Fosters professional relationships with coaching staff, first team support staff, players, co-workers and tenants.
- Supervise all field related projects including but not limited to sod replacements, new field installations, air injections, top dressing etc.
- Identify turf grass diseases, weeds, pests, and take appropriate action to correct these issues.
- Hire, train and oversee work performed by full time, part time, and game day associates under the direction of this position.
- Work with Director, Event & Facility Operations to ensure all field conditions are met for third party events and venue rentals.
- Create and maintain good working relationships with all NWSL coaches and soccer operations staff.
- Direct all aspects of field heating and irrigation systems, including proper soil temperature and moisture content, winter protection, and maintenance/repair of the system.
- Ability to perform all aspects of field maintenance including but not limited to, mowing, fertilizing, and all associated field and landscape maintenance of the stadium playing field, training fields, facility grounds and landscaped areas within and surrounding the facility, where applicable.
- Ensure the fields are fully prepared and ready for practice and/or game usage at all times – free from irregularities in all playing surfaces that may pose safety issues for the players and/or grounds staff.
- Other duties may be assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 7-10 years of related experience, including 4 years experience in professional sports field maintenance and/or golf course maintenance.
- B.S. Degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or related field; or combination of education and related experience.
- Knowledge of soccer playing field regulations/recommendations and irrigation systems associated with soccer complexes and/or golf courses.
- Demonstrated success in managing complex projects to ensure on time and on budget completion with positive results.
- Employee must have or must obtain an Illinois Applicators license.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate well with coaching staff to organize field schedules.
- Experience leading high-performing teams.
- Ability to work non-standard work hours with variable schedule, to include weekends and holidays.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in maintaining high-end sports fields, preferably in the soccer industry.
- Bi-lingual or multi-lingual, a plus.
- Member and participant in the Sports Turf Managers Association preferred.
- Experience/familiarity with preventative maintenance procedures for Turf Equipment as specified by the equipment manufacturer and/or Turf Equipment Maintenance Certification.
- Substantial experience with chemical/fertilizer applications and irrigation troubleshooting and repair.
- Turf Equipment Management Certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to push, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds of weight frequently throughout the workday.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions including heat, cold, and rain.
- Ability to work in various positions, including but not limited to, stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time.
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.
