The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp is seeking a highly skilled Head Groundskeeper who is eager to join our management team. This position is a working management position that will require active involvement in day-to-day maintenance of the playing surface, pitching mounds, batting cages/tunnels and common areas at the facility that complies with the specifications, high quality and safety standards, set forth by Major League Baseball. The ideal candidate will have proven track record of success in overseeing a high-level baseball playing surface.
Responsibilities:
- Recognize, prioritize, and implement best course of action practices in all aspects of field preparations, including all activities or tasks fundamental to baseball field care. Including but not limited to, mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, pesticide applications, field painting, variety of cultural practices, warning track upkeep, infield tarp placement and removal, dirt and turf area preparation, including pitcher’s mound, bullpens, home plate and infield areas, base lines skinned-area preparation, edging foul lines, and other transition points, pre-game set up and post-game closure of field for games and other events.
- Make regular field inspections to ensure the quality and safety of the playing field and surrounding turf.
- Report field issues such as turf stress, disease, irrigation problems, etc.
- Ensure the safe and proper operation of all equipment utilized, maintaining that equipment in safe, clean, operable condition and adhere to safety standards and precautions.
- Operate powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, as well as hand tools such as shovels, rakes.
- Manage inventory of grounds materials including ordering and tracking material and usage.
- Prepare budgets and operate under budgetary guidelines.
- Hire and manage a full-time, part-time and seasonal staff to which includes recruiting, training, and scheduling to ensure we are adequately prepared to handle operational needs.
- Work closely with Special Events Director to ensure all field-related events are properly managed and to meet customer needs. This will include, but is not limited to concerts, corporate sponsorship events, community relation outreach programs, postgame concerts, as well as high school and college games.
- Create and manage parameters and systems that work closely with the Assistant GM to help manage off-season facility projects.
- Create and manage and inspect all Departmental and OSHA safety guidelines and regulations.
- Oversee and train the use of hazardous chemicals among staff.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with managers, coaches, umpires, etc.
Requirements/Qualifications:
The physical demands listed below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- 3 years minimum field maintenance experience at a baseball/athletic facility also including a solid knowledge of turf maintenance supplies, materials and equipment and management of a baseball complex/stadium.
- Skilled in all technical areas of field maintenance, including equipment use, fertilization, mound and plate maintenance and infield skin maintenance.
- Ability to proficiently operate turf related equipment (i.e., tractors, mowers, aerifiers, field paint machine).
- Ability to obtain and maintain FL State Pesticide Applicator’s license.
- Valid Driver License.
- Ability to develop effective and collaborative working relationships.
- Willingness to cross-train and assist with other aspects/field designations of grounds maintenance program.
- Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push and pull heavy objects. Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time and work in extreme heat and varying weather conditions.
- Strong communication skills: the ability to verbally communicate at a level that ensures productivity and quality of work.
- Knowledge of basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel & Outlook)
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time. The employee will be required to carry and move equipment up to 50 lbs. Ability to use/operate typical grounds keeping hand tools, implements, and power tools on a regular basis, for long periods of time.
NOTE: All of the essential functions of this position are not necessarily described in this description.
Jacksonville Baseball LLC is 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.
