Company Information and Introduction:
About the Organisation
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) / Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) is responsible for the promotion, regulation, and development of the greyhound racing industry in Ireland. Shelbourne Park is our premier venue, hosting flagship racing events of national and international significance.
Role Title: Head Groundsperson
Reports to: Regional Racing Manager
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium
Role Purpose
The Manager of Grounds Maintenance & Racing Equipment Team plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that Shelbourne Park consistently operates as a flagship racing venue capable of hosting premier events to the highest standards.
The post holder will lead and manage the Ground staff and Maintenance Team all aspects of track preparation, grounds maintenance, and racing equipment to deliver a world-class racing surface and stadium environment. The role is pivotal in ensuring excellence in presentation, safety, and performance, enhancing the experience for stakeholders including owners, trainers, spectators, and commercial partners.
Hours of Work
This role requires flexibility to support a dynamic racing schedule. Hours will vary across Monday to Saturday, aligned with trial sessions, race nights, and maintenance requirements. A weekly roster will be agreed with the Regional Racing Manager.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Leadership & Management
Lead, manage, and develop the Grounds Maintenance & Racing Equipment team to deliver consistently high standards.
Plan, schedule, and oversee all track and grounds activities aligned with racing and trial programmes.
Foster a high-performance culture focused on excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Track & Racing Surface Excellence
Ensure the racing surface is prepared and maintained to elite standards suitable for major race meetings.
Oversee all aspects of track conditioning, including harrowing, plating, watering, and camber consistency.
Work closely with racing operations to optimise track performance for both trials and race nights.
Record and monitor racing track conditions and performance statistics, and review on a regular basis with management and implement plans when necessary.
Racing Equipment & Operations
Manage the maintenance and readiness of all racing equipment, including traps, hare system, and support infrastructure.
Operate the hare during trials and race meetings to the required standards (training provided).
Implement preventative maintenance programmes to minimise downtime and ensure reliability.
Grounds & Stadium Presentation
Ensure the overall presentation of stadium grounds and facilities reflects a flagship venue status.
Oversee maintenance of grass areas, infield, and surrounding stadium environments.
Ensure the venue is presented to the highest standard for all events, particularly major race nights.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engage professionally with owners, trainers, and racing personnel, ensuring strong working relationships.
Support the delivery of high-quality race meetings and trials through effective communication and coordination.
Compliance & Administration
Ensure full compliance with all GRI policies, statutory regulations, and health & safety standards.
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, track conditions, and operational data.
Support reporting requirements and continuous improvement through data-driven practices.
Operational Support
Support trial sessions, including payment processing and reporting in line with company procedures.
Operate flexibly across both private and official trials as required.
Undertake additional duties as required to support stadium operations and business needs.
Assists with non-race day events when required.
Key Skills and Competencies:
Proven experience in grounds maintenance, track preparation, or a related operational environment.
Strong leadership and team management capability.
Experience operating tractors, machinery, and specialist equipment.
Good administrative and reporting skills, with attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
Relevant qualification, trade, or practical experience advantageous.
Full clean driving licence.
Flexible, proactive, and hands-on approach to work.
The successful candidate will:
Take pride in delivering a flagship racing venue recognised for excellence.
Demonstrate strong ownership of standards and continuous improvement.
Combine technical expertise with leadership capability.
Thrive in a dynamic, event-driven environment.
Key Outcome
Shelbourne Park is consistently presented and operated as Ireland’s premier greyhound racing venue, with a racing surface and facilities that meet the highest standards required to host major national and international events.
