Head Groundsman – Job Description
Role purpose:
Responsible for the management, maintenance, and presentation of all grounds and playing surfaces to the highest standards. Leads the grounds team, plans maintenance schedules, and ensures safe, consistent, high-quality playing conditions.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage and maintain sports turf, lawns, gardens, and surrounding grounds
- Plan and carry out seasonal maintenance programmes
- Supervise, train, and organise grounds staff
- Set mowing schedules and standards
- Manage turf nutrition, irrigation, aeration, scarification, topdressing, and renovation work
- Identify and control weeds, pests, diseases, and turf issues
- Maintain machinery, equipment, and workshop standards
- Keep accurate records of chemical applications, fertiliser use, and maintenance operations
- Manage contractors and specialist works when required
- Monitor weather conditions and adjust maintenance plans
- Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations
- Prepare surfaces for matches/events/competitions
- Provide cover during matches
- Maintain stock levels, and purchasing
- Report to Club management/owners and committees
Skills and experience:
- Good knowledge of turf management and horticulture
- Experience operating and maintaining grounds machinery
- Knowledge of fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation, and soil management
- Ability to lead a team and work independently
- Good organisational and problem-solving skills
- Relevant qualifications (e.g. turf management, horticulture, spraying certification) desirable
Personal qualities:
- Pride in presentation standards
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work outdoors in all conditions
- Past pitch experience but essential but desirable.
