Post Title
Grounds Assistant.

Department/Location
Grounds, the Canalside Training Centre.

Reports to
Head Groundsman.

Purpose of the Role
To undertake all duties associated with maintaining and renovating sports surfaces in a football environment, ensuring that the facilities are in premium condition and fit for purpose, while also adhering to all environmental and health and safety laws and regulations.

Functional Links
Internal: Grounds team.
Sporting Director.
Head Coach and First Team Coaches.
Academy Manager and Coaches.
First Team and Academy Players.
Training Ground Operations Team.
All staff and managers throughout the organisation.

External: Members of the public.
Prospective players and their agents/representatives.
Fans/supporters.
External agencies e.g., HSE, Environmental Health.

Key Performance Indicators:

• All surfaces on the First Team and Academy training pitches are maintained to a consistently high standard.

• Safe and effective use of equipment to ensure playing surfaces are maintained in premium condition.

• Compliance with environmental and health and safety legislation and regulations.

Role Specific Responsibilities

Knowledge:

The post holder will be required to:

· Work as a member of the Grounds team to ensure playing surfaces are consistently well-maintained and fit for purpose.

· Identify and ensure the correct application of materials, tools, equipment, and machinery used in maintenance and renovation activities, under the supervision of the Head Groundsman and other leaders in the Grounds team.

• Identify and understand different grasses, soil types, weeds, pests, diseases, turf disorders, artificial surfacing material, underlays, infill material, turf and soil reinforcement material, and line marking materials.

• Understand the principles of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration, in the growth and development of plants and apply this knowledge accordingly to pitch management and maintenance.

• Contribute to monitoring the impact of weather, ground conditions, and usage on pitch quality and playing quality, and work with the Grounds team to take appropriate action as necessary.

• Contribute to minimising waste and reducing environmental impacts.

• Monitor, record, and report basic grounds maintenance findings.

Skills:

The post holder will be required to:

• Apply knowledge and skills with a logical and systematic approach, also demonstrating a positive work ethic in achieving the desired outcomes from maintaining the playing surfaces.

• Contribute to maintaining and renovating turf surfaces in a safe and appropriate manner to ensure training and matches can take place in fair and safe conditions.

• Use a range of equipment and machinery as required, including but not limited to, mowers, scarifiers, aerators, and other specialist turf equipment, covering hand tools, as well as pedestrian operated, ride-on, and tractor mounted implements.

• Correctly calibrate equipment for material requirements and apply at the correct rates a range of materials, including grass seed, fertilizer, and bulky top-dressing.

• Use integrated prevention and control methods to reduce the incidence of diseases, disorders, pests, and weeds on turf.

• Set and mark out playing areas in accordance with the Laws of the Governing Bodies of Sport.

• Maintain tools, equipment, and machinery used for maintenance and renovation activities, to ensure their safe and effective use.

• Maintain and conduct basic routine servicing and repairs to drainage and irrigation systems.

• Effectively communicate with others and provide an excellent level of customer service.

• Work safely, efficiently, and effectively at all times, whether under supervision, as an individual, or in a team.