Skilled GroundskeeperLeeds United

Skilled Groundskeeper

Location: Thorp Arch Training Ground, Wetherby

Contract: Permanent

Hours of Work: 37.5 Hours Per Week (with matchday cover as required)

Application Deadline: 25/11/2026

What You’ll Be Doing

We are seeking a motivated and professional Skilled Groundskeeper to join our Grounds Department at Thorp Arch Training Ground.

Working closely with the Head Groundskeeper and Deputy Groundskeeper, you will play a key role in maintaining and preparing elite training pitches and surrounding facilities to the highest possible standard. This role is vital in ensuring First Team, Academy, and Women's teams have access to outstanding training surfaces throughout the year.

The successful candidate will contribute to the day-to-day maintenance of natural, hybrid, and artificial playing surfaces while supporting the delivery of a professional, safe, and high-performance environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Pitch & Grounds Maintenance

• Carry out day-to-day grounds maintenance across natural, hybrid, and artificial training pitches.
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of elite training surfaces.
• Support all aspects of pitch preparation including mowing, marking, aeration, divoting, and presentation.
• Undertake maintenance of grassed areas, hedgerows, boundaries, landscaped areas, and surrounding grounds.
• Assist with the upkeep of all training facilities and external areas.

Match & Training Preparation

• Prepare training pitches to the highest possible standards.
• Support matchday pitch preparation and post-match recovery operations.
• Assist with ensuring all pitches are safe, playable, and fit for purpose.
• Support the grounds team in maintaining high standards throughout the football calendar.

Machinery & Equipment

• Operate sports turf maintenance machinery safely and effectively.
• Conduct basic maintenance of machinery, equipment, and goalposts.
• Carry out pre-use and post-use inspections.
• Ensure all equipment is cleaned, maintained, and stored appropriately.
• Report defects, faults, or maintenance requirements to management.

Irrigation & Seasonal Maintenance

• Operate and support irrigation systems.
• Assist with frost protection measures and adverse weather procedures.
• Support drainage management and pitch protection strategies.
• Assist with the application and handling of substances in accordance with COSHH regulations.

Health & Safety

• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and hygiene.
• Follow all Club policies and procedures.
• Ensure safe working practices at all times.
• Support the maintenance of safe environments for players, staff, visitors, and contractors.

Team Support

• Work collaboratively with the wider Grounds team.
• Support colleagues across the training ground as required.
• Assist with deliveries, stock control, and general site operations.
• Maintain a flexible approach to support changing operational requirements.

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What We're Looking For

You'll Have

NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Management or an equivalent qualification.

Excellent communication skills.

Strong organisational skills.

Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Ability to work independently and use your own initiative.

High attention to detail.

Professional approach and strong work ethic.

Passion for maintaining elite sporting facilities.

Experience

Experience maintaining sports pitches and grounds.

Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.

Experience preparing playing surfaces for training and/or matches.

Experience working safely within a grounds maintenance environment.

Experience maintaining high standards of presentation and quality.

Experience working effectively within a team environment.

Desirable

Experience working on professional sports pitches.

PA1, PA2A, and PA6 spraying certificates.

Experience operating irrigation systems.

Experience using frost protection systems.

Experience within football, rugby, cricket, golf, or other professional sports environments.

Full UK Driving Licence.

Why Should You Join Leeds United?

Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive team where your voice is valued and your development matters.

In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting benefits perks.