News
VACANCY | Head Groundsperson
Bedford Blues are looking to appoint a full-time Head Groundsperson at Goldington Road. This is an exciting opportunity for somebody as passionate as we are about setting and maintaining exceptional standards for our ground, the level of sport played here and maintaining its standing as a professional, community centred, facility.
This role would suit both experienced candidates as well as those looking to take the next step in their career. This is a broad role with end-to-end involvement in all elements of care for our playing and training pitches and wider grounds environment.
The successful applicant will preferably have experience within a sporting institution and be able to work individually, as well as leading a team and reporting to the Operations Manager.
Job Title: Head Groundsperson
Application End Date: Wednesday 22nd March
Reports to: Operations Manager
It is important to us at Bedford Blues that we bring the right people into our environment. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate an ability to actively and consistently exhibit the Club’s new values; Passion, Adaptability, Unity, Sustainability and Enjoyment.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
- Deliver a best-in-class grounds maintenance service across all playing surfaces and wider grounds environment.
- Ensure all areas of Goldington Road are maintained and tidy to the professional and industry standards to ensure all players, staff and spectators enjoy the matchday experience.
- Be responsible for ensuring health & safety requirements are met for all grounds tasks as well as considering the health & safety of end users of the facility.
- Work closely with the rugby coaching team and other senior stakeholders in order to provide the safest and most suitable environment for the end users of grounds facilities.
- Ensure necessary action is taken where inclement weather or other factors are predicted to ensure that all games and training are given the very best chance of going ahead.
- Ensure excellent housekeeping across all work areas.
- Uphold high standards of customer care and service when dealing with on site visitors and general members of the public.
- Work independently and organise work to deliver objectives without constant supervision.
- Perform daily monitoring checks to identify playing surface issues e.g. pest, weed, disease and irrigation management, and identify diagnostics and treatment.
- Remain up to date with industry developments, legislation and best practice through attendance at conferences, seminars and events and by maintaining a professional network.
- Identify opportunities to improve the club’s sustainability credentials and positively impact on the wider environment.
- Supervise, motivate and manage any grounds team operatives.
- Report effectively on budgets, requirements and challenges with your line manager to improve the efficiency of our grounds programme of works.
- Undertake any other duties as designated to ensure the smooth running of all operational aspects of the business.
Qualifications and Experience
- Demonstrable experience in working as a grounds person, preferably within a sports setting.
- NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Grounds Maintenance essential (or equivalent).
- Experience of driving relevant vehicles such as tractors and ride-on mowers.
- Excellent timekeeping, attendance and reliability.
- Displays a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Resilient and comfortable working outdoors.
- Good level of fitness to undertake labour intensive tasks and manual handling operations.
- Proficient in the use, application and maintenance of specialist grounds care equipment and familiar with a range of grounds care techniques and practices.
- Pesticide licenses PA 1,2 and 6 would be an advantage.
- A flexible approach to working hours, the role will require some weekend and evening work.
- A valid UK driving licence.
Personal Qualities
- Strong communication and organisation skills.
- Ability to individually project manage, lead and work in a team.
- Ability to manage conflicting and changing priorities.
- Highly self-motivated.
- Ability to think ahead, generate ideas and provide creative solutions to problems.
- Willingness to self-evaluate and work towards continuous professional development.
Applications and How to Apply
Please submit a Cover Letter and your CV outlining your suitability for the position of Head Groundsperson to apply@bedfordrugby.co.uk by Friday 17th March. Please put ‘Groundsperson Application’ as the subject of the email.
