Groundsperson

**Who we are**

Preston North End Football Club is a professional football club in Preston, Lancashire, whose first team currently play in the English Football League Championship. Preston North End stadium is situated in the heart of Preston, Deepdale. The Club operates over five sites to incorporate the first team, the academy team, the Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET), the administration team and the stadium. The majority of the sites are in Preston and one in Euxton, Chorley. Preston North End FC was officially formed in 1880 and was a founder member of the Football League in 1888. Our aspirations are to achieve promotion and play in the Premier League and we want you to help us get there.

Football is a unique industry. Working in football is a dream for many people; if it is your dream then you will experience football life behind the scenes.

**Job Summary**

This role will suit a newly qualified college graduate/apprentice looking to find a role within professional football.

As a Groundsperson, you will play an important role in ensuring the day-to-day maintenance of all training, playing surfaces and surrounding areas to a first class standard at all times.

**Salary**

Competitive salary depending on experience, skills and qualifications.

**Location**

Your place of employment us to be confirmed dependent on qualifications and experience.

The ground staff operate at the following sites:
1. Preston North End First Team Training Ground, Euxton Lane, Euxton, Chorley;
2. Springfield's training ground, Dodney Lane, Lea, Preston;
3. Preston North End Stadium, Sir Tom Finney Way, Deepdale, Preston.

You will be based at one of the above locations day to day and at the stadium on a matchday event. However, it is expected that you are willing to work across all of the sites to cover holidays and absences as and when required. This is in the interests of your performance and duties with the Club.

**How to apply**

**Working hours**

Your hours of work will be between 7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday of which half an hour will be allowed for lunch.

You are also required to work a proportion of home match events at Deepdale stadium, which are in addition to the responsibilities above. The minimum working week is 37.5 hours. On occasions, your role may necessitate longer hours than your contract number. This will be kept to a minimum, but the responsibilities are dictated by the responsibilities of the role.

**What can you expect in return**
- Further training and development opportunities.
- Access to staff discounts.
- Two complimentary season tickets
- Onsite parking.

You will also benefit from working with an outstanding team of accomplished professionals across a range of diverse, exciting and varied departments.

Preston North End boasts many strong role models and has a culture of excellence, passion, unity and respect.

**Main Responsibilities, Skills and Experience**
- Working with professionals sports turf machinery and equipment.
- Line marking responsibilities.
- Grass cutting across the facility.
- Maintenance of goal posts, including netting, noting any defects and reporting them.
- Other associated pitch duties, including but not limited to, fertilizing, spraying, seeding etc.
- Ensure all surfaces and surrounding areas are kept to a high standard.
- Divoting to help repair playing surfaces after training sessions and matchdays.
- Must be prepared to work in all weathers.
- Post match pitch work.
- To be able to work flexible and unsociable hours where the role of the job requires.
- Work alongside other team members to support in other areas of the organisation as and when required.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to this role.

The above is not intended to be exhaustive, the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of Preston North End FC and the Preston North End Community and Education Trust.

**Qualifications, Key Skills and Experience**

** **Level 2 qualified in sports turf management or an equivalent qualification.
- The role is suited to a newly qualified college graduate/apprentice looking to find a role within professional football.
- Some experience of working with professional sports turf machinery and equipment is beneficial and in accordance with standard operating and safety procedures.
- Enjoys working outdoors.
- Takes responsibility for ensuring a high quality of work.
- Taking direction from the Head Groundsperson and fulfill any reasonable requests of duties required.
- An understanding of the seasonality nature of the role and the need for flexibility with regards to working long hours including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- Ability to work under pressure and to work alone when required.
- The Ability to manage time bound tasks.
- Attention to detail is key, along with good focus and patience.
- A full driving licence is essential.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: