Apprentice Groundsperson

**Apprentice Groundsperson**

Sussex Cricket is believed to be the oldest professional sports club in the world. The Grounds team play an essential and integral part in the success of the cricket team and wider club. In the last ten years, the Grounds team have twice been awarded the England and Wales Cricket Board’s best ‘One-Day Pitches’ trophy as well as receiving two commendations; including in 2017 coming runner-up for the ‘best four-day pitches’ and received a commendation for ‘four-day pitches’ in 2016 and 2019. The Grounds team won the Institute of Groundsmanship ‘Professional Cricket Grounds Team of the Year’ awards in 2016 and 2019.

In addition to preparing the wicket and the ground for match days at Hove, the Grounds team are also responsible for providing first-class quality practice facilities; re-laying the wickets; the irrigation and ground rejuvenation. With responsibility for the grounds at both Blackstone Academy and the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy.

**The Role**

Working hours during the cricket season can be long and therefore a flexible approach is needed. Working weekends and evenings is also often necessary during the season. Working hours outside of the cricket season are more flexible. College attendance at college will typically be one day per week.

As well as working as a Groundsperson during the cricket season, during the winter months the Apprentice Groundsperson will spend much of their time preparing the ground for the following season.

**Sussex Cricket Values**

**S*elflessness **H**onesty **A**ccessibility **R**espect **E**njoyment **D*rive

**Equal Opportunities**

Sussex Cricket is committed to improving the diversity of our workforce. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and backgrounds who can bring diversity of thought and experience to the Club.

**Safeguarding**

**Job Title**: Apprentice Groundsperson

**Reports To**: Grounds Manager with a dotted line to the Deputy Grounds Manager

**Hours**: Full-time (weekend and evening work during the season)

**Location**: Rotating between the 1st Central County Ground in Hove and Blackstone Academy Ground

**Remuneration**: From 1 April 2024, £240 per week in year one (apprenticeship hourly rate changes as per the rates set by the Government). In year 2, increases to age-related National Minimum Wage

**Job Purpose**
- Apprentice Groundsperson working/training across the 1st Central County Ground and Blackstone, as directed by the Grounds Manager
- Carry out all grounds duties in a safe manner within current Health and Safety Regulations

**Main Learning Areas and Responsibilities**
- Undertake and successfully complete a groundsperson apprenticeship qualification (exact nature of course to be determined according to the individual concerned)
- Lone/unsupervised working where appropriate and where competent
- Wicket preparation: covering, cutting, verticutting, watering, rolling, marking out etc.
- Matchday duties: set up fielding nets/practice facilities, positioning boundary rope, setting out fielding discs, positioning sightscreens, setting up advertising boards, sweeping wicket at interval, repairing foot holes, re-marking wicket
- Maintenance of square: mowing/presentation, verticutting, fertilising, repairing wickets, re-seeding, watering, covering up, spiking
- Maintenance of outfield: mowing/presentation, fertilising, repairs, re-seeding, spiking
- Upkeep of grass net area and preparation of practice facilities and provision of wickets
- Maintenance, repair and setting up of all grounds care machinery
- Perform pre-start checks and routine maintenance to turfcare machinery
- Carry out any other task-related to the role and business objectives that the Grounds Manager / Chief Executive may deem appropriate

**Teamwork**
- Work effectively and safely as part of the Grounds Team
- Work with others in your department and across the wider Club to achieve the Organisation’s goals
- Develop a relationship with all departments and understand their roles
- Project and promote a positive image of Sussex Cricket at all times

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

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay

Ability to Commute:

- Hove, BN1 3AN (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Hove, BN1 3AN: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person