Assistant Head Groundsperson

**Assistant Head Groundsperson**

Derby County Football Club, established in 1884, is one of the founder members of the English Football League and has a rich and varied history, including two First Division titles in 1972 and 1975 and an FA Cup success in 1946. The club are currently playing in League One, the third tier of English Football, and is under the management of Head Coach, Paul Warne. The club also boasts a successful and respected Category One Academy, a status which has been held since 2014. Derby County is embarking on an exciting new era following the change in ownership to Clowes Developments (UK) Limited. Our track record of producing talent is outstanding, and we intend to protect that proud legacy, investing in key roles within the club to build on the foundations in place for success.

Derby County Football Club have an opportunity to join its award-winning Grounds Team as Assistant Head Groundsperson.

The Assistant Head Groundsperson be responsible for the delivery of grounds maintenance associated services and processes that support the operation of all sites, setting and ensuring the highest standards of safety, landscaping and grounds maintenance.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- To deliver high quality grounds maintenance services to the highest standard, in line with policies, legislative, environmental and certifying authorities’ compliance and best practice.
- To be responsible for allocated ground maintenance tasks from start to completion including scoping the task, pricing and ordering materials, liaising with stakeholders, undertaking the work personally and/or coordinating and supervising others to ensure its timely completion.
- In the absence of the Head Groundsperson, deputise and carry all necessary works to required standard.
- Assist Head Groundsperson with the planning and overseeing of renovation works.
- Maintaining the excellent standard of the football pitch including cutting, white lining of all pitches and safe and effective deployment and use of pitch lighting rigs.
- Maintaining all outside areas and managing and operation of irrigation systems.
- Use of mechanical equipment, such as but not limited to tractors and strimmers.
- Ensure all goals and pitch equipment is maintained and safe for players use.
- Ensure staff are trained and confident on machinery and their tasks.
- To effectively carry out Matchday duties to the required standard and ensure appropriate equipment is in place as required.
- Attend all pre-match meetings as and when required.
- To supervise and develop an apprentice or grounds person, supporting the team to achieve their objectives.
- Under guidance of the Head Groundsperson liaise with coaching staff to ensure proper use of all playing surfaces.
- Carry out basic servicing of all equipment ensuring it is fit for use and complies with Health and Safety regulations.
- To monitor the results of the grounds maintenance service and suggest and deliver improvements.
- In the absence of the Head Groundsperson, assist and produce weekly work schedules when required.
- Assume responsibility for the day to day organisation and running of the site and associated activities in the absence of the Head Groundsperson.

**Personal characteristics and experience**:

- Minimum 5 year’s experience working in sports turf
- At least 5 years Previous Experience in a Groundsmanship / Greenkeeping role
- One year experience working in a dedicated stadium environment
- Experience working on hybrid pitches (I.e. Desso GrassMaster/SISgrass)
- Experience working with pitch lights
- A good understanding of waste management and recycling practices
- A working understanding of all relevant Health and Safety protocols
- Experience in line management and supervision
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good supervisory skills
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to prioritise and manage workload

**Essential Qualifications**
- Level 3 in Turf Surface Management or equivalent
- Level 2 in Turf Surface Maintenance or equivalent
- PA1, PA2, PA6 spraying certificates
- Full driving license
- Class BE (Trailer) license

**Desirable Qualifications**
- Level 4 in Turf Surface Management
- Competent user of Bernhard Grinder equipment

Salary is competitive, depending on experience.

This role is set on a 40-hour working week with an expectation to work all home first-team league fixtures and work flexibly around additional matchdays, evenings, bank holidays and weekends. This role will also be primarily based outside in various weather conditions.

Everything we do as a Club is built around the three pillars of stability, integrity and progress.

Our core values are:

- We are proud of who we are and what we do
- We are positive, inspired and passionate
- We are ambitious and driven
- We are prepared, honest and humble
- We are the heartbeat of our community
- We are the club of opportunity

**Derby County e