Deputy Head Grounds Person

Colchester United; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Colchester United Football Club seeks an experienced Deputy Head Grounds Person to support the Head Grounds Person in maintaining pitches and grounds across the Club’s sites. The role combines hands-on sports turf maintenance with daily planning and supervision of the grounds team.

Responsibilities include preparing pitches for First Team and Academy training and matches, scheduling routine maintenance and renovations, and ensuring grounds are safe and ready for use.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Sports Turf Management or related discipline.
• PA1 and PA2/PA6 pesticide application qualifications.
• Experience in sports turf or grounds maintenance with knowledge of natural grass pitch care.
• Confident using grounds maintenance machinery and able to organise work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication, attention to detail and proactive approach to maintaining standards.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to work evenings, weekends and matchdays as required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, inspect and maintain pitches for First Team and Academy training and matches, including mowing, marking out, goal setup and pitch repairs.
• Support the planning and delivery of routine maintenance, seasonal renovations and improvements to playing surfaces.
• Maintain surrounding grounds, irrigation and drainage systems, and ensure sites are safe, tidy and ready for use.
• Assist the Head Grounds Person in organising daily workloads, supervising staff and maintaining standards in their absence.
• Liaise with football and operational staff to coordinate pitch availability and respond to changing training and fixture requirements.
• Operate, inspect and maintain grounds machinery and equipment, arranging servicing and safely transporting equipment between sites as required.
• Follow Club health and safety procedures, complete relevant checks and report defects or concerns promptly.

Skills

Sports turf management

Grounds equipment operation

Team supervision

Driving licence

Education

Level 3 qualification in Sports Turf Management

PA1 & PA2/PA6 pesticide application qualifications

Job description

Colchester United Football Club is seeking an experienced, proactive Deputy Head Grounds Person to support the Head Grounds Person in maintaining pitches and grounds across the Club’s sites. The role combines hands‑on sports turf maintenance with daily planning and supervision of the grounds team.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, inspect and maintain pitches for First Team and Academy training and matches, including mowing, marking out, goal setup and pitch repairs.
• Support the planning and delivery of routine maintenance, seasonal renovations and improvements to playing surfaces.
• Maintain surrounding grounds, irrigation and drainage systems, and ensure sites are safe, tidy and ready for use.
• Assist the Head Grounds Person in organising daily workloads, supervising staff and maintaining standards in their absence.
• Liaise with football and operational staff to coordinate pitch availability and respond to changing training and fixture requirements.
• Operate, inspect and maintain grounds machinery and equipment, arranging servicing and safely transporting equipment between sites as required.
• Follow Club health and safety procedures, complete relevant checks and report defects or concerns promptly.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Sports Turf Management or a related discipline.
• PA1 and PA2/PA6 pesticide application (spraying) qualifications.
• Experience in sports turf or grounds maintenance, with sound knowledge of natural grass pitch care.
• Confident using grounds maintenance machinery and able to organise work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication, attention to detail and a proactive approach to maintaining standards.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to work evenings, weekends and matchdays as required.

Desirable

• Experience supervising grounds staff or working within professional football.

Safeguarding

Colchester United Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful candidate must share this commitment and follow Club policies and procedures.