Skilled Grounds Operative

Southampton FC; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club is seeking a Skilled Grounds Operative to maintain high-quality grounds at their training facility. The role includes managing playing surfaces, handling maintenance tools, and conducting risk assessments. Applicants should have NVQ qualifications in groundsmanship and experience with pitch maintenance equipment. A strong understanding of health and safety legislation is essential, alongside excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including free match tickets and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

Free match tickets for home games

Health & Wellbeing initiatives

Discounted club merchandise

25 days holiday plus birthday off

Contributory Pension Scheme

Worldwide Travel Insurance

Learning & Development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Cycle to Work Scheme

Collaborative working culture

Qualifications

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance.
• Good understanding of Health & Safety precautions.
• Flexible working approach due to football industry demands.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance of all playing surfaces and facilities.
• Set up pitch areas and maintain grounds equipment.
• Conduct risk assessments and keep workspaces secure.

Skills

Pitch maintenance equipment knowledge

Good communication skills

Ability to work independently

Understanding of health and safety legislation

Understanding of different turf and surfaces

Understanding of plant nutrition

Education

NVQ level 2 or above in green keeping and groundsmanship

Tools

Cylinder mowers

Rotary mowers

Tractors and implements

Lighting rigs

Pitch tools

White line markers

Job description

Be part of our journey...

Location: Staplewood Training Ground, Southampton

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Child’s Barred List

What is the role?

We are seeking a Skilled Grounds Operative to join our team and maintain our football grounds to the highest standards. You will work alongside a dedicated grounds team bringing expertise, a strong work ethic and a passion for high-quality grounds management.

This role is predominantly based at Staplewood Training Ground located in Marchwood, but you may be asked to work at St Mary’s Stadium and AFC Totton on occasions.

What will you be doing?

You’ll be working closely with the Head Groundsperson and will be responsible for assisting with the maintenance of all playing surfaces, facilities and surrounds following daily, weekly and monthly maintenance schedules.

The role will involve setting up pitch areas, ensuring all grounds equipment is properly maintained and safely handle and dispose of pesticides and chemicals. Your responsibilities will include conducting risk assessments, keeping workspaces clean and secure and using resources efficiently. You’ll collaborate with managers and colleagues and supervise part‑time staff, ensuring they are fully briefed and maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

What are we looking for?

You have previous experience working in a similar role, a good understanding of the importance of Health & Safety precautions and handling maintenance tools, and able to have a flexible approach to working schedules due to the demands of the football industry. You are a great team player and can also work on your own initiative and you take pride in producing top quality work.

You are a great team player and can also work on your own initiative and you take pride in producing top quality work.

Essential Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of using a wide range of pitch maintenance equipment (cylinder mowers, rotary mowers, tractors and implements, lighting rigs, pitch tools, white line markers, etc).

Essential Qualifications:

• Qualified to NVQ level 2 or above in green keeping and groundsmanship or equivalent.

Essential Skills:

• Have a detailed approach to work along with good communication skills when dealing with all internal staff and external guests.
• To be able to work not only as part of a team, but also to show the capabilities to work using your own initiative, with the ability to demonstrate a good understanding of the latest health and safety legislation at all times.
• Demonstrate an understanding of different turf and artificial surfaces.
• Understand simple plant nutrition.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• 25 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for applications is 17 December 2025

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*