Director of Grounds

D.C. United; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

D.C. United in Washington, DC, is seeking a full-time Director of Grounds to oversee the maintenance of the Audi Field playing surface, the Performance Complex, and surrounding areas.

Reporting to the VP of Real Estate and Operations, the role leads turf management, budgeting, field painting, irrigation, and coordination with coaches and front office to support events and MLS play.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science, horticulture, or related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in sports turf management (professional or collegiate).
• Knowledge of grounds construction and maintenance equipment and procedures.
• Ability to operate turf equipment.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours.
• Ability to routinely lift at least 50 pounds.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in day-to-day turf management for maintaining professional sports fields.
• Establish and maintain the grounds budget with the VP of Real Estate & Operations, including staffing, field paint, sand, fertilizer, seed, and maintenance.
• Establish and maintain maintenance and fertilization programs.
• Paint playing field for sporting events at Audi Field (soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby).
• Oversee stadium field event setup for Audi Field events (soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, concerts).
• Utilize grow blankets in winter and fall months.
• Manage and repair irrigation systems.
• Utilize grow lights as needed.
• Communicate with front office and coaching staff about field needs and events.
• Oversee cultural practices: mow, fertilize, aerify, verticut, etc.
• Operate light-duty vehicles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Non-traditional hours

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor's degree in turfgrass science or related field

Tools

Irrigation systems maintenance

Lawn equipment operation

Job description

Position Summary:

D.C. United is hiring a full-time Director of Grounds in Washington, DC. Position reports directly to the Vice President of Real Estate and Operations and is responsible for the maintenance of the playing surface at Audi Field, the Performance Complex, and areas surrounding the stadium and training facility.

Compensation:

$110,000 – $130,000 per year

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead a team in running day-to-day turf management practices associated with maintaining professional sports fields.
• Establish and maintain the grounds budget with the Vice President of Real Estate & Operations, including staffing, field paint, sand, fertilizer, seed, and general maintenance.
• Establish and maintain maintenance programs, as well as fertilization programs.
• Paint playing field for sporting events located at Audi Field, including but not limited to soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby.
• Oversee stadium field event set-up for events at Audi Field, including but not limited to soccer matches, football games, rugby matches, lacrosse games, and concerts.
• Utilize grow blankets in the winter and fall months.
• Manage and repair irrigation systems.
• Utilize grow lights as needed.
• Communicate with front office and coaching staff about field needs and events.
• Oversee and carry out cultural practices: mow, fertilize, aerify, verticut, etc.
• Operate light-duty vehicles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science, horticulture, or a related field.
• Prior groundskeeping experience in the transition zone.
• 3-5 years’ experience in sports turf management, either on the professional or collegiate level.
• Knowledge of equipment and procedures of grounds construction and maintenance.
• Ability to operate turf equipment.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings.
• Ability to routinely lift at least 50 pounds.
• The selected candidate must pass a background check.
• D.C. United is committed to uplifting our community, staff, and club. We are seeking candidates to be a part of our journey in our quest for continued organizational growth and another MLS Cup.

D.C. United will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

D.C. United is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). D.C. United reaffirms its commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. D.C. United is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. D.C. United is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions can include hiring, termination, compensation, benefits, promotion, training selection, or other statuses or conditions of employment. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skills, knowledge, abilities, job performance, and other appropriate qualifications.