Director of Grounds

Genesis Distribution; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

DC United in Washington, DC, is hiring a full-time Director of Grounds to supervise the playing surface at Audi Field, the Performance Complex, and surrounding areas. The role reports to the VP Real Estate & Operations and leads turf maintenance, budgeting, and program development.

Requirements include a BS in turfgrass science or related field, 3–5 years in sports turf, and the ability to work non-traditional hours, lift 50 lb, and pass a background check. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science, horticulture, or a related field.
• 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.
• Background check required.
• D.C. United is committed to equal opportunity and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in day-to-day turf management for professional fields.
• Establish and maintain grounds budget with VP Real Estate & Operations, including staffing, field paint, sand, fertilizer, seed, and maintenance.
• Develop maintenance and fertilization programs for playing surfaces.
• Paint and maintain field markings for events at Audi Field and training facilities.
• Oversee field event setups for soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby, and concerts.
• Manage irrigation systems and use grow blankets/lights as needed.
• Coordinate with front office and coaching staff on field needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Non-traditional hours

Communication

Field painting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science or related field

Tools

Irrigation systems knowledge

Grounds equipment operation

Grow blankets / grow lights usage

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:

$85,000 – $105,000 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.