Assistant Groundskeeper – F/T Exempt. Reports to: Head Groundskeeper.
Legends Global, the leader in privately managed public assembly facilities, has an opening for an Assistant Groundskeeper at Soldier Field. The Assistant Groundskeeper’s primary responsibility is to maintain and paint the field for Chicago Fire MLS soccer matches and assist with other field events and surrounding parkland grass areas.
Responsibilities
- Care, maintenance, and upkeep of playing field grass and surrounding parkland areas.
- Operate vehicles and powered equipment including mowers, tractors, snow blowers, sod cutters, and forklifts.
- Mow and edge lawns using power mowers or edgers.
- Water the field and manage the irrigation system.
- Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides manually or with automatic sprayers/spreaders.
- Patch and repair playing field grass; add sand as necessary.
- Assist in tarping the playing field when required.
- Install and remove field goals, team benches, stairs, and other structures for events.
- Replace old sod and install new sod as needed.
- Paint field markings according to event requirements (football, soccer, concerts, etc.).
- Install and remove terraplas flooring for concerts.
- Monitor and report issues with the irrigation system.
- Mark irrigation lines before parkland events.
- Manage snow production on the sledding hill in winter.
- Clear snow from sidewalks, gates, and other exterior areas around Soldier Field as required.
- Maintain the artificial field at ComEd Recreational Center.
- Direct field labor staff during tarping, terraplas installation/removal, and structural set-up/teardown.
- Research sod farms, coordinate with suppliers, and manage the sod budget with accounting.
- Collect sod receipts post-installation for accounting reconciliation.
- Monitor weather via Weather Command and liaise with meteorologists for inclement weather planning.
- Order bulk supplies such as salt, sand, straw, and fertilizer.
- Foster and maintain relationships with Fire Groundskeeper and other clients.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university with a concentration in Groundskeeping, Landscaping, or a related field.
- Three to five years related experience and/or training as a groundskeeper or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Working knowledge of the principles of groundskeeping, field maintenance, and equipment.
- Groundskeeping experience in an NFL, MLS, or NCAA environment is preferred.
- Obtains an Illinois Pesticide Applicator License.
- Excellent planning, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Professional presentation, appearance, and work ethic.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
- Ability to obtain Illinois Pesticide Applicator License within 90 days of employment if not already possessed.
- Ability to work under limited supervision and interact with all levels of staff, including upper management.
- Capability to work long and irregular hours, including daytime, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Benefits
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay.
- Health, dental, vision insurance.
- 401(k) investment plan, with discretionary employer match up to 3%.
- Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance availability.
- Salary range: $65,000 - $80,000.
Physical Demands
Employee must lift 50 lbs and perform both indoor and outdoor work in sometimes inclement weather. The role requires walking and/or standing up to 8-10 hours daily.
Application
Only candidates who apply through the online system will be considered. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the application process may contact 312-235-7148.
Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity / affirmative-action employer and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.