Groundskeeper

Philadelphia Phillies - Business Operations; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

The Groundskeeper at Citizens Bank Park for Philadelphia Phillies baseball operations maintains championship-quality playing surfaces and surrounding grounds, performing daily field maintenance, turfgrass management, and irrigation to MLB standards.

The role requires pesticide handling, operation of light to medium machinery, and the ability to work long hours including weekends and holidays during the baseball season, with involvement in the Summer Internship program.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's or Associate degree in turfgrass management or similar field.
• Three years experience in professional baseball with similar responsibilities.
• Knowledge of pesticide regulations and ability to obtain required certifications within three months.

Responsibilities

• Assist with executing the full playing field maintenance program at Citizens Bank Park, including fertilization, cultural practices, irrigation, and related tasks.
• Assist in on-field events (concerts, walk-the-bases, youth games, charity events).
• Support the Summer Internship program by mentoring interns and assisting in their education and development.

Skills

Organizational skills

Work unsupervised

Physical stamina

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's/Associate degree in turfgrass management or related field

Tools

Pesticide application

Irrigation systems (Rain Bird Maxicom2)

Equipment operation (light to medium)

Job description

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining championship-quality playing surfaces and surrounding grounds at Citizens Bank Park for all Philadelphia Phillies baseball operations and stadium events. This role executes daily field maintenance, turfgrass management, irrigation, equipment operation, and event preparation to ensure a safe, consistent, and visually exceptional playing environment that meets Major League Baseball standards. This position partners closely with Operations staff to support baseball activities, concerts, and special events while maintaining the high standards expected throughout Citizens Bank Park.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Assists with executing the entire playing field maintenance program at Citizens Bank Park including fertilization, cultural practices and irrigation and is charged with all related functions necessary to perform these duties in an exemplary manner.
• Assists with executing various on-field extra events held at the facility including, but not limited to, concerts, walk-the-bases, youth and charity games, etc.
• Assists in executing the Summer Internship program including working one-on-one with summer interns to assist in their educational experience and development.
• Assist with limited maintenance tasks at the Phillies Urban Youth Academy Complex as required.
• Maintains a positive relationship with the various industry leaders throughout the state and country so as to increase the professional reputation of the Phillies’ organization and Major League Baseball as a whole.
• Maintain a positive and creative work atmosphere for all division employees.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors or Associates degree in turfgrass management, business administration, or similar degree area.
• Three years experience working in professional baseball with similar responsibilities.
• Have exceptional organizational abilities and the ability to work unsupervised.
• A minimum of two years experience maintaining a sand-based, high-performance baseball diamond, preferably in the Mid-Atlantic or Midwest regions.
• Experience handling and applying pesticides and fungicides. Have the ability to take and pass the Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicators core test as well as category 7 within three months of starting employment with The Phillies.
• Have a thorough knowledge of applicable State & Federal pesticide regulations/laws.
• Must be physically capable of safely operating light to medium to machinery including utility vehicles, tractors, skid steers and mowers, be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted, be able to work for extended periods of time in high heat and humidity, and have no restrictions to work with any plant materials, soils or pesticides/chemicals commonly used in landscaping operations.
• Have a basic understanding of equipment maintenance principals including small engine repair and reel mower cylinder grinding.
• Willingness to work long hours and a variable schedule including weekends and holidays, especially during the baseball season.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of two years experience as either a minor-league Head or MLB Assistant Groundskeeper.
• A minimum two years experience maintaining Kentucky Bluegrass in a high-end athletic field setting.
• Experience operating a centrally controlled irrigation system, preferably a Rainbird Maxicom2 system.

The Phillies are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.