Head Groundskeeper

Genesis Turfgrass LLC.; Papillion (NE); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Genesis Turfgrass LLC. seeks a Head Groundskeeper to maintain the playing surface for the Omaha Storm Chasers at Werner Park, ensuring turf, dirt and water management, and game prep to keep the field first-class.

The role leads staff, manages payroll, and coordinates with Ballpark Operations for in-season and off-season work, including tarp pulls, grooming, and equipment upkeep. Occasional long hours including nights and weekends are required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Turf Management, Agronomy or related field required.
• Nebraska Pesticide Applicators license required (or willingness to obtain license).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for organizational business.
• At least two years of turf maintenance or groundskeeping experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support designated staff, onboarding, training, and supervising assigned group of employees.
• Manage payroll for supervised employees.
• Oversee field maintenance: seeding, mowing, edging, aeration, fertilization, top dressing, watering, infield skin, baselines, home plate, pitcher’s mound, bullpens, warning track and lining.
• Maintain irrigation systems and proper water management of the playing surface and surrounding areas.
• Ensure playing surface meets MLB requirements.
• Coordinate and communicate with Team Managers to meet field needs.
• Coordinate tarp pulls and field prep for pre-game and game use.
• Oversee turf and landscaped areas and equipment maintenance.
• Assist Operations in-season and off-season with various duties.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Education

Turf Management degree

Job description

Title: Head Groundskeeper
Department: Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: VP, Baseball & Stadium Operations
Last Revision Date: December 3, 2024

Summary:
The Head Groundskeeper is responsible for repairing and maintaining the playing surface of the Omaha Storm Chasers, Werner Park, and its surrounding components as a safe, first-class baseball field by performing daily turf, dirt and water management, game preparation and short/long-term maintenance planning. The Head Groundskeeper will also assist the Ballpark Operations department in the off-season.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support to designated staff, in all aspects of the position; this includes, but is not limited to onboarding, training, and managing assigned group of employees
• Manage budgeted payroll for employees under direct supervision
• Manage field maintenance which includes (but not limited to) seeding, mowing, edging, aeration, fertilizer application, top dressing application, watering, infield skin, baselines, home plate, pitcher’s mound, bullpens, warning track and lining.
• Manage irrigation systems, including proper water management of the playing surface and outside landscape as impacted by changing weather conditions, periodic maintenance checks, repairing of leaking lines or valves, and winterization.
• Ensure playing surface and associated areas are in compliance with requirements of MLB
• Communicate with Team Managers (both home and away) as needed to ensure needs of both clubs are met, regarding the playing surface
• Coordinate and execute tarp pulls
• Oversee the preparation of the playing field for pre-game batting practice by setting up cage, screens, mats, and protective field covers
• Oversee the preparation of the playing field for game use by grooming field, chalking base path foul lines, painting outfield foul lines, marking coaching boxes
• Manage turf and landscaped areas in and outside the ballpark
• Responsible for vehicle and equipment maintenance (gators, mowers, rollers, etc.)
• Assist Operations department in-season and off-season as needed with duties that include, but are not limited to, HVAC, painting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, preventative maintenance, and snow removal
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Turf Management, Agronomy or related fieldrequired
• Prior management and leadership experience preferred
• At least two years of prior turf maintenance or groundskeeping experience preferred
• Nebraska Pesticide Applicators license required (or willingness to obtain license)
• Ability to safely and properly tank mix fungicides/fertilizers and dispose of them in accordance with state, federal and OSHA regulations
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for organizational business
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Operate and maintain all equipment in a safe manner and keep in excellent working condition
• Ability and willingness to work varied and long hours including nights, weekends and holidays

Working Conditions:
This job is performed in a ballpark and therefore there is possible exposure to extreme weather conditions. This individual will operate heavy machinery and power tools. There is also exposure to chemicals on a regular basis.

We 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.