Manager of Grounds – TD Ballpark

Toronto Blue Jays - Florida Operations; Florida; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Toronto Blue Jays - Florida Operations seeks a Manager of Grounds to lead all field and ground operations at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. This hands-on role covers turf management, irrigation, equipment programs, weather response, and staff supervision.

Responsibilities include developing maintenance plans, supervising staff during games, and ensuring playing surfaces meet MLB standards. Candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, organization, and field‑quality focus.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience managing athletic fields, golf courses, or high-end commercial landscapes.
• 3-5+ years of supervisory or management experience in a fast-paced environment.
• OSHA certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Florida Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor grounds crew members; develop maintenance plans.
• Maintain turf grass, infield skin, clay areas, and visual quality; conduct daily inspections.
• Oversee irrigation, drainage, and water management; weather-related decisions.
• Oversee equipment maintenance for mowers, gators, rollers, and utility vehicles.
• Prepare fields for Spring Training, minor league games, practices, and events; manage pre/post-game tasks.
• Maintain logs of field conditions, maintenance activities, chemical applications, and capital projects.

Skills

Field management

Supervisory experience

Time management

Communication skills

Equipment troubleshooting

OSHA certification

Pesticide license

Education

Turf management degree

Agronomy/Horticulture degree

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Toronto Blue Jays are seeking a Manager of Grounds to lead all field and ground operations at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. This role is responsible for ensuring that ballpark grounds remain safe, professional, and visually outstanding year-round.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for turf management, clay areas, irrigation systems, equipment programs, weather response, game preparation and staff supervision.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Staff Oversight:

• Lead, train, and mentor grounds crew members while fostering a positive and professional workplace culture.
• Develop annual, monthly, and daily maintenance plans for all ballpark outdoor spaces.
• Create daily staff schedules and manage real time job assignments based on field usage and operational needs.
• Supervise part-time and seasonal staff during games, practices, and events.

Field and Turf Management:

• Maintain all turf grass through mowing, edging, aeration, fertilization, overfeeding, pest/disease management, and moisture control.
• Maintain the infield skin, pitcher's mound, home plate, bullpens, warning track, and all clay areas to both professional and MLB baseball standards.
• Conduct daily field inspections to ensure safety, consistency, and visual quality.
• Manage tarp development and weather-related decisions for field protections.

Irrigation, Drainage, and Environment Systems:

• Oversee all irrigation systems, including scheduling, repairs, inspections, and water management.
• Monitor and maintain drainage systems to prevent flooding and ensure optimal playability.

Equipment, Materials, and Shop Oversight:

• Oversee operations, repair, and preventative maintenance for grounds equipment, including mowers, gators, rollers, and utility vehicles.
• Maintain inventory of materials and tools; order supplies in accordance with the annual maintenance budget.
• Implement a shop maintenance program covering safety procedures, cleaning, organization, and parts inventory.

Game and Event Operations:

• Prepare the field for Spring Training and Minor League games, practices, workouts, and special events.
• Manage pre- and post-game field tasks, including grooming, chalking, painting lines, BP setup, and placement of mats, screens, and field covers.
• Oversee field protection and restoration for non-baseball events such as community gatherings.

Administration and Compliance:

• Maintain detailed logs of field conditions, maintenance activities, equipment usage, and chemical applications.
• Contributing to a 12-month maintenance program.
• Ensure all playing surfaces meet MLB Player Development League and Toronto Blue Jays performance and safety standards.
• Participate in long-term planning, renovation projects, and capital improvement efforts.

Hands-On Work:

• Perform all duties of the groups team when required, including during high-demand periods or inclement weather.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years of experience managing and working on athletic fields, golf courses, or high-end commercial landscape properties.
• 3-5+ years of supervisory or management experience in a fast-paced environment preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain a positive team culture that aligns with the company values.
• 2 or 4-year turf management, agronomy, horticulture, or related degree – preferred.
• OSHA certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated success in team-based environments.
• General mechanical aptitude for equipment troubleshooting and small repairs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in Florida climate conditions.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proficiency in operating professional turf equipment such as mowers, rollers, gators, and utility vehicles.
• Florida Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain).