Senior Director, Field Operations

San Jose Giants; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Jose Giants, a Single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, seek a Senior, Director of Field Operations to lead the maintenance and agronomic program for Excite Ballpark. This role oversees the playing surface quality and daily grounds operations.

Requirements include a Degree in Turfgrass Management and 3+ years as head groundskeeper, with leadership ability and knowledge of USGA sand-based rootzones and moisture-management strategies.

Qualifications

• Degree in Turfgrass Management is required.
• Preferred 3+ years of experience as head groundskeeper for athletic fields, with focus on field construction, renovation, and grow-in.
• Experience managing professional baseball grounds is preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain local fertilizer applicator license within 90 days of hire and follow regulations.

Responsibilities

• Mowing, fertilizing, maintaining and rebuilding pitching mounds and home plates, dragging and moisture management of infield skin, field marking, edging, aerating, topdressing, verticutting, replacing sod, and tarping.
• Administrative and managerial oversight of the department.
• Planning for projects and outside events.
• Budgeting and forecasting, including payroll approvals and equipment/irrigation upkeep.
• Hiring, training, and scheduling staff for events and daily work lists.
• Managing materials inventory and relationships with outside vendors.
• Clear communication with staff, coaches, and players.
• Compliance with fertilizer laws and licensing requirements.

Education

Degree in Turfgrass Management

Job description

About the San Jose Giants: The San Jose Giants, Single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, offer classic baseball charm and exciting action at Excite Ballpark. Known for developing future Major League talent and connecting with the community, the Giants remain a beloved part of San Jose. As part of Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the Giants are supported by a network of clubs focused on innovation, collaboration, and long-term success. DBH provides employees with opportunities for professional growth, development, and career advancement within a supportive and team-oriented environment.

About Diamond Baseball Holdings: Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment company that owns and operates an unmatched roster of Minor League Baseball clubs and premier venues in North America. We bring together baseball, must-see special events and community-driven experiences to create unforgettable moments for millions of fans each year. Across our stadiums and clubs, we’re redefining what an amazing night out can be, from memorable outings built around America’s pastime to immersive exhibition-style sporting events, innovative promotions, legendary concerts, cultural festivals, family entertainment and other unique experiences that bring people together.

With nearly 50 clubs and venues across the United States and Canada, DBH is home to some of the most beloved brands in MiLB, offering unique opportunities to build a career in sports, entertainment, hospitality and live events. Through our partnership with Major League Baseball, we help shape sponsorship, licensing and commercial opportunities that extend across all 120 MiLB markets, giving our teams the chance to make an impact on both a national and local level.

Whether you’re joining one of our clubs or our back-office team, you’ll be part of an organization that values creativity, collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional fan experiences while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

The San Jose Giants are seeking a motivated and hard-working Senior, Director of Field Operations who will be responsible for the management, planning, and implementation of the maintenance and agronomic program for Excite Ballpark. This position offers an excellent opportunity to manage one of the most advanced playing surfaces in the California League. Diamond Baseball Holdings also offers competitive benefits packages and national support through its vast network of clubs.

About the Field Renovation Excite Ballpark underwent a complete field renovation project to meet PDL standards in 2026. This project encompassed a new drainage system, irrigation system, off field vaulted manifold, pump system, sand base fusion rootzone, DuraEdge infield with moisture rise, and Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass. To continue to be resource conscious Diamond Baseball Holdings has implemented Moisture rise and fusion rootzone. Moisture rise is a state-of-the-art subterranean infield watering system that allows moisture to be managed from the bottom of the infield column thus reducing man hours and overall water quantity. Fusion rootzone is a blend of sand and clay base soil that provides excellent infiltration and ideal porosity levels while also aiding in the retention of moisture and nutrients often lost in sand base athletic fields. New equipment was also purchased to support the maintenance of the new playing surface.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• General duties include, but are not limited to mowing, fertilizing, maintaining and rebuilding pitching mounds and home plate areas, dragging and moisture management of infield skin, field marking, edging, aerating, topdressing, verticutting, replacing sod, and tarping.
• Administrative and managerial oversight of the department.
• Planning for projects and outside events.
• Budgeting and forecasting, including approving payroll and payroll allocation for keeping equipment and irrigation in good working order.
• Hiring, training, and scheduling staff for events & organizing daily work list for staff.
• Managing materials inventory.
• Managing relationships with outside vendors.
• Communicate clearly and work well with fellow employees, coaches, and players.
• Must obtain and maintain proper local fertilizer applicator license within 90 days of hire date and follow all laws and regulations regarding fertilizer use and storage.
• Must have knowledge of USGA sand based rootzones and the management strategies associated with sand based athletic fields at the professional level.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Turfgrass Management is required.
• Preferred 3+ years of experience as a head groundskeeper for athletic fields, with a focus on new field construction, renovation, and grow-in processes for professional baseball fields.
• Management and maintenance experience of collegiate or professional baseball grounds preferred.
• Safely operate and perform maintenance on turf related equipment and machinery.
• Must have high attention to detail and take pride in quality of work.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times. Flexibility to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and some holidays.
• Must be able to engage in strenuous activity including lifting up to 75 lbs.
• Capable of working in variable weather conditions including extreme heat, wind and rain showers.