Training Facility - Turf & Grounds Manager

Orlando Pride; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride seek a Turf & Grounds Manager to lead the upkeep of four natural grass fields at the Orlando Health Training Grounds. You will budget, plan, and supervise a high-performing team, ensuring top playing conditions for MLS/MLS NEXT events and facility operations.

Role requires leadership, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with events teams. Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays to support events is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Turf Grass Science, Horticulture, or related field preferred.
• 5–7 years of grounds maintenance experience in soccer, with leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance of 4 natural grass fields including mowing, edging, fertilizing, aerating, top-dressing, overseeding, re-sodding and line striping.
• Create annual facility operating budget with Director of Turf & Grounds and manage day-to-day operations for cost effectiveness.
• Implement fertility, fungicide, and pest control program for the venue.
• Lead procurement of equipment and supplies as needed.
• Coordinate with Sr. Event Manager to meet field conditions for events and rentals.
• Build relationships across the organization and with MLS/MLS Next partners.
• Maintain grounds surrounding the facility and assist with Inter.Co stadium events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Turf maintenance

Equipment operation

Microsoft Office

Spanish (desirable)

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Turf Grass Science or related field

Tools

Tractors

Mowers

Aerifiers

Field paint machine

Pesticide applicator license (FL)

Job description

Turf & Grounds Manager

DEPARTMENT: Training Facilities

REPORTS TO: Director of Turf & Grounds

FLSA: Full-Time, Salary; Exempt

WHAT SETS YOU APART

We are seeking a detail-oriented Turf & Grounds Manager with a passion for maintaining pristine pitches that leave lasting impressions at our Orlando Health Training Grounds at Osceola Heritage Park. This role will play an integral part in maintaining multiple pitches for multiple teams. The ideal teammate is detail oriented, excellent communicator, with a passion to lead a high performing team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee maintenance of 4 natural grass fields, including but not limited to mowing, edging, fertilizing, aerating, top-dressing, over-seeding, re-sodding and line striping.
• Create the annual facility operating budget with the Director of Turf & Grounds and manage day-to-day operations to ensure cost effectiveness
• Responsible for the implementation of an effective fertility, fungicide, and pest control program for Osceola Heritage Park
• Lead research and procurement of equipment and supplies as needed
• Work with the Sr. Event Manager to ensure all field conditions are met for third-party events and venue field rentals
• Build effective and productive relationships within the organization, along with other employees, visitors, and staff
• Create and maintain good working relationships with all MLS, MLS Next Pro, and MLS Next coaches and soccer operations staff
• Responsible for maintaining surrounds of the facility including but limited to mowing, raking, mulching, weeding, edging, trimming, pruning, installing plants and other tasks as needed
• Assist with events at Inter.Co stadium as needed
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage full-time staff
• Manage interviewing, hiring, and training of employees, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees in conjunction with People & Culture

QUALIFICATIONS

It’s never just a job at Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride. It’s a way of life. We live and breathe soccer and entertainment. We believe each role is as unique as the person who does it. To join our team, you will also possess these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Turf Grass Science, Horticulture, or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of grounds maintenance-related work experience in soccer, with a minimum of 3 years of leadership experience preferred.
• Candidate should possess or have the ability to obtain the Florida Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.
• Ability to operate turf related equipment (i.e., tractors, mowers, aerifiers, field paint machine).
• Candidate must have strong leadership, interpersonal and supervisory skills.
• Possess excellent written/verbal communication skills, be detail-oriented and highly organized with the ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and adapt to change.
• Ability to resolve concerns expeditiously and independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Fluency in Spanish is desirable but not required.
• Experience with hosting field events, including sporting and concerts, using various field protection systems is a plus.
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time and in various weather conditions.
• May work in an outdoor setting as required.
• Able to obtain and maintain a Safesport Certification
• Able to pass a Background check
• Ability to walk and stand for short periods.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

About Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride

In November 2013, Orlando City Soccer Club was awarded a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, becoming the league’s 21st franchise. The team began play in March 2015, with 62,510 fans packing the then-Orlando Citrus Bowl for the Club’s MLS debut.

The Lions have reached the postseason in five-consecutive seasons (2020-24), qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup (formerly Concacaf Champions League) in both 2023 and 2024, and reached their first final in 2020 during the MLS is Back Tournament. In 2022, Orlando City won its first championship of its MLS era, lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy, which also marked the first championship by any professional team in the City Beautiful. Prior to its time in MLS, Orlando City boasted a decorated history in the United Soccer League, winning the league’s championship in both the 2011 and 2013 seasons.

In October 2015, the Orlando Pride was announced as the 10th team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), bringing professional women’s soccer to the state of Florida for the first time. The team began play in April 2016, setting a then-league single-game attendance record in its first-ever home game, with 23,403 fans witnessing the Club’s first win.

The Pride feature a star-studded roster of domestic and international talent and, in 2024, brought the first professional major league title to the city of Orlando, with the Club winning the NWSL Championship. The season saw the Pride complete the double, winning both the Championship and the NWSL Shield as the best team in the regular season, capping off a historic campaign that set numerous league records. Former Orlando City defender Seb Hines serves as the team’s head coach, not only the first Black head coach in the league, but also the first to win both the Championship and the NWSL Shield, and the 2024 NWSL Coach of the Year.

In 2017, both teams moved into its privately-owned, soccer-specific venue – Inter&Co Stadium – located in the heart of downtown Orlando.

In July 2021, the Club – which includes Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B (MLS NEXT Pro) and Inter&Co Stadium – was purchased by the Wilf Family, who also own the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.

For more information on Orlando City SC and Orlando, visit OrlandoCitySC.com or Orlando-Pride.com.

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.

Orlando City and Orlando Pride will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonableaccommodation(s) to participate in the job application or interview process and perform critical job functions. Please contact the People and Culture department at [e-mail] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.