Job Description:

Title

Head Groundsman

Reporting

Profile and Qualities

The ideal candidate for the position of Head Groundsman should possess the following attributes:

Self-motivated
Pro-active with a hands-on approach
Keen interest in developing the Grounds
5 years of relevant experience within a quality organization
Strong manager of both people and situations with well-developed leadership ability
Able to accept responsibility and make decisions correctly and quickly
Logical and rational mind with great attention to detail
Sound knowledge of horticulture as well as turf with irrigation experience
Qualified to at least NVQ 3, preferably 4. Alternatively, an HND in a related topic would also be excellent
Hold PA1, 2, and 6 spraying licenses
Additional qualifications i.e. tractor license, health & safety, chainsaw, first aid certificate is desirable
Driving license
Computer literate

General Responsibilities

Daily provision of the best possible playing surface
Keeping the workshop and equipment in a good state of repair
Ensuring the gardens and lawns around the clubhouse are always presentable
Providing a safe working environment
Instructing in the correct use of equipment
Completing monthly fire equipment checks and annual electrical tests
Providing logistic services to the clubhouse as required
Maintaining adequate levels of supplies and consumables
Encouraging training and personal development among the staff
Applying chemical, mechanical, and cultural practices to the grounds as required
Laying out and bringing in ground boards, repairing/painting as required, as well as maintaining the grandstands and wooden horse

Routines

Grounds

Implementing irrigation as required, or as fits into the polo schedule
Arranging daily treading in and hole filling from the previous day's play
Surveying the grounds daily for signs of drought, disease, insect infestation, nutrient deficiency, and mechanical/physical damage
Gang mowing/roller mowing as required
Marking out the grounds and providing playing equipment as necessary
Ensuring the horse ambulance is present at all games and practices, and making sure that it is closely attended
Bringing in all playing equipment at the end of the day's play

Pony lines

Picking up litter from the previous day's play
Sweeping the concrete lines or raking the soil lines as required, as well as raking the sand area
Ensuring the scaffolding is all securely fastened
Testing the hoses and taps daily
Mowing and line trim periodically

Grandstands

Clubhouse & Pro-shop

Car parks

Fertilizing, mowing, and line trimming as required, with special attention to be paid around the marquee area (brush off any clippings)

Royal boxes

Keeping them immaculate, weed-free, mown and watered. Brushing clippings off the fences, washing soil/clippings off the buildings. Tending to window boxes and keeping flowerbeds weed-free, roses to be sprayed, etc.

Flemish Farm

Mowing the pitch periodically and supplying playing equipment as needed
Occasionally line trimming of the paddocks and the area surrounding the building
Conducting an annual weed kill
After severe rainfall, re-grading of the riding tracks may be needed
Checking the ground boards before matches are played

General

Emptying trailers at Flemish Farm daily during the season and weekly during the off-season
Paying attention to damaged fences and making prompt repairs
Mowing road verges and occasional repair

Winter

Conducting a rigorous over-seeding program at the season's end along with a top-dressing and grounds repair as needed
Bringing in and repairing/painting ground boards and other associated furnishings
Major equipment overhauls and other winter activities as dictated by the committee, holidays, and education

Key relationships

Head Groundsman

CNC Turner