Grounds Person (Permanent)

Job Title: Grounds Person

Department: Grounds Team

Reporting: Head of Grounds Person

Location: Gtech Community Stadium

Salary: Competitive

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of the Grounds Person

We require a world-class Grounds person to help us build up our pitch maintenance resources. This is a vital role at Brentford FC – we aim to have the best stadium pitch in the Premier League, and we are committed to continuing to invest in this area over the coming seasons.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of delivering an outstanding playing surface at an elite level. They will have experience of working within an in-house team of ground staff, as well as the ability to manage any use of seasonal/ matchday contracting staff at the Club. We would expect this person to have a deep knowledge of pitch maintenance. This candidate will also have experience of presenting and servicing a stadium pitch for multi-use, including the contracted professional Rugby club.

This person will have very strong communication skills which enable the delivery of a world-class stadium pitch. They will have a strong attention to detail, excellent planning and be able to work within a team that presents and maintains a world class stadium pitch.

Main Accountabilities

• Maintain the Gtech Community Stadium pitch for multi-use, including the contracted professional rugby club.
• Report to the Head and Deputy Grounds person at the Gtech Community Stadium for the multi-use of the stadium pitch.
• Undertaking general maintenance operations associated with pitch and stadium management.
• Divoting and repairing of stadium pitch after match and any training sessions.
• Undertaking general routine maintenance operations including:

Use of tractors and other various tractor implements

Use of pedestrian/hand-held machinery

Setting up, preparing and maintaining of the pitch to a high standard

Setting and marking out of stadium pitch and technical areas

Applying various fertilisers using a tractor mounted spreader or pedestrian spreader.

Irrigation management.

Grow light management and movement of rigs.

• Ability to assist with mini renovations using relevant equipment and processes.
• Manage the maintenance for the machinery by performing repairs or contracting maintenance services as needed.
• Track pitch usage and upkeep as well as pitch testing, moisture readings, firmness, cut height and other specifics for preparing weekly reports for Head Grounds person and communication for weekly schedules.
• Keep the surrounding grounds properly cared for and landscaped.
• Work within a stadium team to ensure that the Club is able to meet its target of delivering a world-class stadium pitch.
• Ensure facilities and practices meet health and safety requirements and that they comply with legislation.
• This job description does not contain all the duties and responsibilities that may arise in this role, and you will need to undertake other duties as instructed or on initiative to ensure the safe operational functioning of the stadium.
• Expectation to be in attendance for at least 95% of both football and rugby fixtures.

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• To always maintain a flexible approach to work.
• Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager
• To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy

Person Specification - Essential Characteristics

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Competent with Microsoft Office packages, particularly Word and Outlook
• Confident working alongside senior management.
• Experience being a Grounds person within sporting environments.
• NVQ L2 qualification in sports turf, green keeping and groundsmanship or equivalent.
• A self-starter with a high level of initiative, proactivity, and assertive approach
• Uses initiative with minimal supervision including in challenging situations.
• Can manage a heavy workload with strict deadlines.
• A clean UK driving license, to allow for travel to and from the stadium and training ground.
• Flexible and willing to take on ad-hoc tasks as this role will require evening and weekend work to accommodate the Gtech Stadium fixtures.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team Airbox Account Manager (External)