Atlanta United joined Major League Soccer in 2017 and won the 2018 MLS Cup in just its second season, the earliest an expansion team has won the title since 1998. The club has set multiple league records including season tickets sales (36,000-plus), single-season average (53,002) and total home attendance (901,033). Owned by Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta United plays its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Located in Marietta, GA., the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground is a best-in-class facility that rivals top international training facilities. Located on Franklin Gateway, the 33-acre site includes a 30,000 square foot headquarter building and six fields.
Position Summary
This position assists the Head Groundskeeper in providing grounds maintenance for the entire Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, which includes 3 outdoor grass fields, 3 outdoor artificial turf fields and all the landscape. Has a positive attitude, strong work ethic with attention to detail and communicates well with others.
Roles and Responsibilities
Assist in providing maintenance and repair of turf for all practice fields, including but not limited to mowing, edging, fertilizing, aerating, top-dressing, over-seeding, re-sodding, line striping, control of weeds, insects and diseases
Assist in implementing an effective turf grass fertility, fungicide and pest control program
Assist in implementing an irrigation program
Maintain irrigation system throughout the complex
Collaborate with academy manager and coaches on field usage
Responsible for upkeep of entire complex in addition to fields
Hire, manage, and train summer intern
Responsible for Head Groundskeeper duties during their absence
Use, maintain, service and repair assigned power equipment and hand tools, tractors, mowers, edgers, blowers, weed sprayers, paint sprayers, field maintenance vehicles and any field repair tools that are used to repair surfaces to required professional standards
Proactively anticipate and address issues
Assist in creating efficiencies and Standard Operating Procedures
Approach duties with an innovative mindset, generating new ideas and processes
Partner with maintenance team to ensure a harmonious and collaborative facilities department
Assist with projects outside of grounds duties when necessary (i.e. facility maintenance/repairs)
As needed, coordinate grounds maintenance for locations when used for team and special events
As needed, remove litter and refuse from grounds, attend safety meetings and training classes, and assist with inventory control and safety
These roles and responsibilities are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all-inclusive. There will be other duties as assigned. The individual holding this position will serve as a representative of Atlanta United FC, as such, shall promote a positive impression by always demonstrating a collegial and professional customer service approach.
Experience and Education Requirements
High school diploma: or equivalent, relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related area preferred,
Minimum 5 years of experience with upkeep of natural grass and artificial fields
Preferred 3 years of Professional Sports Field maintenance.
Preferred 2 years experience of working with a 2 wire irrigation system.
Valid credentials needed to perform job duties, including valid driver’s license and forklift certification
Candidate should possess or have the ability to obtain upon hire the Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.
Qualifications and Success Factors
Ability to properly handle common maintenance chemicals and knowledge of required measurements when working with necessary chemicals
Operation of standard grounds equipment
Availability to be on-call and to work long hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with staff, coaches, players and our community
Ability to maintain successful and cooperative working relationships demonstrating tact and discretion
Ability to work independently and to effectively supervise others when needed
Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
Proactive, innovative and practical
Must possess a strong work ethic and good demeanor
Knowledge and compliance with MLS rules and regulations
Required Skills and Physical Demands of Position
The characteristics listed below are representative of those that the employee must be able to successfully perform as part of the essential functions of this position.
Must be able to use a computer
Must be able to write, type and use phone system
Must be able to load and move merchandise to various locations
Must be able to lift items (up to 25 lbs.) and carry cargo
Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions (rain, high temperatures/heat, cold, etc.)
Must be able to perform work requiring extended periods of walking and standing, frequent bending, stooping, reaching, lifting and load carrying (see breakdown below)
