Position Profile: Head Groundskeeper
Department: Stadium Operations
Reports to: Director of Turf Management
Supervises: Full Time/PT/Seasonal Grounds Crew Staff
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for all aspects of growing and maintaining all game and practice playing surfaces for the Kansas City Chiefs Football Club in world-class condition.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Develop, implement, maintain, and periodically update annual plans for growing natural turf at Arrowhead Stadium, The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex and the Chiefs training camp facility at Missouri Western State University.
- Manage the set-up of the playing field for all NFL games as well as other special events at Arrowhead. (i.e. concerts, exhibits and soccer matches).
- Lead and direct grounds crew staff in order to maintain the playing and practice fields in optimal condition for playability, visibility and safety.
- Maintains green spaces in and around Arrowhead Stadium and The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex.
- Possess and lead staff based on a solid understanding of the appropriate NFL operational procedures, facility capabilities, industry terminology, event-related services, and technical requirements for the types of events anticipated at the facility.
COMPETENCIES:
- Analytical Skills-Synthesize information; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs and generates creative solutions.
- Problem Solving-Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully. Must be able to develop solutions quickly and effectively. Show flexibility in problem solving.
- Technical Skills-Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities. Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills. Share skills with others and recognizes training opportunities for staff.
- Oral Communications-Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification. Demonstrates group presentation skills and participates in meetings.
- Written Communications- Writes clearly and informatively.
- Leadership-Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well. Readily accepts feedback from others and provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates. Displays enthusiasm, passion and optimism.
- Innovation-Displays original thinking and creativity. Meets challenges with resourcefulness.
- Judgment-Displays willingness to make decisions and exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Includes appropriate people in decision making process.
- Motivation-Demonstrates excellent personal motivation and encourages others to be motivated and enthusiastic. Shows persistence and overcomes obstacles. Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work long and irregular hours that may vary due to functions and may include day, evening, weekends, and holidays.
- Perform manual labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable weather conditions.
- Must be able to walk long distances.
- Must be able to lift/carry objects weighing 50+ lbs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED (EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS):
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent desired.
- 5 years experience in turf management and growing natural sports fields.
- Expert knowledge of turf science and various cultivars of turf-grass.
- Understand and work from general instructions, specifications, blueprints, sketches and preventative maintenance schedules.
- Management and experience in maintaining irrigation systems.
- Follow all policies/procedures, risk management, safety precautions, rules, regulations and emergency procedures established at the facility and governed by state and federal law.
- Experience maintaining artificial sports fields.
- Proven success at leading and motivating a team of staff.
- Experience working with professional or college sports required.
- Experience in professional or college football strongly preferred.
- Experience operating heavy equipment related to the turf grass industry.