:
Title
Head Groundsman
Reporting
* Chief executive
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
* Checking for litter and any obvious physical/structural damage
Clubhouse & Pro-shop
* Irrigating plants & lawns as required
* Fertilizing according to need
* Keeping the flowerbeds weed-free
* Mowing and line trimming the lawns frequently
* Tending to the flowerpots
* Keeping the office entrance and patio area swept and weed-free
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
* Chief Executive
* Polo office
* Contractors & suppliers
* Flemish Farm
* Crown Estate (Savill Gardens)
* Organizations - G.C.S.A.A., B.I.G.G.A., S.T.R.I.