Job Description
Job Description:
Title
Head Groundsman
Reporting
1. Chief executive
Profile and Qualities
The ideal candidate for the position of Head Groundsman should possess the following attributes:
2. Self-motivated
3. Pro-active with a hands-on approach
4. Keen interest in developing the Grounds
5. 5 years of relevant experience within a quality organization
6. Strong manager of both people and situations with well-developed leadership ability
7. Able to accept responsibility and make decisions correctly and quickly
8. Logical and rational mind with great attention to detail
9. Sound knowledge of horticulture as well as turf with irrigation experience
10. Qualified to at least NVQ 3, preferably 4. Alternatively, an HND in a related topic would also be excellent
11. Hold PA1, 2, and 6 spraying licenses
12. Additional qualifications i.e. tractor license, health & safety, chainsaw, first aid certificate is desirable
13. Driving license
14. Computer literate
General Responsibilities
15. Daily provision of the best possible playing surface
16. Keeping the workshop and equipment in a good state of repair
17. Ensuring the gardens and lawns around the clubhouse are always presentable
18. Providing a safe working environment
19. Instructing in the correct use of equipment
20. Completing monthly fire equipment checks and annual electrical tests
21. Providing logistic services to the clubhouse as required
22. Maintaining adequate levels of supplies and consumables
23. Encouraging training and personal development among the staff
24. Applying chemical, mechanical, and cultural practices to the grounds as required
25. Laying out and bringing in ground boards, repairing/painting as required, as well as maintaining the grandstands and wooden horse
Routines
Grounds
26. Implementing irrigation as required, or as fits into the polo schedule
27. Arranging daily treading in and hole filling from the previous day's play
28. Surveying the grounds daily for signs of drought, disease, insect infestation, nutrient deficiency, and mechanical/physical damage
29. Gang mowing/roller mowing as required
30. Marking out the grounds and providing playing equipment as necessary
31. Ensuring the horse ambulance is present at all games and practices, and making sure that it is closely attended
32. Bringing in all playing equipment at the end of the day's play
Pony lines
33. Picking up litter from the previous day's play
34. Sweeping the concrete lines or raking the soil lines as required, as well as raking the sand area
35. Ensuring the scaffolding is all securely fastened
36. Testing the hoses and taps daily
37. Mowing and line trim periodically
Grandstands
38. Checking for litter and any obvious physical/structural damage
Clubhouse & Pro-shop
39. Irrigating plants & lawns as required
40. Fertilizing according to need
41. Keeping the flowerbeds weed-free
42. Mowing and line trimming the lawns frequently
43. Tending to the flowerpots
44. Keeping the office entrance and patio area swept and weed-free
Car parks
45. Fertilizing, mowing, and line trimming as required, with special attention to be paid around the marquee area (brush off any clippings)
Royal boxes
46. 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
47. Mowing the pitch periodically and supplying playing equipment as needed
48. Occasionally line trimming of the paddocks and the area surrounding the building
49. Conducting an annual weed kill
50. After severe rainfall, re-grading of the riding tracks may be needed
51. Checking the ground boards before matches are played
General
52. Emptying trailers at Flemish Farm daily during the season and weekly during the off-season
53. Paying attention to damaged fences and making prompt repairs
54. Mowing road verges and occasional repair
Winter
55. Conducting a rigorous over-seeding program at the season's end along with a top-dressing and grounds repair as needed
56. Bringing in and repairing/painting ground boards and other associated furnishings
57. Major equipment overhauls and other winter activities as dictated by the committee, holidays, and education
Key relationships
58. Chief Executive
59. Polo office
60. Contractors & suppliers
61. Flemish Farm
62. Crown Estate (Savill Gardens)
63. Organizations - G.C.S.A.A., B.I.G.G.A., S.T.R.I.