Assistant Groundskeeper

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are looking for an Assistant Groundskeeper to help keep VyStar Ballpark's playing surface in top shape, 365 days a year. Reporting directly to the Head Groundskeeper, you'll share responsibility for the field's overall upkeep and make sure it meets Major League Baseball's specifications for quality and safety. Day to day, that means mowing, watering, fertilizing, and repairing turf; building and grooming the infield, mound, and home plate area; and prepping the field for every home game and non-baseball event. The Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and play in the International League. With 75 home games plus concerts, community events, and rentals, the field stays busy all year, and big-league players rehab and play on it.


Responsibilities:
• Assist in execution all field and bullpen operations including, but not limited to, turf management, fertilization, edging, base area, home plate and mound preparation, warning track maintenance, and infield surface maintenance.
• Prepare the playing field for practice on game days and facilitate the set-up and breakdown of all equipment, including batting cage, screens, turf mats.
• Assist in the maintenance of the playing surface in a high quality and efficient manner in order to effectively facilitate the daily practice, pre-game and in-game schedule.
• Assist in the maintenance as well as learning different techniques in proper moisture management to surface of play, i.e. clay
• Assist with daily and pre-game field preparations and repair, i.e. mowing, watering, dragging, batting practice setup/teardown
• Assist with in-game responsibilities, i.e. dragging, base-change, tarp
• Assist with post-game field and turf maintenance, i.e. mounds, plates area, baselines, infield, etc.
• Assist in oversight of tarp usage and monitoring weather conditions to protect the field as needed.
• Assist in preparation and performance of off-season field maintenance and stadium programs.
• Operate and maintain all grounds equipment in efforts to extend its useful life while minimizing repair and replacement costs.
• Drag, nail-drag, water, and level the infield skin to keep a safe, consistent playing surface.
• Build, tamp, and repair the pitcher's mound, bullpen mounds, batter's boxes, and home plate area to league specifications.
• Paint foul lines, batter's boxes, coaching boxes, and on-field logos.
• Complete pre-game, in-game, and post-game field prep, including batting practice setup and breakdown.
• Serve on the tarp crew; cover and uncover the infield quickly during rain and lightning delays.
• Support concerts, community events, and field rentals by protecting the surface and restoring it afterward.
• Work with baseball operations, visiting clubs, and umpires on field conditions as directed.
• Assist in recruiting, training and supervising part-time game day field maintenance personnel
• Meet on a consistent and on-going basis (normally once per day minimum) with the Head Groundskeeper
• Participate in any relevant training assigned by the Head Groundskeeper
• Represents the Club in a positive and professional manner at all times
• Other duties as determined by the Head Groundskeeper

Requirements:
• Degree or certificate from a turf grass program at the college/university level is preferred or the equivalent amount of previous turf/field maintenance experience
• Ability to proficiently operate turf related equipment (i.e., tractors, mowers, aerifiers, field paint machine).
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, self-motivated, excellent communication, time management and organizational skills
• Ability and willingness to learn new techniques, skills and practices
• Ability to consistently lift and/or push 50-75+ lbs.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, including extended game-day hours and short-notice weather calls.
• Ability to work all games and outside/on-field events
• Proven ability to multi-task and manage projects on strict deadlines.
• Ability to stand; walk; bend; kneel; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather, including extreme heat, high humidity, sun, rain, and cold.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel & Outlook)

NOTE: All the essential functions of this position are not necessarily described in this description.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.